Is Kia's 2023 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid The Pragmatic Pluggable? Or An EV Abomination?

Anyway you slice it, the Sportage will use gasoline, even when in "EV" mode if you press too hard on the go-pedal or try to heat the cabin. But is that good or bad? That's a tricky question because it depends on how you look at PHEVs. At their core they are not about eliminating gasoline use, if you want to do that Kia has an EV6. Instead the Sportage is about reducing your consumption while being more affordable and pragmatic than a full EV. Clearly Kia could have made the Sportage burn no gas under any conditions for the first 30+ miles, but doing so would have made it more expensive. Is this the right direction? Or not far enough? You decide.
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[@barrywiseman7012]

Definitely the most comprehensive review I've watched on this PHEV, and most understandable with respect to the choice & cost factor between this model and the regular Hybrid Sportage. Well done

[@Syrinx-Priest]

I drive a Rav4 Prime, and for average daily driving, I never use the gas engine. For me, the purpose of the gas engine is long highway trips. A full EV would be great for me most of the time, but I really don’t want to have to stop to charge ever 200-300 miles on a road trip. I think a lot of PHEV owners choose a plug-in for this reason.

[@readebramer5233]

This is where I am. Hardly ever drive more than 35 miles in a day, but when I do it’s for LONG distances. I wouldn’t mind stopping on long highway trips…but my kid does. I’d love to go full EV but at least right now it’s unfortunately not worth the headache

[@JackieLifeTruth]

This is exactly why we went with this PHEV.

[@markboucher5776]

Do you live where the winter is c-c-c-cold?

[@WindFireAllThatKindOfThing]

Agreed, I believe he's incorrect in evangelizing that gasoline elimination commuters should just be EV all day. That may work Monday thru Friday on the 12 mile workday, but it's the wrong answer when weekends mean leaving the state, unless you REALLY like sitting around a charge station cafe or napping in the seat while your kids go insane in the back.

[@steve2483]

The reason why people don't just buy an EV. Is because EVS are incredibly expensive. I use our phev exclusively on battery in the city and it saves an incredible amount of money. Yes I would have purchased an EV if they weren't so darn expensive

[@MsWoodgnome]

Once more, yours is the best review. I've seen 20+ but the information you give is still supplementary to the others therefore essential! Well done!

[@kolt9051]

I love your videos, Alex! also, the subscribe notif at around 13:20 was non-intrusive, and clean looking. nice stuff

[@Qrail]

Alex, thank you for shining the light on PHEV’s. I have 2. The object for the purchase is the versatility of achieving whatever goal the driver has in mind that day. Run errands around town in electric mode? Done. Take a trip to Reno over snowy Donner Summit? Done. The PHEV is a different bird. I’m tired of EV owners telling me I’m crazy, that I have 2 power trains, that it is twice as costly, blah blah blah. I am willing to challenge any Tesla 3 owner on costs against my Ford Fusion Energi or my Audi A3 eTron. Thanks for highlighting the Sportage, and any other plug ins you can find.

[@davidgiles9751]

We've owned the Hyundai cousin (Tucson PHEV) to this for almost a year now. So far it's been fantastic, getting >125 MPG using it as my Wife's daily driver. However, she is religious about plugging it in, which is CRITICAL if you own a PHEV. I installed a level 2 charger in our garage, right next to where she parks, and she loves not having to go to the gas station every week. A PHEV is a fantastic "bridge" vehicle if you're not ready to go full EV just yet. If you want something that gets excellent mileage as a daily runabout, yet you also want something that can go cross country without making compromises on travel and "refueling" times. PS: Getting the $6,587 federal tax credit plus the Colorado $2,500 tax credit back this year. Unfortunately, the (so called) Inflation Reduction Act eliminated the Hyundai/Kia products from the federal credits...

[@drewmaicanshaw1642]

Makes sense right. Since the inflation reduction act is to help Americans. Those vehicles aren’t. Build in America and have most of the parts imported

[@RigiLiquid945]

Yes, you are spot on with regards to PHEV's. These should be way more popular than they are. A little bit of fuel can go a long way on the commutes, and for road trips, there's no need to worry about charge stations, but those are still available when you have time for it. Great review of a great car with weird headlights that I've gotten used to.

[@ChicagoBob123]

Honestly, if you are an expressway driver and travel a distance, you might as well get a gas car. Your adding parts and maintenance

[@DSDesignWoodworking]

The problem is simple economics. My wife and I would love to buy a PHEV mid size SUV, but between the Tucson, Sportage, and Rav4 Prime the price differential is so great we'd never come close to making up for it in gas savings. We would happily spend ~3k more than a regular hybrid because of the added driving experience of EV modes, but when the difference is more like 7k it just doesn't make sense...

[@cheukyin810]

@@DSDesignWoodworking where i am from, we have gov incentive that make the phev only $1500 more than the gas version. however avabililites is ass here,

[@jamesbowman7963]

Very in depth and packed with useful information. One of the most useful reviews on KZbin...

