Review and specifications
2023 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid
The Sportage plug-in hybrid takes the regular hybrid version a step further. It uses a 1.6-liter turbo engine, an electric drive, and a larger battery than the regular hybrid. It is rated at 34 miles of electric propulsion before transitioning to regular hybrid operation, in which it gets 31 mpg overall in our tests. It is quite easy to remain in electric power during urban and suburban drives. For high power demands, the gas engine kicks in. It takes about two and a half hours to charge the battery on 240-volt, and can also be done on regular 120-volt overnight. Other aspects mirror the Sportage line with a firm, steady, and comfortable ride, responsive and secure handling, and a relatively quiet cabin. The rear seat is roomy, and the cargo area is generous for the class. Controls are mostly easy to use. AEB with pedestrian detection, AEB highway, LKA, LDW, LCA, BSW, and RCTW are standard.
- Market value
- $38,690
- Fuel
- Plug-in hybrid
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 5
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Plug-in hybrids
- Body style
- 4-door SUV
- Drive type
- AWD
- Transmission
- Automatic, 6-speed
- Category
- Compact SUVs
- Generation began
- 2023
Pricing
- Original MSRP range
- $38,690 - $43,190
Ratings
- Road test score
- 89/100
- Owner satisfaction
- 3/5
- Would buy again
- 52%
- Reliability
- 2/5
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 35 MPG
- EPA highway
- 35 MPG
- EPA combined
- 35 MPG
- Tested city
- 27 MPG
- Tested highway
- 34 MPG
- Tested overall
- 31 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,260
- Cruising range
- 380 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 2.7 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 7.4 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 130 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 55 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 184 in
- Width
- 73 in
- Height
- 67 in
- Wheelbase
- 109 in
- Weight
- 4,105 lb
- Maximum load
- 925 lb
- Towing capacity
- 2,000 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 6 in
- Front leg room
- 43 in
- Rear head room
- 5 in
- Rear leg room
- 30.5 in
- Cargo volume
- 38 cu ft
- Luggage
- 4+2+0
Owner feedback
- Comfort
- 4/5
- Driving
- 5/5
- Styling
- 5/5
- Value
- 1/5
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 7/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 10/10
- SmartWay
- Yes
Brand context
About Kia
<p>For almost any modern vehicle category, there’s a Kia that’s worth considering buying. Among competitive small and midsized sedans, Kia sells the K4 and K5. For small and midsized SUVs, models like the Sportage and Sorento are competitive with nice interiors, good ride comfort, and appropriately powerful engines. Fuel economy across the brand is generally good, but hybrid and plug-in hybrid options are available for even more miles per gallon. Plug-in hybrid options have a useful all-electric driving range. Kia EVs are generally competent, but buyers need to be attentive to reliability. Many new and used Kias earn our recommendation.</p><p><br/></p>
Vehicle ID: 29055 First published: February 21, 2024 Updated: June 4, 2026
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.