2023 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Review

Price Range: $27,998 - $32,998

2023 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid X-Line Prestige 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

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Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid model years

Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid for Sale

2023 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Review

Pros

Distinctive styling inside and out
Premium interior materials
Advanced technology with user-friendly interface
Large cargo capacity

Cons

Some safety and driver assist features are only offered on top trim
Power and acceleration are adequate, nothing more
Less EV range and lower overall fuel efficiency than some competitors

What's new

All-new plug-in hybrid powertrain joins the lineup
Kicks off the fifth Sportage generation

Overview

Written by automotive expert Mark Takahashi

9/27/2022

The Kia Sportage has been fully redesigned for 2023 and the differences are striking. It's substantially larger, measuring almost 7 inches longer in length, making it slightly bigger than several of its rivals. The new styling adds visual appeal, with sharp creases and a distinct front end. The biggest news, however, is the debut of a plug-in hybrid variant, which joins the conventional gas-powered Sportage and a hybrid.

For sale near Bakersfield, CA

180 listings

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EV Rebates^{Certain EVs and PHEVs may be eligible for a rebate. Buyer and car must qualify.}
2023 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
X-Line 4dr SUV
$29,387
good price
$677 below market
- 19,200 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 34 mi est. electric range
- 5 Seats, 36 City / 35 Hwy MPG
- Fontana Hyundai (121 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Fontana, CA
Priced below KBB Fair Purchase Price! 1.6L Turbo GDI 4-Cylinder. CARFAX One-Owner. Clean CARFAX. Vesta Blue AWD 6-Speed Automatic 1.6L Turbo GDI 4-Cyl...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
35 Combined MPG (36 City/35 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KNDPYDAH3P7061654
Stock: 251968A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-21-2025
EV Rebates^{Certain EVs and PHEVs may be eligible for a rebate. Buyer and car must qualify.}
2023 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
X-Line 4dr SUV
$31,245
fair price
$240 above market
- 20,417 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use
- 34 mi est. electric range
- 5 Seats, 36 City / 35 Hwy MPG
- Honda of Downtown Los Angeles (100 mi away)
- Five Star Dealer
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Welcome to Honda of Downtown Los Angeles! 2023 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid X-Line 1.6L Turbo GDI 4-Cylinder.Love it or exchange it! You can exchange a...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
35 Combined MPG (36 City/35 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KNDPYDAH0P7102726
Stock: 7102726T
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-29-2025

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This new 2023 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) is the most powerful variant, but that added potency is offset by a heavier curb weight due to the larger battery. On a full charge the Sportage PHEV is expected to offer up to 34 miles of electric-only range, and once the battery is depleted the hybrid powertrain is estimated at 35 mpg in city/highway driving. Those specs are roughly in line with the comparable plug-in SUVs, though its competitors offer slightly more all-electric range. Replenishing the battery should only take two hours on a Level 2 charger.

These fuel efficiency numbers may be enough to win over small-SUV shoppers, but the Sportage PHEV goes further with a beautiful, high-quality interior. The look and feel of its cabin are on par with some luxury-branded vehicles, though a few hard plastic elements keep you planted in reality. We haven't had the opportunity to fully evaluate the plug-in Sportage, but if the standard Sportage Hybrid model is any indication, the PHEV will prove a worthy alternative against its few rivals.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid's specs have it challenging, but not beating, the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid. It's close enough that the Sportage's attractive styling and driving dynamics could make it the best choice. There's also the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid that trades some efficiency for added off-road abilities. Check back with us to see how the Sportage PHEV stacks up once we've given it a full evaluation.

2023 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid trim level differences

The 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV is offered in two trim levels: X-Line and X-Line Prestige. Both are powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid powertrain (261 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque). A six-speed automatic is the only available transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard.

Which Sportage Plug-In Hybrid trim does Edmunds recommend?

It's somewhat rare that we'd recommend the top trim in a vehicle lineup, but the X-Line Prestige justifies its sensible price increase with some significant upgrades. These include adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, a curved instrument panel, premium audio and ventilated seats.

Compare 2023 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in California

$167/mo

$248/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

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Reliability

The 2023 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

1 recall found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 23V298000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SC270
Number of vehicles affected:: 108936
Defect Description:: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen. The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Defect Consequence:: A blank instrument cluster display will not show critical information, such as tire pressure, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.

