Plug In Hybrid Or Electric? Which Is Right For You | EV6 vs Sportage PHEV

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, Your painstaking efforts to illustrate the contrasting interior dimensions/limitations of these two vehicles are appreciated. 👏👏 I had expected the Sportage to have more headroom but it appears to have less than a Honda HR-V. 🤔

[@madlucio70]

I went with the 2023 Crosstrek PHEV, because I travel in deep snow, cold temps, off road and I carry a lot of gear every season. I drive a lot in the city (EV completely) and then have a 500+ Km highway trip each week. The Crosstrek PHEV is absolutely perfect for my dynamic needs :)

[@ALMX5DP]

Holy cow I didn’t know they still made a Crosstrek hybrid. Their website makes it seem like there is no truly dedicated EV range, and that it just manages everything for you. How has your experience been with it? I didn’t even see how big the hybrid battery is.

[@madlucio70]

@ALMX5DP To be honest, it took me 2 years to find one. I got lucky that someone ordered a lagoon blue pearl 2023 Crosstrek PHEV and then changed their mind for the Solterra, and I was talking to the dealership about the possibility of ordering the PHEV the same week. My experience with it has been fantastic! I love having a fully capable Crosstrek that I can drive in full EV around the city, but also be fine for the long trips that I do each week. The Atkinson's cycle tuned motor gets me great mileage even with roof racks and carrying lots of extra weight. It is fantastic in deep snow and ice, in crazy storms, and off-road. It is a dream to drive and carries all of my tools, camera gear, and luggage. My outdoor gear (kayaks, snowboards, and bikes) all fit nicely on the roof. I really love the vehicle and it makes my significant amount of driving (somewhere between 2k and 3k km's per month) really enjoyable.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@madlucio70 nice cool to hear someone has it and that it works well. Alex was recently talking about what AWD PHEV he should get and it never dawned on me that the Crosstrek would have been a very cool option (if he could find one).

[@madlucio70]

@ALMX5DP Alex's review, along with Driving Sports TV's review of the 2019 Crosstrek PHEV, were really helpful to me when I was finalizing my decision 😀 I have seen 6 here in Montréal that use some of the same public chargers that I do. 2 are white, 1 other lagoon blue pearl and 3 magnetite grey versions! They are around, but quite rare sadly.

[@RJ-gu4oh]

@@madlucio70 We get priority for all the BEV's and PHEV's here in Quebec because of the government requirements on automakers. Everyone on the internet says they never see IONIQ 5s, but I see at least 1 a day here in Montréal. Same for Rav 4 Primes

[@jeffs6090]

Phev is definitely best for my needs. I'm glad there's multiple choices so everyone can get what suits them best. So many people fight over which is best when best is extremely subjective. For me, my drive to work is 7 miles and around town errands are also not huge. I drive a long distance at least once a month (roughly 200 miles) that has zero charging infrastructure along it. All of my around town driving is done in pure electric, and I recharge overnight every three nights or so. I go to the gas station every 4-6 weeks and only put in half a tank or so so I'm not carting around the more weight of a full tank. I love every bit of it!

[@mavsguy842]

I own a PHEV. I get outstanding economy, and never have to worry about public charging infrastructure. Driving electric is by far the best part, so I'll be looking for another PHEV at a minimum, possibly a full EV for my next purchase in a few more years.

[@James-il3tq]

Sounds like most of your driving is limited to short trips

[@mavsguy842]

@@James-il3tq about 65% of my miles are in town, and the rest are long interstate trips. I live in Nebraska, and public charging infrastructure is no where close to where it would need to be for me to go full EV right now, especially because my vehicle is the family hauler. A lot depends on how charging infrastructure improves, and what my wife chooses for her next vehicle.

[@CandycaneBeyond]

I love my Prius Prime. I think it's a great compromise. I still feel like the charging network is still not efficient enough for me to make a full switch. Here in the Midwest they are scarce.

[@braedengates3123]

I personally feel that there needs to be more PHEV’s than BEV’s. Good job going through all of this.

[@gregkramer5588]

Hi Alex, FYI you can hold the control selection button down for 3 seconds to select a default view. Infotainment vs HVAC. I think this would solve your concerns with it.

[@Elricky124]

So hold the Fan button for three seconds and the controls stay on climate control? I am going to try that

[@cwqrpportable]

Plug in hybrid makes the most sense right now I think. A year ago I bought a 2022 F150 Powerboost hybrid truck. It's been a fantastic vehicle giving me the best of both worlds............ I can hypermile it and get insane truck fuel mileage or drive it like I stole it with it's 430HP and 570 lb/ft of torque. We love the Powerboost and feel the only way it could be improved is to make it a plug in hybrid. In the meantime, this is the best vehicle I've owned in my 45 years of buying new vehicles.

[@LukeO-1234]

I wish you would have been able to use a Kia Niro EV versus plugin for this test lol.

[@bdoleza]

YES!! The video all of us EV enthusiasts always wanted but never realized we wanted it!! :) Thank you!! :) The Hyundai Santa Fe plug-in hybrid is my favorite so far...