[@michaelgarvin8621]

Great video and information that makes sense. Well done Alex 👍🙂

[@davidcarroll8735]

27:50 THIS is the point most people get wrong, Alex educates all! I hope this is the replacement of the long term EV6!

[@hungthai1207]

Excellent and thought out review as always. Thanks!

[@goostrey4210]

Great, informative and BS-free review (as always). But did you film this now, in February? The weather looks fabulous.

[@goostrey4210]

I thought you were having snow storms in California.

[@williamhemmerle7986]

Excellent video. You did some great explaining on the differences. I prefer the Sportage phev over the rav4 prime big time

[@peterfessier9780]

There are some good reasons to prefer the Sportage PHEV like styling (personal taste), technology (Rav has been updated, but it's certainly mediocre in my 21 Prime), price and maybe availability. I owned a Kia Soul and I thought it had awesome build quality, so I trust Kia. You may also prefer the mechanical AWD and the transmission. Where the Prime rules is in the EV mode. You have a lot more horsepower in the Prime's EV motors than any other PHEV other than the new Outlander PHEV. So it's super fun to drive around town and it's good on the freeway. You can pretty much keep it in EV mode until you take a longer trip. It's nice to have a little more range as well. I'm guessing the Sportage is good, but I know the Prime is good. : )

[@jimmykhokhar9092]

Great explanation, as always, thanks Alex!!

[@ryancraig2795]

It's actually exactly the same cargo capacity as the regular hybrid and non-hybrid models with the cargo floor in its standard upper position which provides a no-liftover floor. However on those models the floor can be repositioned to a lower level which provides a few more inches of height in the cargo area. In six months I haven't put the floor in my hybrid in the lower position yet.

[@ChrisParayno]

I like the fact that Kia decided to stick with a standard auto 6 speed. Would've been great to have more gears but it just works.

[@cobie111]

Nice, thorough review. Thanks, Alex 🙂

[@rogerbaim6070]

My reason for considering a PHEV over a standard hybrid, probably even more than reducing my gasoline consumption, is the significant difference in (reduced) cabin noise when in EV mode. I'm really surprised that Alex didn't make any comments about comparative cabin noise, other than providing a single dB number, without indicating what the measurement would have been for the other (non-PHEV) Sportage models. Otherwise, a truly excellent discussion about the Sportage (and, presumably, the Tucson). FWIW, it's disappointing that the Sportage/Tucson PHEVs don't have a mode to lock-out the EV when utilizing the ICE for extended high speed traveling, in order to replenish the EV battery for later in the journey.

[@ConorLennon]

Alex claims he chuckles at those who never use gas in their PHEV… he then says ‘Why not just buy an EV in that case?’ I can see his point, but any comparable EVs will cost $10k+ more. That’s an expensive chuckle.

[@vulpixelful]

Exactly. I really like the EVs that are more like real SUVs, both here and Europe, but obviously they can be 10k-20k USD more. The ones that aren't are slightly raised hatchbacks

[@Snerdles]

I didn't realize this has a 7.2kw charger. That's really nice as the vast majority of PHEVs (mine included) are stuck in the 3-3.5kw range so charging takes forever.

[@nc3826]

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, now has a DCFC CHAdeMO charging

[@ouch1011]

Chademo is arguably less useful than higher power AC charging, at least outside of Japan.

[@nc3826]

How many Chademo Chargers in the US? It has 17,740 fast charging ports in the US

[@nc3826]

And of course it has AC charging too...

[@nc3826]

Level 2 Charging (240V) Full charge in under 4 hours DC Fast Charging (CHAdeMO connector) 80% in 25 minutes

[@joypanchal971]

This is great review which covers a lot of information at grassroot level regarding what is HYBRID and how Hybrid works and what should be our practical expectation regarding it. Thanks for sharing great information. +1 Subscriber :)

[@peterpanimg]

Excellent all rounder. Thanks for the review

[@tropicblu]

Excellent video...thankyou for the comprehensive review. I think I will go with the regular hybrid afterall

[@ashleyw1683]

Thank you for doing such a through job of explaining this.

[@haroldsimard7263]

Great review ! I prefered the Kia than the Rav4 prime. Much more modern vehicule.

[@rpdx3]

Just got one of these and your review is pretty on target. Got it for the plugin feature at home. My commute is short, and driving around town I rarely use gas. It kicks into gas when I drive on the highway into the city. I also got it for the old style 6 speed auto tranny, ground clearance and very nice interior. The transition from electric to gas operation is barely noticeable, except when you floor it and it takes off like a rocket. Shifts are always smooth. The battery never goes to zero because it drops out of full electric when the battery gets to 15%, then it’s full hybrid only. That’s AFTER the 32 mile all electric range is used up. The head rest bugs me a bit, it’s a bit forward and wish I could move just the headrest back instead of tilting the whole seat. And the sun roof has to roll the shade all the way to the back before it will open to the outside. Wish I could roll it back halfway and open the sun/moon roof. Another annoying thing is that the back doors always seem to be locked , even when the front is open. It beeps at you when the engine is on, you put in park and step out of the vehicle, which gets tiresome pretty quick. No spare is a bit concerning. Other than these minor quibbles, this thing is a sweet ride. 😎

[@irvinemom12]

Thank you for all the info. I don’t drive the PHEV, but I have a feeling that in the settings you can choose “two clicks unlock all doors” because in the 2023 EV6 I just noticed that. I think my 2019 Niro Ev even let me select a setting where one click unlocks all doors.