Warranty

5 years / 60,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
EV battery Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Hybrid component Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles

Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Owner Reviews

3.9

17 reviews

5(53%)

4(17%)

3(12%)

2(0%)

1(18%)

See all 17 reviews Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Things other reviews dont tell you. -

Bruce M., 12/27/2022

2023 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid X-Line Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A)

A long review of things you may not have heard about on this vehicle . I have 1200 miles in a month on the car. prestige trim phev. Just back from LA to SF trip. Up interstate 5 and back on 101 with a sidebar trip to Morro Bay Area. Wife doesnt commute so normally is in all electric mode and we charge every night with a 240v home charger. If empty on juice, it charges in just under … 2 hours. It does get the approximate 30 miles on EV only . However, when starting the car in the morning, it remembers it is in EV mode. But the Gas engine comes on and stays on for about 3 minutes. I am assuming it is needed to warm the engine to make heat? The dealer told me it needs to warm up the catalytic converter for regulatory reasons. Not sure this is true. After 3 minutes it goes back to EV mode but then about 3 minutes later, the gas engine starts again for no reason and runs for about a minute. Then it's off till the battery is drained. But driving around after that on multiple stop start short trips the car stays in EV mode no problem. Mileage you say? Well on a road trip up the 5 going about 75mph most of the way we got 28 mpg. coming back on the 101 going about 65-70mph it got 32 mpg. Way better than my 2019 Mazda CX5 which got 22mpg on the same trip. If you drive say a 60 mile trip with some city and highway driving with a full charge, you will get about 80 mpg. Here is another tidbit. The gas tank only holds just under 12 gallons. Not a lot. So a full tank and full EV max range will be aproximately 350 miles on a longer mixed road trip. What else does it need? It would be great to have some sort of LED light around the EV plug. In the dark it's hard to see the plug receptacle and you have to poke around with the plug to get it in the holes. A glow in the dark white plastic could work too. Kia, make a note. Car does always reserve about 20% of the battery charge so even on the freeway if you are braking or flat or downhill, it switches to EV mode. Seems to default to the ECO drive mode and you have to put in in Automatic mode. I like auto mode better as it seems to give a little more power to the gas pedal when needed. Sport mode clearly cranks up the acceleration if you need it, but I think it has plenty with auto or even eco mode unless you are a racer. Clearly this car is very thought out and has a few other things to note: It's noisy in highway driving especially on expansion crack cement roads. Wind noise is also quite noticeable at freeway speeds. And you really feel the bumps in the road if it is cement. A smooth asphalt freeway makes the ride great, but it does that in most cars. The Mazda and my Ioniq5 ride much smoother and are very quiet compared to this car. It's to bad Kia didn't make this ride more compliant and quiet the cabin down with better insulation and double glazed glass. Especially the top of the line prestige model for 50k should have done better in these regards. On surface streets in decent shape it rides quite well and is quiet , so it's really a freeway driving issue. The safety features work fantastic as does the display and tech in the car. I have a Hyundai Ioniq5 and they are identical . Highway assist driving works really well but you do have to keep your hands on the wheel or the car will beep and disengage after about 1 minutes or so. Voice controls work great and can do lots of things including temperature adjustment. Many reviewers complain that the haptic display panel is either set to climate controls or to audio controls. You can choose which you want as the default by holding down either "emblem" for 3 seconds. You can still change modes but it will go back to your default. . I choose climate control as the default and it is really what driver and passenger can adjust with depending on need so better IMO. (Climate control in the car works quite well although on the cold freeway drive today in the rain, I had to bump it up to 74 degrees where normally 72 degrees is perfect.) ALL of the audio controls are easily done on the steering wheel which is safer than reaching for the haptic controls. This is why Kia did this and felt you dont need redundant haptic controls for both climate and audio. Once you have your station presets done, you dont need to use the haptic panel anymore for audio. You can still use the huge touch screen for anything, so you have many choices on how to operate all the functions. So really, this "Issue" that so many complain about is easily solved and not an issue once you learn it, and get used to how to use the car in my opinion. Inside, really looks luxury all around. Nicely done Kia. Fit and finish is excellent and attention to detail is abundant wherever you look. BUT... I wish they had a bit more soft material instead of hard plastic on the front area. Especially on the center console where on the sides your knee/leg leans on when driving. It's hard plastic and a soft plastic is way better for comfort. Plus soft plastic absorbs more "sound" to make the cabin quieter which is something this car could use as well. My Mazda signature CX5 had EVERYTHING soft so it works. (A piece of self adhesive neoprene from Amazon for 5 bucks solved the issue knee plastic issue for me if you are interested) Space in the car is the best. Way more than the Mazda CX5 both in cargo and in seating comfort and legroom. I also found the front seats more comfortable than Mazda on the long trip by a long shot. My only seat complaint is why they dont use leather seats in front for the top of the line trim. That is the ONE thing the Hyundai Tucson PHEV top of line trim DOES have that KIA does not. So you are sitting on plastic and it can get hot. Good news is ventilated seats do help and these work well, but leather is much cooler to sit on than plastic. Cmon Kia, you have leather in all your other cars so what's up with this? Did some night driving in the pitch black wilderness roads of Morro Bay Area and the headlights work great including the audio "bright" headlights feature which even dim when you approach a car from the rear , not just for ongoing cars. So again, many high end luxury features executed really well in this car. Audio quality from the higher end Harmon system sounds excellent especially at higher volumes. However it is missing the "cabin noise cancelling" feature my Bose system in Ioniq 5 has and this car could use it. Two other gripes...Kia and Hyundai need to address is that the car does NOT have walk away door locking. You have to push the button on the key fob or door handle or on the kia connect app to lock the car. Many other cars have walk away proximity locking, including Mazda. Seems like this should be a software update? Also... no power folding mirrors on a 50k car? It seems the international versions of this car have them. Why were they left off the American model??? And also, NO auto day night mirror unless it is a dealer ordered option from the factory. It is not on the high end model as standard which is Crazy! I bought the OEM one at dealer and it is quite complicated to install and they charged me $200 bucks to do it and it took 3 hours of waiting. Mirror part itself was 300 dollars. So keep in mind if you want this feature and it was not ordered on your car. Still gets 5 stars and no regrets. The best PHEV around today!

