Summer is a time for road trips and hitting that highway for hours at time.
I recently took a trip from Maryland to Pennsylvania in an electric vehicle. Two stops to charge added 45 minutes to the usual five plus hour drive. So, on the way back I traded it for a plug-in hybrid that can run on electric power for a small part of a trip then a gas engine kicks in.
The Kia Sportage PHEV was my ride for that return trip and it ran on electric power for the first 32 miles. Then the gas engine provided most of the power for next 330 miles. Thanks to hills, construction and traffic, the Kia ran on EV power for a few miles at a time during the journey.
The fuel economy was right around 36 mpg. Gas fill-ups from nearly empty cost $24-27 dollars since the fuel tank isn’t very large. During the normal commute back at home, I rarely used the gas engine.
The suspension can be a bit bouncy and unsettled on larger bumps, about the only blemish on this mostly comfortable cruiser. Power is also surprising as the turbo-charged gas engine and electric motor make over 260 horsepower when needed.
Inside, the Kia Sportage PHEV X-Line Prestige proved to be a fine travel partner. The space is good for a small crossover with ample room in the front and for back seat riders, and I filled all the seats. Cargo space is also very competitive with other smaller crossovers even in this plug-in hybrid version.
The large 12.3-inch touchscreen is easy to use, and the graphics are a big step up from the previous version of the Sportage. Although, it did take a few minutes to figure out the radio tuning and volume controls. They are shared with the HVAC system. Push a button and those same controls change from HVAC to radio and back. It saves space and keeps a clean design.
Kia gave the 2024 Sportage PHEV X-Line Prestige a more modern and interesting look last year. Choosing the upper trim level version adds large 19-inch wheels and distinctive front LED lighting clusters. The Sportage is larger than before, and the flared fenders and sculpted door panels give it a more upscale and sophisticated vibe than the forgotten past model.
Cost: $44,090; as tested $45,640
MPG: 84 MPGe 35 MPG on gas only. I managed 43.9mpg in 632 miles of mixed driving.
Options: $175 carpeted floor mats
Safety: blind spot collision avoidance assist-pedestrian; rear cross traffic collision-avoidance assist; enhanced forward collision avoidance-assist, cyclist & junction turning; vehicle stability management; safe exit warning; smart cruise with stop-go; parking collision avoidance-rear, parking distance warning
Things to know: The Kia Sportage PHEV allows for easier road trips while still allowing 30+ miles of EV driving on a charge.
Pros:
- Impressive interior space and high-quality materials
- High amount of safety and driver aids
- Plenty of power with both gas and electric working together
Cons:
- Priced higher than the Hybrid version
- Slow charging when plugged into normal power outlets
- Can be bouncy riding over some road conditions