[@JoeHartman80]

I just got the sportage PHEV last week and loving everything about it!

[@Bebela1ms]

Just wondering Does it come with heads up display or ambient lighting? How much is full tank of gas?

[@JoeHartman80]

@@Bebela1ms it does come with heads up display. I got the x line. I think the trim up has the ambient lighting. Mine has lighting on the door handles, trunk lift. A tank of gas near empty had cost not cost me more than $33 for about 500 miles w/o electric

[@Bebela1ms]

@@JoeHartman80 thank Joe for your reply. I’ve been to 3 Kia already they all keep telling me to go with the Ev6 Gt line which I love it but the PHEV also sounds like a safe option if I dont have a lot of access to charging stations u know. I wasnt sure about the heads-up display since I havent seen any of the KZbinrs addressing that feature as well the ambient lighting and those are two fun features to have if u going to pay all that money for a car.

[@paulroman3402]

very informative and interesting, thanks

[@gregepps4710]

Good review. I really wish you guys would go metric so we could understand the figures you're giving.

[@timdsd]

I test drove a Kia Niro PHEV in addition to the Niro EV, IONIQ 5, and ID.4. With sky-high electric rates here in San Diego, and people like Kyle Conner telling California road trippers that roadside DC fast chargers are often broken or overcrowded, I'm not convinced that EVs are the way to go in 2023. Alex's video is excellent, and his comment about people with PHEVs saying they almost never buy gas so why not just by an EV, gave me additional food for thought.

[@protectork9831]

Don't forget they tried to tax the solar home owners .

[@cah95046]

An EV only works if you NEVER need to buy gas. Not ALMOST never. Besides, EVs cost more.

[@MegaPolarbear22]

Thank you so much for this in-depth review and showing its off road capabilities. I’ve been in the market for a Phev and love that this has a mechanical AWD system. I almost went with a PHEV Sorrento.

[@taariifrp4648]

Does this phev variant also do the slef charging like regular hybrid? In case i can't charge the battery with charging cable? Thanks in advance

[@jeannehagan7333]

Absolutely the best video describing the Plug in Technology out there!!!!!!!!

[@badgpaw55]

One other advantage of a PHEV or EV, at least in So. Cal, is that you quailfy for a special lower electric utility rate, which can add up over time. Just one more reason we went with the Sportage PHEV vs the Hybrid.

[@pasad335]

I assume you are referring to the TOU-D-PRIME rate? If so, I find that a bad fit for a PHEV. With this rate, energy is most expensive right when you get home from work or school and need to charge back up again to go out to eat, the gym, whatever. I chose to stay on the tiered rate plan, which is still an option.

[@badgpaw55]

@Pasa335d Sure. It's not one size fits all. For me, it's a good fit. Self-employed and work from home.

[@petegalindez9961]

Always great reviews…I loved my RAV4 Prime’s ability to just be in EV mode…wish other PHEVs would do it…to clarify, some of us want the PHEV so we can do our daily commute on EV mode only, and then only use the gas when we take longer trips since the EV charging infrastructure in this country blows outside of the TESLA network…and on the subject of the battery and charger in the cargo bay where a spare tire would go, I’m would venture to guess it’s there for weight distribution and safety (closer to the side makes it more vulnerable in an accident). Lastly, why don’t your legroom/headroom comparos include the CRV? I’m guessing bc it’s not a PHEV?

[@joreldavis4069]

I would love to see two all wheel drive setups compared. Maybe an EV Buyers Guide/TFL duo video?

[@seans834]

