2022 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Has 43 Miles Of EV Range In The UK

The new Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid has just launched in the UK as the most eco-friendly variant of the popular SUV.

Powering the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is a 1.6-liter T-GDi four-cylinder working alongside a 66.9 kW permanent magnet traction electric motor and a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. The powertrain delivers a total of 261 hp and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque, allowing the SUV to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 7.9 seconds and continue through to a 119 mph (191 km/h) top speed.

Working alongside the engine and electric motor is a six-speed automatic transmission. Kia says the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid delivers combined fuel economy of 252 mpg (1.12 lt/100 km) and offers 43 miles (69 km) of typical all-electric range and 48 miles (77 km) of electric range on the WLTP city cycle.

The South Korean car manufacturer has made a number of changes to the four-cylinder itself to make it more efficient. For example, it has a new and optimized combustion process, updated cooling technologies and friction reduction measures, including an integrated thermal management system. The SUV emits 25 just g/km of CO2 over the combined cycle.

Kia has also equipped the SUV with its Hybrid Starter Generator module and Hybrid Power Control Unit that enhance performance and reduce NVH levels. The onboard charger also allows for charging speeds of 7.2 kW, meaning this is the fastest-charging plug-in hybrid that Kia has produced with its battery taking 1 hour and 45 minutes to fully charge.

There will be four trim levels of the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid sold in the UK. The entry-level GT-Line has a starting price of £38,393 ($50,102) on the road and is followed by the ‘3’ with a £39,595 ($51,671) price tag, the ‘4’ starting at £41,795 ($54,542), and the GT-Line S that’s available from £43,795 ($57,152). The first customer deliveries will commence in April.