[@jenesuispasbavard]

We got tired of waiting for our Chevy Bolt order (moved up one spot in the dealership queue in *four* months...) and bought a used Honda Clarity in December. And I love it! Have only had to get gas once in three months - for a visit to Houston. Plug-in seems to be the way to go right now for Texas-sized road trips. And with the Clarity we get 200ish hp whether in electric or hybrid mode, unlike the vast majority of other PHEVs that are far less powerful in electric mode vs hybrid.

[@sjay149]

Man, you're the best reviewer out there. Thank you. Doesn't some Kia/Hyundai EVs stop charging their 12v battery, which is needed to initially start the car, when the battery's stack drops below 30%? Your below 30% and you plug it in and charge it up, but the 12v battery is dead and the EV won't start, because the software saved as much power as possible, by not keeping the 12v battery charged and won't charge the 12v battery unless the EV is running. Doesn't that diminish the car's MPGe rating, by 30%?

[@SR-cm2my]

We drive a ford escape phev. All of our daily commute is purely electric even in north east winters. I have to hesitantly admit that I do have some "EV range anxiety" with my PHEV. Totally hate it when the gas engine turns on after 38 miles. haha. But yeah. PHEVs are the best if you have a home charger.

[@Mark-de4hj]

Very informative contrast Alex. That's why you are among the best reviewers! ;)

[@shawnbrown557]

We currently own an EV (e-niro) but this video has me thinking strongly about the Sportage PHEV. Since we already have a charger installed, I would like to keep using it. Most of our in town driving would be well within the range of the EV only mode. Gas is also cheap(er) in our area, so that would help keep ownership cost down.

[@SkaBob]

We had a Niro PHEV, I think the Sportage PHEV has the same problem. In the winter it has to run the gas motor for the heater to work, some PHEVs do have PTC or heat pumps but seems like the most affordable PHEVs only use engine coolant for heating. Great in the summer or warm climates but in the winter you can't actually drive it as a PHEV, it turns into a normal hybrid. Also it was pretty underpowered in EV mode and it still needed the gas motor if you had to get moving quickly. It just didn't deliver deliver on the EV driving it promised so we ended up trading it in on a Ioniq 5 and gave up gas altogether.

[@ChrisParayno]

PHEV is definitely the way to go in 2023, especially if trying to ease into. I think it also makes sense if you have a short commute to work and yet need something to travel long distances. I still believe a 50 mile range is the sweet spot for PHEV on EV. 30 miles is just at the cusp, for many, their one way length of commuting.

[@Aceofthedynasty]

Completely agree. This my biggest issue with PHEVs. I bought my wife a 2017 Chevy Volt in 2020 cause she needed a new vehicle. It has a 53 mile electric range. I would suffice for 45 but anything less is unacceptable as that range is dependant upon battery life, composition, temperature over the course of the year etc. They run the numbers on optimum spec though of course

[@MrCarpediem6]

A buddy of mine says to avoid PHEV or HEV because you loose most if not all the benefits of BEV, that is, no more oil changes, transmission fluid changes, spark plug changes etc etc

[@danhall3450]

@@MrCarpediem6 The thing about a PHEV for many of us who own them is that the ICE is rarely used for me it is only about 20% of my driving . As a result it should last practically forever. Unfortunately the manufacturers still say to change oil at same intervals as a standard ICE vehicle. Personally I'm not worried oil related engine issues and subsequently change my oil about every 2 years.

[@ALMX5DP]

I thought the Volt was a near perfect balance for what a PHEV should be. I feel there is a sweet spot for size and weight that is most advantageous in this respect and think our ever growing need for larger S/CUVs hurts the viability of PHEV in that way. I’d love to see smaller and sleeker cars return but that just won’t happen (at least anytime soon).

[@TheJLMDT]

40-50 mile battery only range is perfect. Enough for most people to get to/from work on a charge. Then always having the gas engine “backup” is a huge win

[@michaelcavalier8750]

@@TheJLMDT I have a 2018 Volt. Due to my 47 mile round trip commute, I would prefer more range so that the gas engine would only run on long trips. After work errands and reduced range in the cold cause my engine to turn on more than I would like. 80 miles of EV range would be better for me.

[@updlate4756]

@@michaelcavalier8750 Sure, if world governments had properly incentivized PHEVs instead of BEVs, we'd have far more PHEV choices available for people with different needs. Instead, because of California's terrible residential situation that's causing people to commute far longer distances on average than most people around the world, BEVs work best for that one state, and that one state has massive political power in Washington, and incorrectly pushing the industry into BEVs too fast. The ole square peg into a round hole. Meanwhile, every other state and nation in the world doesn't need BEV range, they can get by with PHEV range for daily commuting. PHEVs aren't really meant to completely replace all gas miles. They're meant to significantly reduce them. Average US commute, which is the longest national average in the world (I believe), is 32 miles. Building a PHEV specifically for your case means either people who don't need that much range will buy that car anyways and waste battery resources (much like they're doing with BEVs today), or that PHEV simply won't see high sales volumes to justify producing it. 30-50 miles may not be perfect for your specific case, but it is perfect for the majority of people on the planet, and that efficient use of material is best for reducing transportation costs and emissions.