I think you're an outlier here Alex... I think the appeal of PHEVs is to people who want a full electric, but aren't fully ready and want the gasoline engine as a backup. They want to use ev only as much as possible but still have an alternative if they need to go on a road trip. The charging infrastructure isn't fully developed yet (especially outside of CA) and being reliant on that infrastructure is intimadating. I'm sure you're seeing the arguments from people living in apartments or in situations where they don't have access to reliable charging at home as well. Full EV isn't the best option for a lot of people. PHEVs are more affordable as you say, and they can be used almost like a full EV but they offer the ice as a backup for when full EV isn't workable. The KIA/Hyundai PHEVs not having a dedicated EV mode is a bit of a deal breaker for me... I would be one of those people who would brag about not using a bunch of gas.... If you're just going to use the car as a Hybrid, then just buy the standard hybrid, it would save a lot of money upfront, and be less complicated to operate... I for one don't understand people who buy a PHEV and just use it like it's a normal hybrid.... It's less efficient than a standard hybrid, and why bother with the biger battery and EV capabilities if you aren't planning to use them? And yeah, I know your commute is over a mountain and kind of far and a normal PHEV doesn't have the range to get you to and from work on battery alone.... That isn't the average situation though. I can get to work and back on that battery range alone, and could potentially make a tank of Gass last for months and months, but I'd also have the option to drive down to the beach for a weekend and not have to worry about finding a charge station somewhere nearby, or be worried about hotel charging, or using the car and depleting the range over the weekend. It could use the car without worry, and fully enjoy the vacation. Live in the moment and all that. I guess it's kind of like those VCR/DVD combo units they sold for a while. You get access to both and have the option to continue using what you already have access to and are comfortable with, but you can still also utilize the newer. format. Not a perfect analogy because DVDs are dead now, but the idea is there.. I mean hell, you even make the same argument at the end of your video... We want an ev but don't want to go all in. What does it matter if we want to be ev only as much as possible then? If we aren't ready for a full ev then using a PHEV as an ev alternative is a decent solution.... Not sure how that's hard to understand....

[@GabrielSBarbaraS]

So am I correct in understanding here that an EV only mode can be forced unless you floor the pedal or the heating is needed? My goal here is to end up at my home with close to zero charge. However, if on a long trip, I would be OK with spending more on gas ( with a MPG penalty) so as to not do the charging hassle while traveling every 200 to 300 miles . Ninety percent of our trips are less than 20 miles.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

The front styling isn't something that I can't live with, but the Sorento and Telluride look so good I don't know why the KIA people didn't make the front of the vehicle look like them.

[@subbiahpalani]

Is this motor affected by oil consumption issues?

[@markwoollard]

Thanks!

[@tjs114]

Johnny Hates Jazz... Flashbacks to high school when that album came out and was only available on cassette and CD- one of the first albums not offered on vinyl.

[@cah95046]

My next car. Niro PHEV currently. Note. The automatic transmission does not have a traditional energy wasting hydraulic torque converter. The motor is used to sync the engine and transmission speeds before shifts.

[@volkhen0]

Thanks for the info, I was wondering about it. Ps. I have Sportage PHEV now and my next car will be Niro PHEV ;)

[@TheOreamnos55]

Re: your comments at 28:40, what's so hard to understand about a use case where someone would want the routine, local, daily travel to be in a purely EV mode, and then operate in a normal hybrid for days when you're traveling more than 25 or 30 miles? Seems so obvious to me...

[@fonmar26]

I don’t understand your comment on the RAV4 Prime electric acceleration witch I find pretty good (9sec) also the hvac on the KIA would be for me a no go. Great review.

[@user-hs8sw5qo2r]

Very pro, I love this video

[@peggyrbaldwin]

I’m feeling very satisfied that we just brought a new Sportage Plug-In Hybrid home yesterday. Maybe watching this video first would have made it even easier.

[@jigs8437]

I think you got the pricing wrong. PHEV comes in around $47000-48000

[@slash11lipo]

Hey Alex, Please start including headlight performance in your reviews. You are the best automotive reviewer and it would definitely give people another reason to subscribe to your channel.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Is there a particular standard you have in mind? I'm not sure how easy it would be but things can always be considered. -Travis

[@glennkneebone123]

Opposites unite is their stated design language. So I guess that explains your styling comment! I couldn’t get the plug-in. Period. They aren’t available in all areas. Still waiting on the Hybrid. Nearly a year now…

[@TheDigitalGuerrilla]

On the buyer side, I can tell you that it would be great to do small daily commutes just in ev and save gas and wear of the ICE engine

[@dslfrk59]

Put the keys in your pocket then feel them, you can very easily feel and press the lock button with out pulling keys out or looking at them that's why I think they did that.

[@th003g]

If it was still eligible for the rebate, many would've already bought one. I have an Optima Phev and would like to switch to awd crossover.

[@xuhaoping4360]

In canada PHEV is almost the same price as the gas model. So the wait time is crazy

[@jradonabike]

What's the PHEV Sportage availability? We've had our order in with the dealer for 6 months now. Any time we ask them for an update on availability they're completely clueless on when they'll be available.

[@volkhen0]

I ordered in March 2022 and got it in Oct 2022. PHEV “L” trim. But it was produced in neighboring country of Slovakia.

[@spencer476]

Alex, I gotta ask - do you actually ever put a half gallon of milk in your center console? Enquiring minds want to know.

[@greenne]

Interested in the comparison between this and the Outlander PHEV. It seems like the Outlander behaves much more like an EV with a generator attached vs the Kia acting like a hybrid with a plug. Thoughts?

[@ghenry85]

That's pretty accurate. The Rav4 Prime can't be explained so easily.

