For the styling of its fifth generation Sportage, Kia decided to start from scratch. And it’s a successful bet with the new generation of the Kia Sportage Hybrid. An original SUV, neat and equipped with a new technology: the hybrid.
Designed and developed for the European market, this new model is based on the new “N3” platform that it shares with its cousin, the Hyundai Tucson.
The new Kia hybrid Sportage is available in different models, from the light hybrid to the plug-in hybrid. And it’s the “full hybrid” version that we’re going to present to you. Would it be one of the best proposals in its segment?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaEL8twLOo8
Exterior
This new Kia hybrid Sportage is full of clever gadgets and does away with the very accepted lines of the previous generation. The changes are radical.
The front end features a larger grille with the brand’s new logo. On both sides, the front lights are boomerang-shaped. This way, the light signature remains visible, even from the side.
As for the rear, it clearly reminds us of the Kia EV6, elected car of the year 2022. The tapered LED lights are linked by an insert that clearly accentuates the impression of width when viewed from the rear. Concealed in the roof spoiler, the windshield wiper gives a sleek and modern look, and provides better visibility to the driver.
Interior
The interior of this new Sportage is a success. This Kia Sportage Hybrid 2022 features a driver-centric cockpit. The two displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system are 12.3 inches each.
Placed side by side, they form a single, slightly curved screen. At the right eye level, and at touch level, for the central screen. The layout is perfect!
SUV dimensions
Taking the platform of the Hyundai Tucson, as previously written, the Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid offers similar dimensions. A length of 4,515 mm, a width of 1,865 mm, and a height of 1,650 mm (with 18-inch alloy wheels).
Thanks to the 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery located under the rear seat of the vehicle, the hybrid Kia Sportage version is the most generous in terms of trunk space. From 526 to 587 liters, and from 1,715 to 1,776 liters with the rear seats folded. In addition, it has a towing capacity of up to 1,650 kilos.
Motorization and performance
The hybrid Kia Sportage version has a 180 hp 1.6 turbo petrol engine combined with a 60 hp electric motor, with a combined maximum torque of 350 Nm. Together they have a maximum power output of 230 hp. Four-wheel drive is also available at an additional cost.
In terms of performance, the 0 to 100km/h is reached in 8 seconds for the 4×2 version, against 8.3 seconds for the 4×4 version. The maximum speed is 180 km/h.
Consumption and CO2 emissions
Kia announces a WLTP combined cycle consumption of between 5.5 and 6.0 L/100km. A value that remains correct for a 1.7 ton SUV. It remains within the norms of the figures put forward by the WLTP cycle.
CO2 emissions are between 126 and 132 g/km for the 4×2 version, and between 142 and 146 g/km for the 4×4 version. The Hyundai Ioniq does better than the competition.
Which Kia Sportage Hybrid to choose ?
The hybrid Kia Sportage is offered in three trim levels: Active, Motion, and GT-Line Premium. The entry level is already very complete. All that’s left is to choose the equipment of the trim level that suits you best.
Active
Features of the Active trim
LED tail lights
Boomerang-shaped LED front daytime running lights
17-inch alloy wheels
LED fog lamps
Roof rails
Lane Keeping Assist
Active Traffic Jam Assist
Active freeway assistance
Speed limit sign recognition with cruise control
Adaptive cruise control with navigation system
Autonomous emergency braking system with car detection
Pedestrian and cyclist detection with crossing function
Rear view camera with dynamic guide lines
Tri-zone automatic climate control
12.3-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility via USB cable
Electrically operated and folding exterior mirrors
Driver’s seat with power lumbar adjustment
Navigation with European mapping and Kia Connect Live connected services for 7 years and Kia Charge card
Design
In addition to the features of the Active
18-inch alloy wheels
Full LED matrix front headlights
Tinted windows and rear window
Artificial leather/black fabric upholstery
12.3-inch 100% digital instrument cluster
Smart Key” keyless entry and start
Heated front and rear seats
Power driver and front passenger seats
Induction smartphone charging system
Heated steering wheel
Gt-Line Premium
In addition to the features of the Design
Remote parking assistance
Vehicle exit safety warning
Monitor with 360° panoramic vision
Anti-collision system with blind spot detection
Rear traffic detection system with car/pedestrian braking function, LED interior lighting
Black suede/artificial leather upholstery
GT-line leather-wrapped flat steering wheel
Electric tailgate with hands-free opening
Driver’s seat with memory function
Ventilated front seats and power opening/closing panoramic glass roof
The catalog of options is quite small. It only offers, in addition to the top-of-the-range finish :
Options
Price
Metallic paint
650 €
Sensation White pearlescent paint
750 €
Harman Kardon audio system
500 €
Contrasting black roof
400 €
What is the price of a new Kia Sportage hybrid?
The Korean SUV’s pricing is quite good. In Active trim, it is sold from 38 690 € (the entry-level Motion is not available). The top-of-the-line GT-Line Premium trim costs €45,690.
As for all the models in the range, the new Sportage benefits from a 7-year/150000 km warranty. This has contributed greatly to the good perception of the brand in France.
Finishes
1.6 T-GDi 230 hp Hybrid BVA6 4×2
1.6 T-GDi 230 hp Hybrid BVA6 4×4
Active
38 690 €
40 690 €
Design
41 890 €
43 890 €
GT-Line Premium
45 690 €
47 690 €
Where is the Kia Sportage hybrid manufactured?
The Sportage is produced in the Slovakian plant of the Kia brand. The Zilina production site alone covers about 47 percent of the European demand for the Korean group’s many models. Since 2006, two million Sportages have rolled off the production line. The plant also produces the Venga and the Ceed family.
Our opinion
After the prestigious title of best car of the year 2022 for the singular EV6, Kia is definitely pushed towards success. The new Kia Sportage Hybrid 2022 is proof of that. An original style, a spacious and modular interior, as well as prestigious features. In short, it has its own personality. The competition can tremble!
