Kia's all-new Sportage Hybrid has finally arrived at dealerships across the country. Revealed in February this year, the American-made crossover SUV is destined to be a popular buy with local consumers. Aside from the stellar styling, 34 miles of all-electric range, and a targeted 84 MPGe figure, Kia has finally announced pricing - and it's rather appealing.
The range kicks off with the X-Line AWD, priced from $38,490. For that outlay, Kia hands you plenty in return. The first-ever Sportage plug-in hybrid ships standard with 19-inch wheels, a power tailgate, LED head- and taillights, dual-zone climate control, a digital instrument display, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with onboard navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Elsewhere, you'll find SynTex-trimmed seats that are heated in the front, with power adjustment for the driver. On the safety front, there's a full suite of driver assists. Aside from lane-keep technology and a driver attention warning system, you'll find blind-spot detection, automatic emergency braking, and high beam assist, among many other things.
But how does this stack up to the competition? Well, the Hyundai Tucson PHEV is cheaper, with a starting price of $35,400. What's more, it boasts a slightly better all-electric range (35 miles) and receives a similar level of equipment as standard. Like the Kia, it's powered by a 1.6-liter engine, coupled to an electric motor, for combined outputs of 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
It's worth noting the RAV4 Prime is the priciest alternative, with an MSRP of $40,300. It counters with more power (302 hp combined) and a superior all-electric range (EPA-estimated 42 miles).
The second of the two models, aptly called the X-Line Prestige, retails for $42,990. The engine remains the same, but you do receive more features.
On the convenience front, there are even more safety features, LED Projector headlamps, and a heated steering wheel. Audiophiles will delight in the standard Harman Kardon Premium sound system, while those up front benefit from fancier seats. The passenger receives a power-operated seat, the driver receives a memory setting, and both pews gain a ventilation function.
It makes up for the price premium with plenty of nice-to-haves if you can afford it. Surprisingly, it's cheaper than the Tucson PHEV Limited ($43,200) and undercuts the $43,625 RAV4 Prime too.
As Kia plans to dominate the electric car sphere in the coming years, vehicles like the Sportage PHEV are very important to the brand. Those who aren't quite ready to commit to battery-powered vehicles like the EV6 will find this middle ground appealing. Alongside the newly-launched Niro range and the Sorento PHEV, it seems Kia wants to cater to everyone.
Theoretically, it should prove to be the best of both worlds. Keep it charged up, and if you have a short commute, it would be possible to drive about on electricity for most of the time. Kia notes that, when connected to a Level 2 charger, the Sportage PHEV can replenish its battery in around two hours.
