Kia Reveals All-New 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Kia Corp has really been busy making good on its all-electric automaker statement. Kia Corp quickly came out with the all-electric EV6 hatchback. It’s thanks to the new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) Hyundai Motor developed (Kia is a part of this group), and with it, Kia kept moving, and recently unveiled the Kia EV9 all-electric SUV at the AutoMobility LA event. While Kia Corp continues to expand the electric vehicle (EV) lineup, there are hybrid vehicles being released also, such as the 2022 Sorento plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), as well as the all-new 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid.
“The new Sportage Hybrid SUV marks yet another step in Kia’s advance on sustainable mobility, as part of our global ‘Plan S’ efforts…In addition to paving a new pathway to electrification, the Sportage Hybrid also delivers superb driving dynamics, cutting-edge design, and a vast array of technology for a world-class in-car experience.” – Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia America, Kia North America
Like the Sorento Hybrid, the Sportage Hybrid will be riding on the same all-new 3rd generation “N3” platform to achieve better driving dynamics. Only available in three trims – LX, EX, and SX-Prestige – the differences may not be too far from one another, starting with the Best-in-Class rear cargo capacity of 39.5 cubic-feet of space offered in each. Also powering each trim is a 1.6-liter turbo GDI engine and a 44kW permanent magnet electric motor powered by a high-output 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery. It seems this is purely a hybrid with no charging capabilities beyond regenerative braking. Still, it’s enough power for a Class-leading 2,000 pounds towing capacity.
With the Kia Corp “Opposites United” philosophy, this hybrid can still be sporty, with an Active AWD system available on the LX trim, standard on the EX and SX-Prestige trims. Gears are switched with a 6-speed automatic transmission with rotary style shifter, and consumers can use Drive Mode Select with ECO, Sport, Smart, and Snow modes to match their driving style. A hybrid, the new Sportage Hybrid needs a grille, but the Tiger nose is a little lifted to guide the eyes across the crisp shoulder lines. With a thin black graphic across the tailgate and HEV badging, this Sportage Hybrid rides on unique 17- and 18-inch HEV wheel designs.
Making the inside of their vehicles more futuristic, the new 2023 Sportage Hybrid will offer consumers a dual panoramic curved display made up of the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment screen for a total of nearly 25-inches for viewing diagnostics and entertainment. Underneath the infotainment screen are all the buttons the diver would need, making it all a lot less cluttered. The EX and SX-Prestige also come with animal-free leather for a little high-class interior.
For technology, there are plenty of new and interesting things. Wireless Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard across the trims, with a new touchpad with climate and audio controls as mentioned above beneath the infotainment screen. Past the base LX trim, more tech becomes available, such as Multi-connection Bluetooth for simultaneously linking two smartphones, an available Harman-Kardon 8 premium audio system, and Available Kia Connect. This is the new UVO infotainment system, still offering a bunch of great features like a 4G LTE-based internet Wi-Fi Hotspot; compatibility through Apple- and Android-based smartwatches; Connected Routing for optimal routes and real-time mapping to predict traffic, make note of historical sites, etc; and Smart Speaker Integration for Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant on-the-go.
Kia never skimps on safety, and there are plenty of advanced systems standard and available on select trims. Across the lineup, every model comes with a Driver Attention Warning (DAW) system, LED Headlights with High Beam Assist (HBA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA), Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), Rear View Monitor (RVM) with Dynamic Parking Guidance, Reverse Parking Distance Warning. Advances systems available include Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), Blind Spot Collision Avoidance-Assist (BCA), Blind Spot Collision Avoidance (BCA-PE), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist (RCCA), Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA-JT), Forward Parking Distance Warning (PDW-F), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control-Curve (NSCC-C), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control-Zone (NSCC-Z), Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance (PCA-R), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), and Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop and Go.Excited about the new 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid? So are we. Follow along with us on Miami Lakes Automall social media to find out when it’s available.
Photo Source/Copyright: Kia Media
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