[@Luma_29]

Very true, but at the end of the day they’re both PHEVs, which are pretty limited, so making the comparison just makes sense.

[@MrRaitzi]

Yes. Outlander goes more on EV mode but has much worse economy on gasoline engine.

[@ShafinRehman]

The pricing between the RAV4 Prime and the Sportage PHEV differs massively in different countries. In Canada, the top end Sportage SX PHEV is $50k after tax and rebates. The Prime XSE Tech is $67k, even with rebates and is still missing a lot of features the Kia has. Paired with the awful interior, there is no world where it is actually worth the extra $17k. The base Prime SE is not even worth it either, it's basically an LE with the powertrain but it costs $15k over the hybrid. Toyota's pricing in Canada at least is terrible, and people fall for it. Also, thank goodness our Sportage spec has all the stuff the US is missing, including auto dimming rear mirror, heated rear seats, Homelink, and much more. Ours should hopefully be in our driveway soon.

[@michellerichard6117]

Agreed 100 % that why I chose and got my Sportage PHEV SX (white color) this July 5th over the rav4 xse Prime ..I’m still on the rav4 waiting list since feb 2022…. Toyota told me 3 more years of waiting this March 2023…Lol I gave up and don’t regret it. My Sportage features, interior and tech beats the rav4 prime by a lot…. I’m quite happy to get a tiny less efficiency compared to the rav4 while saving more than $16k ! I love everything about my Sportage not even speaking of the full length moon roof… wisely integrated rear window wiper….such a beautifully designed suv.. overall Sportage stands out from its competitors 😊😊😊😊

[@tinaplin]

What color is this car in the video??? I love it!

[@Lucyan77]

All Kia Phev Sportage have 6 clasic automatic gear?or it depends of car equipment and you can get DCT for other less equipped car?

[@volkhen0]

All have 6 gear

[@MrMasterSpam]

I have one on order from Oct, but looks like it will not arrive until June or July, I hope..., With 5.6KWH of solar and a backup battery, I think I'll be able to do 70-80% of my usual monthly driving in EV mode but I do travel to CO Springs and Tucson from Albuquerque which negates, for me, a pure EV.

[@ocrisanto]

I have a XLine Prestige PHEV. Really like the power and ability to charge at home. It’s worth every penny. Beautiful vehicle.

[@Bebela1ms]

Does it come with heads-up display? How much does it cost full tank ?

[@ocrisanto]

@@Bebela1ms No heads up display, and about $50 dollars per month to charge daily.

[@Bebela1ms]

@@ocrisanto oh man. Idk why they wouldn't add that to this top trim. How about ambient lighting?

[@ocrisanto]

@@Bebela1ms Ambient lighting is very good with ability to change colors.

[@Bebela1ms]

@@ocrisanto ok cool. At least that though. Lol last question, what is the top speed ?

[@erikruggels9177]

It’s worth mentioning the conventional 6 speed is way better mild off road!

[@JamesMcGillis]

For 2024, there is an available OEM (dealer installed) front steel skidplate. It is powder coated in white and is wide but not deep. It provides protection from parking lot barriers and curbs. It works on any Sportage.

[@blackomega99]

I see a windshield defrost button but also a 2nd windshield heater icon... What does the 2nd icon do?

[@gregory5120]

Heated windshield on the top trim.

[@blackomega99]

@@gregory5120 thank you!

[@toddb6576]

In Orlando, the PHEV is $10k more than the HEV. It's like refunding all your fuel savings back to the manufacturer and getting a higher electric bill each month too. I don't get it.

[@piotrniec9638]

Many workshops still have some catching up to do when it comes to digitalization. Digitization. Electromobility. Consolidation. The electro cars industry is undergoing changes - and with it the secondary market . Aftermarket of green energy !!!!!!

[@peterfessier9780]

I have a RAV4 prime and part of the reason I chose it over waiting for the Sportage, was that it has the most powerful EV motor of any plugin hybrid other than the Outlander which adds up to about the same as the RAV4. This means it's a good EV as well as an efficient Hybrid. So, I can go on the highway at high speeds and decent acceleration and the engine doesn't turn on. I'd probably choose the Sportage over the RAV4 if AWD was more important to me because I'm guessing the mechanical AWD is better than the AWD that comes from the electric motor in the rear of the Prime. The tech is probably also a lot better in the Sportange than in my 2021 Prime, but it's been update now.

[@andresmattos7541]

But is still a f Toyota

[@MrRaitzi]

Kia is not better than Rav4 when off-road. Just better stability maybe slippery road. Outlander beats both off road due to powerful rear electric motor. But just one item. All of them make sense for some

[@usa-earth]

Alex, yesterday we purchased a 2023 Kia Sportage Plug In Hybrid. I have to say this is my first experience with an electric vehicle. My commute is about 27 miles each way so I am hoping to augment gas cost considerably with this SUV. I wish Kia could have fit the regular gas tank in - couple more gallons=longer range and made it so that you could still put the cargo cover in the lower position, but we'll deal with it. Other than those, I don't think there are any other compromises with this vehicle.