[@donswier]

Volt had the right recipe (hindsight is 20/20). I ended up with a used i3 REx after Sandy Munro's glowing teardown report. Very happy after 3 years. Sad that Volt mostly failed do to consumers not understanding that 40 mile EV range = 14,000 miles/year commuting.

[@peterfessier9780]

I have a Rav4 Prime and I think that's the direction Chevy should have gone. It has AWD, gets 42 miles of range and is very efficient in hybrid mode. I'm not sure why Chevy didn't go in that direction.

[@Mayjay87]

I have a 40 mile round trip commute. My Volt gets me the entire way gas free, if it's above 50 degrees. 2017, 89k miles. I wrote off the charging station on my taxes. I can take long trips and just buy gas if I need it. I bought gas the day before Thanksgiving, the next time I bought gas was January 3rd. I bought more gas February 25th, January and February were very cold. I paid 24k, so to me it was worth it. Love the PHEV idea.

[@davesutherland1864]

I have a RAV4 prime. It is a great car. After one year and 35,000km it exceeds both its electric range (mixed city and non motorway highway) and the fuel economy (travelling about 100km/hr or a bit more). We also make several long trip to visit relatives each year, and the ability to refuel and go is essential to making the trip in one day. We exchange driving duties and basically take no break other than bathroom stops. Charging would add considerable time. The charging network where I live just doesn’t cut it once you leave the home charge range.

[@MrPerfection93]

I love the styling of the Sportage.

[@mrgold3591]

I have a 18 RLX Sport Hybrid and 19 MDX Sport Hybrid (no plug-in option). Both vehicles can run on 87-93 octane and have the same mpg rating for city/combined/hwy (26/27 MDX and 28/29 RLX). Both are performance hybrids instead of being mpg hybrids with 7DCT, sh-awd, sporty suspension, and Sport+ modes. Both vehicles work for me in the southwest with very limited EV infrastructure, temp range of below 0 to +115 degrees F, and 2-6 hours in-between major cities by hwy at +75 mph.

[@chaosbuzz]

I ended up buying a 2023 Sportage hybrid (your review really helped) and I think the front design is excellent and stands out from the rav4 and clones. I also have the FWD Sportage and consistently getting 42-45mpg on my commutes, could not be more stasified

[@danhall3450]

I think for many the FWD versions would be more than sufficient plus they costs a bit less and get a bit better mileage. Unfortunately here in WA it is almost impossible to find a FWD Sportage (or Tuscon).

[@peterfessier9780]

I’d look at cars that qualify for the tax credit. The only moderately priced plug in on the list is the Escape. It’s a great car and a bit cheaper than the Sportage, but it’s not available in AWD. The best priced EV that qualifies is the ID4. It has flaws but seems like a good EV. The EV 6 is quite expensive once you get a high spec AWD so you could get a plug in hybrid Lincoln Corsair for a similar amount of money. The high spec EV 6 also puts you in range of the plug in Volvo XC 60 which is inefficient but has a ton of horsepower and a large battery for good EV range. The Ford Mach e is also priced similarly to the EV 6 but qualifies for the tax credit. So in this new world, the Kia isn’t really the less expensive choice. But then my local Kia dealership has the EV 6 marked down a litttle so there’s that too.

[@PaulHo]

Very informative, a little nauseating with some of the camera work though. I think an interesting case would be a PHEV with a larger battery, with like a 100-mile range. Some people really can't deal with charging nightly, so every few days would ease the transition.

[@mtumasz]

Thinking long-term we bought BMW iX3 in Dec’21 and could not be happier. With PHEV equivalent X3, we would gain AWD but lose a lot of cargo space. Without home charging PHEV makes even less sense

[@plneky1171]

In charging station scarce Texas, regular hybrid is the way to go, followed by plug-in hybrid, with full electric EVs only for urban areas.

[@johndonaldson5126]

We've had a Honda Clarity PHEV for over 5 years. Best car I've ever owned. We drive 100% electric around town for weeks at a time without the gas engine coming on. I'm sorry many other PHEV owners don't charge their car which is ruining the statistics. I think it is all about EV Range. If the range is only in the 20-35 mile capability that may disincentivize charging. We need EV Range to be 50-70 miles even in winter.

[@badgpaw55]

We had the Clarity electric for almost 5 years. Loved that car. After a lot of research, we went withe the fully loaded Sportage PHEV. So far, a great choice for us. Very nice car

[@badgpaw55]

Our driving pattern favors the PHEV, i.e. daily driving less than the 34 mile battery only range while eliminating range anxiety when traveling long distances. Also allows us to have a nice discount on our So. Cal Edison electric bill at home. Driving experience on the Sportage PHEV has been very satisfying.

