Energy-saving and roomy Kia Sportage PHEV does what it says on the tin

Published on 10 September, 2022

Overview

I have two reasons for starting with the boot of this week’s review car, the KIA Sportage plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The first was to see how much luggage and back-seat space was available in the PHEV as opposed to the conventional model.

The second was that I was unexpectedly able to put it to a practical test – by ferrying a load to Trinity.

Now, the “ordinary” Sportage has 591 litres of boot space. That’s a big increase on the previous model. So much so that the Sportage now beats or nears its main rivals in that area. Among its rivals are the closely-related Hyundai Tucson, Ford Kuga, Volkswagen Tiguan,  Mazda CX-5, Peugeot 3008 and Seat Ateca.

But plug-ins can encroach on room at the back and luggage area because the larger battery has to be accommodated. As you know, PHEVs combine the inputs of a petrol engine, electric motor and big battery.

The key thing is how you can charge the battery by plugging in at home, office, public charger or wherever. Of course if the battery is depleted you still get the benefits of a hybrid. That is offset somewhat by having to carry the heavy battery around.

I’m sad to say the Sportage plug-in version loses a few litres but it still manages to eke out 540 litres. It didn’t look that large an area to me but we have to take their word for it.

KIA also say they went to great rounds to ensure the battery was placed centrally between the two axles under the body of the car to boost boot and cabin space.

It was good too that the rear seats split and folded fairly flat; we got a good chance to see how it managed awkward stuff, such as picture frames and a narrow, but long, mirror.

It took all we had to carry and loading the ensemble was relatively easy, partly because the boot lip wasn’t too high.

It was a strange feeling to be driving through Trinity College grounds at dusk with a collection of “must haves” for our rear-seat passenger’s stay in the venerable rooms (“rums” to you and me).

There was the odd clink of glass-on-glass as we slid quietly (on silent electric/battery power only) over the cobbles but thankfully nothing was broken.

There was such an aura about the place, there always is, I know. But it was different entirely in the fading 8.30pm light than during the hustle and bustle of daylight.

Darkness didn’t stop a group of young people playing their tennis – they could do so under lights. What a great time in their lives. I hope they realise how lucky they are. However, we pondered if they would be able to play tennis under lights for much longer given the current climate of cutting back on energy usage. 

Which is what the plug-in (PHEV) concept is supposed to be all about; saving energy. Some people make great savings because they religiously top up the battery (KIA say it can do 70km on EV power alone) every day and never use a drop of petrol unless they are travelling long distances.

PHEVs also make a sort of step towards full-electric car all the easier for when people have to switch over in the next few years.

I have charged up many a PHEV, but I don't have the convenience of charging at home. So I put up nearly 1,000km last weekend – in a Toyota RAV4 plug-in –  and didn’t charge once. It’s just the way things panned out. So it’s a matter of suitability. Don’t go buying a PHEV if you can’t make it pay its way. 

I like the look of this Sportage a lot (I’ve been a bit of a fan of some, not all, previous models) with its front dominated by a wide grille and boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights.

Inside, there is a set of twin screens (in the top K4 version, similar set-up to electric EV6), infotainment and driver information. They looked well, and were relatively easy to use and glean information from. The screen-spread gave focus to a cabin which, in my K4 version, had leather upholstery with heat and cool-air ventilation. 

And yes, there was good room at the back. Our tall rear passenger wasn’t squeezed for leg or headroom. She was the only rear occupant as we had to drop the larger section of the folding rear seats to accommodate the long, awkward stuff I mentioned.

Out on several longer journeys I found the Sportage particularly well-mannered. Maybe the ride was a bit firm but there was excellent traction and surefootedness thanks to the All-Wheel-Drive system. And there was loads of power, which is a big plus with PHEVs. 

Would I buy it? Yes, if I could plug in without fuss and save petrol. Athough regardless of power source, this is a much improved Sportage.