[@volkhen0]

It would be best if you could charge at work. I have this car for a year. Although it’s an European version which is a bit smaller I love everything about this car except the app. I just hate it.

[@usa-earth]

Yeah.... the app needs some work, that's for sure! THanks for the feedback.

[@mrJay-hg6ep]

You said the ride height is 8.9 inches, its actually 7.4 inches. Theres a big black object hanging down in the middle.

[@3crowsfarm16]

Up here in Canada we get a $5k federal rebate and a $2k BC provincial rebate on PHEV, same as EV (Provincial rebate is $3k on full EV). Thus, it's pretty much the same price as the hybrid. We have a PHEV Sportage on order, been waiting for 8 months -it should be here any day now! Thanks for explaining the differences in the drivetrain -this is the best breakdown I've read so far. I really wanted an EV! But as you pointed out, there are no EV that give you same clearance, AWD and capacity for luggage and towing.

[@sedonars1]

Fisker Ocean has all of your list

[@3crowsfarm16]

@@sedonars1 it does not exist yet. And if it ever does, there won't be a dealer network anywhere near me I'm picking up the sportage phev this afternoon from the local kia dealer

[@sedonars1]

@@3crowsfarm16 you can order them online for delivery later this year. Initial delivery is occuring next month.

[@3crowsfarm16]

@@sedonars1 i won't order a tesla because service is 4hr away What makes u think ordering a car from an unknown manufacturer building it's first car is going to be of any interest? With the number of new ev manufacturers struggling to stay afloat I'm not accepting that risk w my money or vehicle requirements

[@alanbland1976]

​@sedonars conventional wisdom is that you're taking a serious risk with respect to reliability when you buy a first-of-class or first year after a refresh. How much do you think that goes up with a company that's only just starting to build cars? EVs as a group have poor reliability, even from established manufacturers, because most are still pretty new to building EVs and they drag the stats down. I wouldn't buy from either Frisker or Rivian right now. Maybe in five years.

[@djcobb74]

Fast forward to today, 2024, and the prices have jumped significantly. The hybrids are in high demand on the east coast and most EX trim hybrids are sold before they arrive at the dealership... our dealer wanted $39,000 for the EX trim hybrid, about $7,000 over MSRP and they can't keep them in stock.

[@Dermisc]

I don't understand the stigma against PHEV's. It does everything that a BEV could do, as well as everything that a BEV couldn't. By use cases, at least 95% of my vehicle usage is commute and shopping. With 80-100km of electric range, PHEV's would be no different from the BEV's that have 500km range. In those rare cases where I need to drive long distance, I would just drive in HEV mode and fill-up at gas stations. What is there not to like?

[@EzekielElin]

Surprised you didn’t mention the Crosstrek PHEV - similar price and also a mechanical AWD system

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Because it’s much smaller and for 2023 no longer exists

[@alanbland1976]

It had terrible range. The Crosstrek is a solid car, but it wasn't a good PHEV.

[@cathyBurke-um7mf]

On the Hwy, how long do you have electric power? then if only gas motor, how sluggish is the power on a incline compared to the pick up of a regular gas motor suv?

[@Qrail]

Sluggish? Can you define that? The more you put your foot in it, the more economy goes out the window. It isn’t that noticeable. My definition of sluggish is a 1972 Pinto with a 54 hp Kent motor and automatic transmission. (My school bus was faster than that in the mountains!) edited to adjust the correct horsepower.

[@cathyBurke-um7mf]

@@Qrail thanks. Guess I should of asked if you lose alot of power when going up an incline without the extra hp from the electric engine if depleted. SO could I pass an 18 wheeler on an incline with ease! guess the answer is Yes.

[@Qrail]

@@cathyBurke-um7mf I would agree with you. But on any PHEV there is a safety margin, so you can’t really deplete the battery like in a BEV. I have about a 12% part of the battery that can’t be drained. (In my Ford). This insures that the car can run in hybrid mode if “all” the battery is empty.

[@03086rm]

No mentions of the Escape PHEV which has much better real world range and highest MPGe in the class. Seems like auto enthusiasts are turned off by the lack of AWD and bland interior, but it will readily meet the needs of many (most?) US Americans (and has a tax credit!)

[@peterfessier9780]

I was glad to see your comment. As you said the Escape PHEV has the tax credit and is the only moderately priced PHEV that does. It has the best MPG of any of the PHEV’s in it’s class (Not counting the Niro as it’s a bit smaller) and is really a nice car. I almost bought one but Ford was slow about getting itself on the list for tax rebates here in Oregon. One thing about PHEV’s and EV’s is that efficiency kind of gets lost as people are not used to the numbers. 85 MPGe sounds good, but it’s really not that great compared to the Prime and the Escape. I think people are more focused on range than efficiency. Over all I’m a big fan of Alex but I don’t agree with some of the things he says about PHEV’s and EV’s. Just some.