[@ElijahRock92]

For my case working in heavy civil construction, living in a flood prone area, and having family that live 150 to 800 miles away, I would go PHEV over electric right now. It would calm my anxiety especially if needing to either temporarily drive to a distance work site or quickly need to evacuate due to a hurricane. Quite honestly, I'm hoping to see more hybrids of mid-sized SUVs and trucks. As of today 02/22/2023, they only one I see of interest is the Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid.

[@ChrisParayno]

100 percent agreed. There is the tundra but that's been a disaster of a launch 🤦. We don't need more power (though yes it is nice), we need more range and mpg.

[@ElijahRock92]

@@ChrisParayno Exactly. I'm fine with economy acceleration numbers. But imagine a mid-sized truck or SUV with at least upper 20s in the city and highway. I understand you gotta market the vehicle to buyers in the US, but maybe do the Ford PowerBoost trick and double the battery with some on-board power generator capabilities. With the infamous Texas Freeze, the tornado outbreaks in recent history, and potential next big freeze in the Ohio Valley this week, us Americans would very well consider a hybrid with power/generator capabilities.

[@baldisaerodynamic9692]

as the owner of a 22 tuscon hybrid, since new sept 2021, 47k miles its been great. the santa fe has the same drive train as mine. depending on your interior size needs, it may be one to consider as its basically the same vehicle but it is smaller. either way being the same drive train and power, its been solid and reliable and i do beat on it more than the average person would. 0-60 in just under 7 seconds has never been a concern or an issue getting on the freeway, or passing. the lane assist and radar cruise on a freeway trip to florida from vegas was great as it kinda half drove itself in a freeway lane. passing trucks is never a concern. only "lie" is the highway mpg. EPA estimates are old and based off lower mph. my trip to florida from vegas got me as low as 19mpg (doing 85 and 14F weather) averaged 25mpg doing 85-95 averaged 31-32 doing 75....which is most of the speed limits on interstates. i do average 35-36 doing 65-70. its EPA rating is 37 or 38, depending on trim. city i get from 32-42mpg, depending on how i drive.

[@peterscott2662]

A major factor for me, is that since I plan to be in EV mode on a PHEV 90%+ of the time, the weak performance in EV mode (only 90 HP) is a very major negative. I'd either just get a regular Hybrid and save a lot of money, or get a full BEV.

[@mtumasz]

Go EV, you’ll thank me when the difference in futureproofing is reflected in 2nd hand market

[@phildinh852]

That’s why the Rav4 Prime is wildly popular, the first PHEV with beefy EV motors.

[@AmericanRoads]

18:20 "The ride quality win has to go to the Kia." Ok, but which Kia?

[@garyclark6747]

Much needed comparison. The upfront cost recovery is forefront given the tax credit evaporation. Cost of electricity and fuel is a huge factor and that PHEV diminishes that cost delta making it a economical contender. 25:57

[@baldisaerodynamic9692]

kia does not get EV tax credit.

[@aaronhendry9547]

Any recommendations for videos for a thorough tutorial on "how to best use the drive modes and charging modes most effectively" on the sportage plug-in? Seems to be all about knowing the way to use these cars correctly.

[@ckm-mkc]

I seriously looked at the Sportage, but two things stopped me from buying it: 1. The fuel economy on gas only is not great and 2. you can't custom order one, so it's whatever the dealer has with their ridiculous markups. For a little less $$$, I bought a used diesel F-Pace rated at 32 mpg, but gets more like 38-44 mpg in real world highway driving. Terrible in town, but I have an EV for town use. Plus it has a way better interior and just drives better all around.

[@bhmbill]

Sportage PHEV is a bit of a unicorn, only 36 for sale across the US. While the EV6 shows 2,537 available.

[@baldisaerodynamic9692]

either production is still new, or people are buying the at a much faster rate.....

[@sentryion3106]

@@baldisaerodynamic9692 it’s a mixture of both. Also after Tesla lowered price the ev6 is not that appealing anymore

[@baldisaerodynamic9692]

@@sentryion3106 this too. however i test drove both, and the EV6 feels like a more solid, and much quiter vehiicle. but the tech is basic over the tesla

[@danhall3450]

I drive a Niro PHEV and if in the market today I would again opt for another PHEV. Regarding engine maintenance, my ICE runs only about 20% of the time. So my 6000, miles / yr on the car is only 1,200 on the ICE. I've opted to live "dangerously" with the warranty and only change my oil every 2 years. Even that is probably "overkill" in terms of engine maintenance since synthetic oil is required.

[@daflipbizkit]

An EV commuter is a good choice if you have Solar, your commute isn’t too far that you need to charge just to get home-there are premium EVs that don’t cost Tesla money, perform decently and have excellent range. My opinion is that neither are more green than the other depending on how you scrutinize. Alex has touched on those already. In addition, I personally would go for a plug in hybrid if you use as a commuter and is your sole car-makes more sense long range for road trips without worrying about charging. The plug in can use mostly battery on your commute to save your gas when you really need it. Either way, you’re helping the human race slow our use of fossil fuels and expand the use of renewable energy.