Love this vehicle!

VC2022, 11/22/2022

2023 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid X-Line Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A)

I had been looking for a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid at a good price. My first choice was a Toyota Rav4 hybrid BUT was also held back by the lack of tech and no new real design by Toyota. Then the Kia Sportage became available and WoW! The tech is amazing, it is EXTREMELY quiet, very comfortable and responsive. If I had to give it one CON, is the MPG is still hovering around 28-35 which …

For us this car is perfect for us.

David, Cindy and Sadie(dog), 09/22/2023

2023 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid X-Line Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A)

We typically drive less than 20 miles per day, but 2 or 3 times a year we go on a 600 mile one way trip. The plug-in EV gets us around town on the skinny, and the hybrid gets us through our trips without worrying about charging stations. There are safety features and comfort features galore making it a pleasure to drive. The only negative is the long EV charging times to full from empty …

Almost Perfect

Kyle Morgan, 10/21/2022

2023 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid X-Line 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A)

I managed to pick up a 23 PHEV Sportage on September 16th. I love it. I had an upper trim Soul, but while it had more features than the base X-line PHEV Sportage, it is not nearly as refined to drive. I mainly chose the Sportage for looks and features, and since I've had a good long history, since 1996, with Hyundai and Kia. I needed something that could tow a bit, and this fit the … bill. I considered the gas-only trim, but heard it was somewhat underpowered. Then I looked at the specs for the mild hybrid version. But then I realized that the plug-in hybrid qualified for over $6K in federal tax rebate (I was lucky enough to have a signed buyers order prior to Biden nixing the rebate on imported plug-in hybrids). That made the price of the plug-in hybrid about even vs the gas-only version with the same trim level. I have a short commute to work, and usually can drive to and from work on electric only. Based on my electric rates, it costs me about $0.08 per mile to run in EV mode, vs $0.13 - $0.18 per mile for gas the Kia Soul for the same sort of trips. That's assuming $3.88 per gallon. My main design complaints are that the headlights aren't bright enough, and that it doesn't come with wireless Android Auto or Apple Carplay. The former problem will be fixed when I install the OEM fog lights I bought that are standard on the Prestige model. The second was fixed with a less-than-$100 adapter. It is very odd, however, that there's a wireless charging pad built into the center console, yet you're forced to plug your phone into the USB port to use AA or Carplay? Yet on the base LX model, you have wireless AA and Carplay, but no wireless QI charger? Seems like two different teams were working on each feature (head unit and charger) and didn't work well together! The 1.6T ICE engine is slightly unrefined-sounding when running. But since generally I'm driving at low speed on electric only, or I'm on the highway with the engine running and the tire and wind noise mask it for the most part. The mechanical choice that could have been better was the heating system. As it is, the ICE engine has to be warm to use cabin heating - it has to run to warm the coolant. Oddly enough, the air conditioner compressor is driven electrically, and *doesn't* need the ICE motor to be running. I don't know why Kia didn't turn the air conditioning system into an electrically powered heat pump using a reversible motor. Those handful of things are what kept me from giving it a 5 star review. But I'm still very happy with my choice of cars.

See all 17 reviews of the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

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2023 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Highlights

Trim:

X-Line

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$38,690
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
Engine Type	Plug-in hybrid
EPA Electric Range	34 miles
Combined MPGe (Electric + Gas)	84 MPGe
Cost to Drive	$167/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	2.0 hours
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	34.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles
EV Battery Warranty	10 years / 100,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid models:

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: Warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios.
Highway Driving Assist: Combines the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping systems for hands-on, semi-automated driving on highways.
Blind-Spot View Monitor: Displays an image of the vehicle's blind spot in the instrument panel when you activate a turn signal.

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2023 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Review

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2023 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Review

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