Like its gas-only and hybrid siblings, the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid brings value to the compact crossover SUV segment. Key competitors with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains include the Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid, the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid, and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Plug-In Hybrid.
2027 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2027 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2027 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid goes into the 2027 model year unchanged. Though there are some updates to the related Sportage Hybrid, which we review separately, the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid has a much smaller trim lineup. It’s available in X-Line and X-Line Prestige trims, both of which include all-wheel drive (AWD). The Sportage Plug-In Hybrid was introduced for the 2023 model year and was refreshed for 2026 with updated styling, new infotainment features, and more horsepower.
Design
The Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid looks and feels new, but it’s in its fifth year and received a redesign for 2026. This compact SUV fits in well among Kia’s current lineup, and there’s little to visually call out this version of the Sportage as a PHEV. Both trim levels come standard with 19-inch wheels.
Powertrain
The Sportage Plug-In Hybrid features a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a 13.8-kWh battery pack, and is good for 268 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard, and a six-speed automatic transmission offers smooth and linear acceleration. The Sportage PHEV is rated for up to 34 miles of all-electric range and can reach a full charge in two hours with a Level 2 charger.
Interior
Like the rest of the Sportage lineup, the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid seats five across two rows, though the second row is a tight squeeze for three adults. The cabin is well equipped, since the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is available only in two premium trim levels. Standard features include synthetic leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats. Options include a power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated rear outboard seats, and ventilated front seats. This version of the Sportage offers 34.5 cubic feet of storage space behind the second row, which opens to 65.5 cubic feet with the second row folded—generous for a PHEV. A hands-free power liftgate comes standard.
Technology
The Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid features a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with wireless device charging and a six-speaker audio system. The stereo is upgraded to an eight-speaker Harman Kardon system with the X-Line Prestige trim.