[@RigiLiquid945]

If I could afford either one, I would choose the Sportage PHEV over the EV6 because I live in a remote northern town. However, I would be fine with the new Niro PHEV. I learned to drive my parents Jettas, and have owned a Grand Am, 2 Impalas, an Izusu Trooper, a Borrego V8 4x4, a Sportage AWD, and currently own a Niro SX hybrid, and a Sorento V6 AWD. I drive in some of the worst winter conditions, and front wheel drive with good tires works fine most of the time. I would not want to drive a rear wheel drive EV6.

[@JoseRivera-qj1iz]

Definitely feel PHEV would be better for myself. I own one and in the city I drive in electric only...Gas mitigation is the perfect choice for me at this time. If in the future the charging infrastructure is better, charging wait times are less and pure EVs dont lose range with time is addressed and prices come down then maybe an EV may be something to consider.

[@pasad335]

The important thing is that you could build SIX Sportages with the same battery materials as ONE EV6. With the present state of battery technology and how they are manufactured, that environmental impact cannot be overlooked. If you are buying a plug-in to reduce your carbon emissions, you may be way better off with the PHEV.

[@senthilak8446]

Its depends on availability, Car companies are introducing lots of new model and yearly refresh, but in market there are no cars and all are selling above MSRP.

[@teknightrider2586]

I'd love to see an updated review for the 2023 RAV4 Prime XSE w/Premium Pkg. now that a few years have gone by and new full digital LCD instrumentation with lots of lil' updates.

[@Rioichi4]

I think right now, a plug-in hybrid is the ideal vehicle: enough charge to get to work and back on full electricity, but the gas tank if you want to go on long road trips or if you forget to charge or whatever.

[@godofdun]

I feel like the id.4 would be a better comparison. I get that you wanted to do it kia to kia but would have been more apple to apple as the vw is designed much more like a traditional crossover.

[@DeilGrist]

Could you compare a ID4 to something comparable the way you did these two kias? The used market in my area for the former is strong. I also thought you should know if you didn't already that battery electric vehicles also typically have a floor and ceiling buffer. That is not exclusive to the plug-in hybrid.

[@guitarsz]

fantastic video comparison. Thank you!

[@johnwilson4120]

Excellent job Mr.D 👍👍😎But I wouldn't buy either. My pick would a pure hybrid Sportage, not the plugin. And I like the styling on the Sportage. The Sportage is far from "perfect" but in terms of value for money, it is a good deal. EVs are still not a mature tech and I don't think they will be the decisive non gasoline alternative in the long run; Hydrogen will be ... the refill time is still waaaay too long on battery powered vehicles; hydrogen is about the same as a gas fill up or just slightly longer. Once the hydrogen infrastructure is in place I think HVs will rapidly overtake EVs and Hybrids as the fuel of choice.

[@beachbumis]

I went green then took a step back. Owned a Mach-E for 18 months, now own an Audi Q5 PHEV. Nothing against EVs but the added time and stress on long road trips was not worth the benefit of not using gas.

[@RexFlashMinistries]

Just an FYI. In terms of actual inventory, I just looked at Kia's website. As of 23 February 2023, within 100 miles of my 92618 zip code, there are 396 EV6, 15 Sportage PHEV and 217 Niro PHEV available. I'm thinking your best price is going to be on the Niro PHEV.....

[@arunmur84]

31c feels like a huge discount compared to what I pay PG&E not too far from there. Also to be noted is that most public level 2 chargers here charge 36c/kWh for those folks not being to charge at their own home.

[@DannyZRC]

I'm also a pge customer and I figure he's using ev2-a which is 25c overnight but paying an enhancement for "renewable energy" which is just greenwashing

[@toyotaprius79]

Wish we can address the issue why not enough plugin hybrids (EVs and hybrids in general) were on the roads 10 years ago, making their way to the majority of people who buy second hand. ie; compliance vehicles. The choice of plugin hybrids now is too slim, and predominantly crossovers, they're more profitable. The original Hyundai Ioniq was the closest to offering the Goldilocks car. The Ioniq 5, 6, Niro and Kona EV etc are very much different beasts and less accessible which was the whole point of electric mobility.

[@kimle01]

Plug-in hybrid for large suv and truck van. Sedan and small suv pure EV.

[@stevenreichertart]

This is a brilliant and helpful comparo, thanks Alex!

[@wacoodude6567]

Sportage EX Trim does not have Adaptive Cruise control which is a major miss in my view.

[@baldisaerodynamic9692]

but its all standard in the regular hybrid tuscon blue model. strange how these companies have mismatched things.

[@wacoodude6567]

@baldisaerodynamic9692 I really like the interior of the sportage and it's class leading cargo and legroom. Tuscon is a tad bit smaller. Ford Escape is surprising loaded with tech as well even though it's a 2020 model, except for the small screen it's can match these vehicle for tech.

[@cyrilpang5457]

size is top priority for family car. so Sportage got my vote XD

[@rogue13131313]

Plug-in Hybrid has so much more flexibility.....how can you not go with it.