[@plemieux84]

Escape Hybrid under stop sale and recall for engine fires with no solution/fix available lol

[@usguyver]

The problem of the escape is that it doesn't have all wheel drive, and many features and a bland interior. I rather the better interior than to get an extra eight miles in a charge.

[@louviendevias647]

I’m surprised the cabin noise in this is 72DB and the normal hybrid is 70DB

[@Brayant25]

Probably the rim and tire size. Less sidewalls because it comes with a 19inch vs the hybrid 18inch rim

[@nc3826]

Alex, when are you going to post on your AoA. The rationale for 2023 Sportage ICEV buyers to instead buy hybrid or PHEV such as the 2023 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid? Since currently your soapbox is pretty myopic.

[@duncanmacraven4024]

I love the look. ❤

[@sylviakamdem21]

So this model doesn't come with à Spear wheel at all?

[@niffrig]

I think the Outlander PHEV should have been included in the comparison.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Coming soon...

[@sdavis3398]

somehow I missed the AER in this video.

[@nevco8774]

I am among those hating the transmission shifts. I prefer eCVT from Toyota working smoothly in HEV and PHEVs. There is no need for transmission at the end of the day if the wheels are propelled directly by electric motors since software can do wonders in modulating the needs off road: look at Rivian or GMC HUMMER. Why it does not work in case of Toyota RAV4 Prime to be a good off roader - simply unrefined software. Why Hyundai group still prefer transmission in their hybrids - their have spent money on RD and at the moment those factories still employ lots of folks but the product is relatively cheap.

[@Ryanstuff]

That off-center radar sensor looks absolutely ridiculous.

[@rodoherty1]

I have the phev Kia Ceed Sportwagen and I think I would very much appreciate an upgrade to the phev Sportage.

[@volkhen0]

Niro is Also nice

[@Hexa8]

How is reliability after 80000km on these Honda and Toyota are built to last what about this?

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Since we haven't driven this vehicle 80,000 km's we can't speak from first hand experience but that's really not that much distance and you'll find very few occasions where a modern vehicle has had significant issues at 80,000 km. I wouldn't have any concern with this Kia until nearly double the distance and even then it would be standard things that come up with all vehicles. -Travis

[@CandycaneBeyond]

I've been looking at a used BMW i3 Rex

[@nc3826]

I must admit the geek in me.... Would love to buy one too.... At the right price... Where else are you going to get a carbon fiber/aluminum framed, range extended used EV, at an affordable price? Make sure you get it checked out by an EV mechanic... BMWs Are not known for their reliability... And good luck buying one.

[@pauld6967]

Alex, all of your mentions of the new Prius Prime has me wondering when your video on it comes out. I heard a claim about its electric-only range that is great if true: 60+ miles on a charge.

[@Briguy1027]

Seems great -- the only deal killer for me would be the lack of a spare tire. I just really want the ability to change the tire in case there is any problem.

[@oateater5044]

Eh, that's only come up for me about 3 times in 30 years of driving. I don't like the idea of no spare, but I'm sure I'll get used to it.

[@Briguy1027]

@@oateater5044 You have better luck than me. I think I've had to change a spare like at least 5 times, maybe more in yikes 40 years of driving? I dunno, every time it's traumatizing, LOL.

[@ghenry85]

I have a non Prime Hybrid Rav4. I have had the opportunity to try it in packed deep snow drifts and it does fine. Going can be alittle slow but it it's hard to get stuck. The rear electric motor generator comes on quickly when the front wheels start to slip. The Rav4 Hybrid actually can't function as a gas only. The transmission is relying on one or the other electric motors to get engine power to the wheels via the differential effect of the planetary gear set. It sounds odd, but it's the way the system works. I like mine overall, not perfect but I don't miss the shifting gears one bit. Kia and Hyundai hybrids are a good system in my view. I like them less than Toyota Prius but more than Honda. Gas milage is the biggest advantage of a hybrid and Kia/Hyundai delivers good results. One more note: the hidden rear wiper is actually a rear good idea. My Rav 4 has the wiper exposed and it's always plugged with ice in snowy conditions. One detail I learned that I didn't like after the purchase. Enjoy your videos Alex and good day.

[@stargate25645]

I have seen literature indicate the RAV4 has AWD at lower speeds. That seems to me the primary time the average user would need to use it, and would mean it doesn't have to slip first. Is that not the case?

[@Kurre.]

That crushes efficiency...

[@chinnana583]

You are right. AWD is engaged from the start, but disengaged once it reaches certain speed. AWD needed when there not enough traction, for some reason Alex keeps claiming mechanical is better it can give full power. Reality is we are limited by traction, 40-50HP electric motor has more than enough torque when you get stuck. It is more to do with ability to brake the slipping wheel.

[@stargate25645]

@@Kurre. so are you disputing this operation procedure for Toyota? @chinna Na if the rear wheels don't with with EV battery depleted, then that would operate as he indicated, bit that is an important distinction he had not made in numbers videos now if true.

