Plug-in hybrids, also known as PHEVs (for "plug-in hybrid electric vehicle"), are somewhat of a mystery to many buyers, as they haven’t been as widespread as the more plentiful hybrid models. Their electric range and feisty acceleration are great selling points, however, and the Kia Sportage PHEV is no exception.

What’s New for the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid Plug-In

Non-hybrid Sportage variants got a refresh for the 2024 model year, but hopeful Sportage PHEV buyers will have to wait for 2025 to see substantive updates.

Design

The 2024 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid mirrors its counterparts with clean styling and a surprisingly muscular stance. Kia’s “tiger nose” grille is on full display, and the Sportage offers unique exterior accents for each trim. The slightly more rugged X-Line Prestige model brings brushed metal trim and beefier-looking wheel arches, while the entry-level X-Line model lacks fog lights and some of the side door panel accents.

Powertrain

The Sportage PHEV comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor to make a combined 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Juice for the motor comes from a 13.8-kWh battery pack. All-wheel drive (AWD) and a six-speed automatic transmission come standard. The choice to employ a real automatic transmission instead of a continuously variable unit (CVT) makes the Sportage PHEV more engaging to drive and more responsive on the road.

Plug-in hybrids offer all-electric range, and the Sportage PHEV’s 34 miles is pretty solid for its class. Charging takes around two hours on a Level 2 charger or a 240-volt home outlet, and a normal household plug will charge the battery in about 10 hours.

Interior

The five-seat Sportage PHEV comes standard with synthetic leather, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The upgraded trim adds ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

Technology

A 12.3-inch touchscreen and a small gauge cluster display come standard, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto require a wired connection. Navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless phone charging, Bluetooth, USB ports, dual-zone climate control, and six speakers are also on board by default. The higher trim level adds an eight-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and ambient LED interior lighting.

Safety

The 2024 Sportage PHEV comes standard with a long list of driver aids, including blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high beams, rear parking sensors, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warnings, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and safe exit warnings. A blind spot camera system, surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control, reverse collision warnings, and reverse automatic emergency braking are available. Kia also offers a junction turning assist system that warns drivers when there’s oncoming traffic during a left turn at an intersection.

Pricing

As of this writing, the base 2024 Kia Sportage PHEV starts at $40,965, which includes a $1,375 destination charge. Stepping up to the X-Line Prestige model pushes the staring price to $45,465. Kia offers a few accessories but no option packages, making it possible to get out without spending the bank on upgrades.