[@katmanjenks1961]

Thanks Alex! Now its time to read the comments from the all of the KZbin know it alls!😼

[@gerhardk98]

Maybe for the next comparison you could compare a Ford F150 Lightning and a Ford Maverick Hybrid 🤷🏼‍♂️. It would give results about as valid as this comparison.

[@daviddawdy6274]

In currently wrestling with the choice of going after a Santa Fe PHEV (which I'd have to purchase in another state (Ca.)) Or buying a standard hybrid Santa Fe locally. Overall, the standard hybrid is probably the more economical choice, but i really do want to at least go phev.

[@daviddawdy6274]

I understand your point but, i think it's not as simple as that. My daily commute is sixty miles total, which exceeds the EV range of the Santa Fe; but the split on that commute is roughly 24 miles surface streets, 36 miles freeway. The freeway part of it is also very speed stable - meaning i basically put myself in the right hand lane, pin my cruise control at 65, and just roll. So, at the very least, if be knocking 120 gas fueled miles per week off of my commute, and i feel like that's pretty great.

[@ChrisParayno]

Standard hybrid is for sure the way currently. You get more range overall, and even better mpg. A plug in is not with the premium, even with the tax rebate.

[@baldisaerodynamic9692]

i posted in someone elses post above my 22 hybrid tuscon, not plug in. same drive train. maybe that will help you choose. 18ish months now and have 47k miles on it been great. santa fe is same thing, just bigger.

[@danhall3450]

Prior to the Dems new (and misguided) policy on rebates, the cost of most PHEV was almost at parody with HEVs resulting in the PHEV almost being a no brainer.. Sadly not true currently.

[@RichardJoashTan]

Glad that I will buy a fully loaded 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

[@makimbell_]

How do PHEVs handle gasoline degradation? Nearly all of my trips to work, errands, etc., would be within the electric only range in, say, a RAV4 Prime. Would it be best to use an additive to be safe? Is it not even an issue? It's possible that I would fill up once per year or less with my current driving habits.

[@ekbuz]

I feel like if you could go that long, it'd be best to not "fill up" unless needed. People talk about the extra weight of batteries to haul around, but no one talks about a full tank of gas that you might not get to for months. I'd say in your situation, never fill above half unless going on a trip. Or maybe just do a quarterly 1/4 tank of gas to freshen it up. Gas can last a long time. When Covid hit, one of my cars went months before I used up the gas in it.

[@makimbell_]

Ahh, that makes sense. I wasn't even considering not filling up 100%. It's a different way of thinking / planning.

[@usa-earth]

Is that Sportage your new long termer? I like the looks of it, not like all the other CUVs out there.

[@spiritmorin]

I would like the space of a Pacifica and the range of an EV6, but I can't afford such vehicles. So I keep my Soul EV 2016. But I may go with a PHEV Pacifica.

[@brownro214]

A plug in hybrid is probably the most complex car on the road. It has an ICE engine, an electric motor, a battery pack, and an external charging capability. What could possibly break down? And, surveys have found that a wide majority of PHEV owners don't bother to plug in their cars.

[@mvcnj9700]

Thanks for the very very useful information.

[@longochu8588]

I like plug-in hybrids, but unfortunately it is never on dedicated platform, so spare tire is sacrificed for the extra battery compared with the hybrid counterpart. (Is RAV4 Prime the only exception?)

[@paulbarton5322]

Based on what I've seen going up to the Santa Fe and Sorento adds a compact spare like the Rav4 Prime. I can also confirm the Outlander and Tucson (sister to the Sportage) don't have a spare. I still need to get into the Volvo and coming Mazda options. I'd guess some of the larger vehicles (4xe's) with more space have a spare but they're outside my price range and I haven't reviewed. Hope that helps.

[@dickthompson8018]

The Ford Escape PHEV can have a compact spare tire, $110 option

[@baldisaerodynamic9692]

@@paulbarton5322 on the tuscon hybrid, non plug in, you can buy a full sized plain steel rim and tire from discount tire, fit a 1.5 ton harbor freight floor jack under the cargo tray. you can do all that for under $300. hyundai sells the spare kit, if you can order it, for $500 and its a compact.

[@paulbarton5322]

@Bald is Aerodynamic I should have been clearer but I was only referring to the PHEV's as Alex was compare PHEVs and EVs for this review

[@baldisaerodynamic9692]

@@paulbarton5322 no worries, i was actually throwing out an example of a non plug in if people have a big concern about a full sized spare if it was a deal breaker or not

[@josiploncaric]

Comparing Hyundai’s somewhat comparable gas/hybrid/PHEV/EV models, hybrid delivers the lowest Fuel+Depreciation cost. PHEV beats gas after 5 years and EV beats gas after 12 years. If you plan on keeping the car for 3-5 years, EVs could cost up to about $10K more than gas and be cost justified. However, you don’t just get lower fuel costs: EVs offer much better performance, because cheaper gas cars can take 50% more time to reach 60 mph. I’d say that EV buyers are sold on performance at least as much as efficiency.

[@Qrail]

Alex, you ought to be getting some snow in the future. (Within 72 hours of this post) Tell us then how they do. My money is on the hybrid. Edit. Talk about real cost of ownership. I understand you are in PG&E territory. But I’m referring to interest rates, and the MSRP + markup. $1000 per month car payment?

