Road test | Kia Sportage PHEV: transitional technology

Many die-hard Toyota fans worship the RAV4 Prime. The plug-in hybrid SUV marketed since 2020 promises both a considerable gain in performance coupled with good electric range. Aware of the appeal of this technology, Kia launched a first Sportage plug-in livery last year. In a context of democratization of electricity, is it worth it?

Design

It seems a long way from the time when hybrid vehicles shamelessly exhibited their environmental virtues with the help of an escalation of badges. In the case of this plug-in hybrid Sportage, the mere presence of a small PHEV logo – for “Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle” – on the tailgate recalls the presence of a different mechanism. It therefore relies on the design of gasoline liveries, presenting a very interesting front part with its boomerang diodes acting as daytime running lights. The grille also takes up the full width of the vehicle, giving it an arguably more raw and industrial look. It’s a bit more consensual when viewed from the side, showcasing the now-essential rear floating pillar that camouflages itself against the glass surface. The stern features bevelled LEDs superimposed on a two-piece tailgate. In short, it’s more original than the competition, without reinventing the compact SUV concept.

On board

This desire to cultivate a product guided by design is even more palpable in the cabin of this Sportage. Beyond this sea of ​​glossy black plastics that will smudge and scratch from the first day of use of the vehicle, there is a cohesion and a modernity in the design of this dashboard. This also does not overshadow the really excellent ergonomics of the rendering. The digital control nacelle can thus both change its functions to control functions of the infotainment system or adjust the heating-air conditioning system. The interior volume is also abundant, ensuring very generous legroom throughout. The taller ones will unfortunately hit their heads on the rear roof, a problem that is increasingly present due to stylistic choices and the presence of large sunroofs.

Under the hood

The Sportage plug-in hybrid’s powertrain is a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder powered by a 90hp electric motor and starter-alternator. The total strike force borders on 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and a 13.8 kWh battery theoretically provides 55 km of electric range. Here the emphasis should be on the word “theoretically”, because during the test, carried out in winter conditions, the heat engine was very rarely silent due to the dependence of the heating system on it. Despite everything, the electric mode bequeathed to the electric mill the mission of moving the SUV. When the battery is exhausted, consumption climbs to around 7 L/100 km, which is far from exceptional. A problem that can be partly attributed to the choice of a turbocharged engine. The behavior of the powertrain nevertheless remains much more subdued than at Toyota, without having the eloquence of the RAV4 Prime on the power side.

Behind the wheel

This Sportage relies first and foremost on the serene aspect of its driving. Its six-speed automatic transmission helps contain the decibels of the heat engine and the vibrations of the latter are reduced to almost zero. However, we would have liked a slightly more transparent transition when the internal combustion engine intervenes, the latter quickly injecting its power, which gives a slight additional thrust without the intervention of the driver. Dynamically, the ride is rather relaxed with fairly well-contained body roll. The understeer happens rather quickly and is immediately framed by a stability control rather quick to react. In short, we will not really have fun at the wheel with its 200 kg added against the gasoline liveries. It relies on good ride comfort to swallow the kilometers with peace of mind. Note that this Sportage PHEV is only offered with all-wheel drive, a bonus for traction at the expense of energy efficiency.

Embedded technologies

Here we find the latest generation of the Hyundai group’s infotainment system, which relies on a curved frame that houses both the measurement data and the multimedia touch screen. It’s quite similar to Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX systems or BMW’s iDrive 8 in that aspect. That said, Kia and Hyundai, by extension, manage to make the user experience significantly more enjoyable by simplifying the menu structure. The black levels are excellent, which avoids being dazzled at night, and tactile navigation is easily done by sliding your finger both vertically and horizontally. The menu dealing with electric autonomy could nevertheless be more complete in order to assimilate the various variables that have an effect on the number of kilometers that one can travel. Finally, note that the active lane keeping assistance, offered as standard, does a very good job.

The verdict

The Kia Sportage plug-in hybrid exists essentially to allow the Korean manufacturer to reduce its average fuel consumption and thus satisfy the increasingly restrictive framework. It is therefore a transition vehicle that clears the way to full electrification. Although competent as a family-oriented vehicle, its plug-in hybrid component gives the irremediable impression of being short of technical means. Its gasoline engine is constantly running, even in spring temperatures, which makes its electric shutter… not fully electric. Its fuel consumption is also higher than that of the regular hybrid version when the battery runs out, which is most of the time. All this at a price comparable to electric models of similar size without benefiting from full subsidies. In short, it’s a “think about it”, as the other would say.