[@ghenry85]

The awd in the Toyota comes on when you take off to give you a boost, then shuts off after about a second or so unless the fromt wheels slip. As far as I know it will do this regardless of speed traveled.

[@chinnana583]

@@ghenry85 Correct. It not only engage during intial phase(15MPH), but also when slip is detected, but if I remember correctly, there was some higher speed limit. @Matthew, this is has nothing to do with Battery Level as Toyota Hybrid system has MG1/MG2 which generates power even when the car is stationary with engine running. For example, even when car is at a stop, engine starts and starts charging Hybrid Battery. So, even if battery is depleted, Toyota system can still send power to rear motor as required.

[@BuRNingFLaN]

I have the sportage SX non plug-in.... such a nice vehicle with the best ADAS tech! Question-- will this Sportage Plug-in hybrid qualify for the 7500 fed ev credit?? This will be a game-changer if it does...

[@cheapercharlie]

30:57

[@readyplayer2]

It isn’t built in the US and the battery components aren’t US sourced so it doesn’t qualify for any of the credit.

[@sftech9215]

At the moment, it won't. But, there are some news that Ally Bank is doing a lease for certain Kia models and passing some tax credit as incentive. And, I hope that Kia will officially start this soon since Hyundai started for Ioniq5.

[@BuRNingFLaN]

@SF Tech wow, that sounds promising regarding Ally Bank! Fingers crossed we can access some good lease deals with this KIA sportage PHEV. Currently enjoying my gas sportage. Would love the extra power and ev versatility!

[@readyplayer2]

@@sftech9215 Good point! One thing to note is that while leasing companies can receive a tax credit for purchasing clean energy vehicles to lease (and I'm sure all will rush to make sure they do), they have no obligation to pass any of that on to the consumer. Hopefully most companies will without tacking on other fees that essentially cancel it out.

[@fr373969]

Like the content as always but the Kia/Hyundai system failed to provide camp mode to use ac without running engine like RAV4 prime that’s a bummer, and probably the bigger bummer is there is no tax credit

[@oateater5044]

No, the ac runs fine. It's the heater that's an issue.

[@Scotty_B123]

The large screen for Android is now available with an update.

[@lornestein7248]

I really like it but think I'll wait for the 2023-2024 Mazda CX-70 PHEV. A lot more money but much nicer quality.

[@Snerdles]

In Canada there are provinces that you can get up to 10k off a 50km+ range PHEV, similar to a BEV. That puts the Sportage EX at 38.7k on the Kia Canada website, the PHEV EX comes in at 48.2k but you get 10k as a rebate so after taxes are calculated it's only about an extra grand to get the PHEV. Only a grand makes it a no-brainer to select the PHEV if you can plug it in.

[@ALMX5DP]

Does the incentive work similar to the US where it isn’t a cash offer but rather a tax liability reduction?

[@Snerdles]

@@ALMX5DP No, our rebate is taken off the invoice at time of purchase after the sales tax is applied. So you pay full sales tax and then the rebate comes off the price so your payments/final price will be lower.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@Snerdles oh interesting, so anyone can technically receive the same? That makes more sense to me than the way we do it.

[@Snerdles]

@@ALMX5DP Yes, exactly... But I doubt people who don't pay income tax are dropping 40k on a new vehicle anyway.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@Snerdles true the percentage of those who fall into that might be fairly small but I think it’s not an insignificant number. I fall into that and would potentially consider something of this caliber for my next purchase if I knew I could get the full incentive. As it stands I would only reap a small amount based on how ours work which is a shame.

[@emschaub]

I try to drive my Pacifica PHEV in exclusive EV mode and brag about it. Once there are other EV only 7 seat options (and prefer minivan) within reasonable price then will happy to ditch Dino juice.

[@MLHunt]

Accelerating out of a problem isn't a thing? I've been doing it wrong all these years Alex 🤣

[@brownro214]

PHEVs are the most complicated car on the road, ICE, electric, battery, and plug in. What could go wrong?

[@alanbland1976]

There's nothing complicated about motors. They are far far simpler than engines. And the engine on a PHEV receives for less cycling than with an ICE or HEV. And in the unlikely event you have a serious issue with the battery it's only 1/4 the size of a BEVs battery. They will likely be more reliable if you stick with the established models. I'd still avoid any brand new PHEV models.

[@jenesuispasbavard]

Such a shame that this is so much slower in electric mode than in hybrid mode. There are *zero* modern PHEVs with serial or serial-like systems where the car is just as fast whether the gas engine is on or off, like in the Honda Clarity or 2nd gen Chevy Volt. I understand that the argument here could be to just get an electric car, but I'm still firmly in PHEV camp for Texas-sized road trips. For now, our Clarity perfectly fits the bill.

[@volkhen0]

For me it’s pretty quick in EV mode especially 0-35 mph range. For city it’s good enough