[@meathead585]

I prefer the blue one...

[@brucemoose926]

The boomerang daylight driving lights look terrible.

[@matthewkopf6243]

These comments are hilarious or depressing depending on your view. So many people seem to think if a vehicle doesn’t meet their specific lifestyle or needs it’s stupid or the people who designed it are stupid.

[@baldisaerodynamic9692]

insurance this made me laugh i have a 22 tuscon hybrid. the EV6 was $308 more per 6 months the model 3 was $1028 for 6 months. (i did ask about tesla insurance, which was more reasonable than this, but still higher but i do not have an exact amount but i would suspect in range of the EV6). i want to add the one factor about insurance, supply chain issues for parts for the accident repairs could be a reason why its crazy high

[@danrichardson4275]

Your initial statement is wrong. The RAV4 Prime is not selling "incredibly well in the US".

[@CrazyWeeMonkey]

Demand for them is SUPER high, and they sell every single one they can make. That's the only reason the sale numbers aren't higher, they're production constrained.

[@Mountain-Man-3000]

PHEV for the win!

[@courage.s]

According to me Hybrid cars like Toyota is the way to go. No spending on electric chargers or charging on stations which is weirder in reality than it sounds.

[@jauffins]

It's a shame PHEVs (and even many hybrids with even the most basic of options) are SO expensive, the Sportage hybrid starts at 28k but you'll pay nearly 40k for the PHEV - why it adds $12,000 to the price to take the hardware already there and simply install a larger battery, I don't understand.

[@padfoo]

There is a dealership mark p on all Kia evs.

[@baldisaerodynamic9692]

in henderson nevada they "no longer do markups" at the kia dealer, but they charge you $4000 for window tint and a clear bra, and about $1500 in other useless goodies.

[@danhall3450]

Thankfully Seattle area KIa lots currently have good supply HEVs & PHEVs. As a result, many dealers have dropped markups, some dealers even showing below MSRP on their websites.

[@TalismanPHX]

I want a new Corolla Cross hybrid in Cypress Green

[@OldThomMerton]

Hmmm not a fan of the looks of the EV6, but the front end of the Sportage is . . . weird. Every time I see one on the road I wonder what they were thinking.

[@lukerinderknecht2982]

It's hideous

[@djp1234]

DIESEL / ELECTRIC hybrid is right for me, but no one wants to sell it to me.

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

By the way PHEV are stupid complex so I doudt a shop that does not work on a "simple" Telsa would touch a Plug in... Also you do have to factor in a 20% MSRP battery replacement at some point.

[@shepardsmith3235]

IC Engine cars are over. If you buy a new car dont even think of buying anything other than a full electric. Especially now since battery technology is getting better and better. I have a TESLA and plug it in at home and save 20 percent by doing this at night when rates are lower.

[@bitbat9]

Full EVs don’t make sense for a lot of people at this point. Not everyone has a place to charge

[@shepardsmith3235]

@@bitbat9 You make sense. But realize this. Virtually all new EV's now have DC Fast Charging which means they can be almost fully charged in 20 to 30 minutes which is doable time to sit. The real problem is the charging infrastructure. And this will take another 3 to 5 years to fully iron out. But if you need to charge now there are chargers and these show up on your touch screen.

[@skifree0]

@@shepardsmith3235 So you make the argument that "plug it in at home and save 20 percent...therefore IC Engines are over"...only for your solution to the vast majority of people in dense urban areas without a personal garage to be "pay top dollar for DC Fast charging"... If point one is "I'm economical", making point two by as the most expensive form of energy is contradictory... As for my case...I live in a condo, I literally cannot afford a million dollar single family house just to have access to a garage where I can THEN retrofit with a charger, And if DC charging is not cheaper AND it takes 4-5x (I usually fill up in 5min), I actually don't see any reason to go EV....

[@moloono1]

Would never consider Kia for any vehicle. PHEV is definitely the way to go until more infrastructure is built.

[@jerbsherb4391]

With the prices of these EVs, I feel like going green means how much money they are taking from you.

[@baldisaerodynamic9692]

after seeing youtubers that dont get freebies vs those that speak nothing but the good of EVs, i learned that EVs are not at all worth it unless its a tesla, and even then there are some downs, but far less of them when it comes to practicality. fords are plain junk apparently, kia and hyundai have had some learning pains but not seen so much, tesla is still improving build quality. I test drove a Model 3 and a EV6 and the EV6 was built better, more solid feel, and far more quieter....but, the charging issues with the non tesla network are far more experienced by influencers, and the tesla is superior and reliable when it comes to SC network, and the tech in a tesla is much better over the EV6. but the road noise in the tesla is awful, and 270 miles of range (lets be real its probably more like 235) is not awful if you never leave your immediate areas, but its also at that not so sweet spot either for range. Teslas have been tested by many to have better reliability in cold weather with far less range loss. hybrids are really the best overall right now, no fighting over a charger, no 30-60 minutes to charge only 80 percent, no planning where your next hopefully working charger is, and still saving money, while costing less to operate than a all gas car, cold weather range loss is likely less, and can go anywhere without concern. second place would be a tesla simply for a vast charging network, but until the range gets reliably 350 per charge or more im not gonna bother. california requiring those ugly stickers on a $60000 car is a disgusting abuse of government defacing my property. i have the 2022 hybrid tuscon, which i think is the same as the sportage, and can attest that the space for cargo is great. i fit a 70 inch TV in the box with about 2 inches to spare.

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

If you’re trying to go green you’d buy a gas guzzling v8, carbon is tree and plant food

[@naveenthemachine]

A regular hybrid imo is better. You don’t even need to think about spending thousands of dollars to install a charger at your home or waste time waiting for your car to charge at a public charging station. You don’t need to alter your lifestyle just for the sake of plugging in

[@longochu8588]

Most plug-in batteries are small enough to fully charge through a 110V outlet overnight or during work hours.

[@Unchainedmaple888]

At this point, it baffles me that manufacturers are trying to leap frog into EVs when they haven't even managed to make normal hybrids standard or as affordable as a regular car.

[@blackwhirlwind1245]

@@Unchainedmaple888 lol, regular hybrid is already affordable, Corolla hybrid, CRV hybrid, Rav4 hybrid and Corolla cross hybrid are some of the affordable hybrids.

[@naveenthemachine]

@@blackwhirlwind1245 I think when he said affordable he meant it should cost the same as a regular gas car. We still pay more for a hybrid

[@blackwhirlwind1245]

@@naveenthemachine well, if hybrid cost the same as regular gas, then what’s the point of gas car? For example, if CRV hybrid with 204 HP cost the same as CRV1.5T with less HP(190 to be exact), then why would anyone buy 1.5T? It makes no sense.

[@bmp12]

You can’t find any of these cars on the lot, and even if you do there will be a $5000 markup on it.

Firs to like and comment! Go California!

[@drivexyz2297]

non phev hybrid is the way to go

[@FuncleChuck]

Depressing how hard it is to find a PHEV

[@lazziebardakos2956]

A regular hybrid or an EV. Plug in hybrids in my opinion just don't make sense. Why carry around an engine as well as a large battery?

[@lawrenceralph7481]

Buy a Toyota hybrid. It will last 20 years. In 20 years the EV market, if it still exists, will be mature and you can decide what to do then. In the meantime, get 40 mpg comfortable, trouble-free, driving.

[@barryw9473]

20% unlikely- more like 10% even after 150,000 miles.

[@briandonald]

I’m torn 😂. I wonder why they don’t have a CVT in the Sportage instead of the 6 speed. That would make it more efficient.

[@MrPerfection93]

I am pleased they didn’t go with CVT

[@BowlerActuary]

Their CVTs they build in house are built for smaller vehicles. I’m assuming it was easier to manipulate their auto transmissions they already had for their non hybrids than build a new CVT designed for bigger vehicles

[@ALMX5DP]

I asked this on the other social media platform a little while back. AoA’s response was “Excellent question. It's actually very logical. The DCT is smoother than an a DCT in a ICE because of the electric motor, so that solves DCT's usual low speed crawl issues. It still shifts in EV mode, but that has the effect of improving motor efficiency, so that's a win. And lastly, the 6 speed DCT has lower losses generally speaking vs Toyota's planetary design. In a Toyota hybrid around 20% of the energy goes from Engine>MG1>MG2, the issue is that there's quite a bit of electrical loss in this loop. A DCT has considerably lower loss but less ability to have the "perfect ratio" available. In the real world the result is that at 65-75 MPH they are about the same in efficiency despite the niro's boxier shape. Higher speeds tend to favor the Prius.”

[@briandonald]

@@ALMX5DP 👍🏾

[@srsairbags]

Abysmal choice of PHEVs which qualify for EV tax credit.

[@dickthompson8018]

We have a 202# Ford Escape PHEV, we love it and the tax credit it gave us.

[@freedommmc]

It's NOT zero emissions🤫🤫🤫🤫

[@MrCarpediem6]

buddy says to avoid PHEV or HEV because you loose most if not all the benefits of BEV, that is, no more oil changes, transmission fluid changes, spark plug changes etc etc

[@sentryion3106]

Yes but for hev a sportage top trim hev can save $10k+ from the top trim ev6. How long will you have to drive both to get back that 10k?

[@MrCarpediem6]

@@sentryion3106 that was my argument too. He argues keeping the vehicle for 5 plus years for it to make any sense.

[@lukerinderknecht2982]

*lose

[@CrazyWeeMonkey]

While not inaccurate, I think it's just as valuable to compare hybrids to non-hybrids rather than just vs BEVs. Hybrids give you the best of internal combustion, but they're still internal combustion. Like a RAV4 hybrid is better than the non-hybrid RAV4 in basically every way. It's more reliable, more responsive, faster, significantly more fuel efficient, and smoother.

[@MistSoalar]

The thumbnail made me think this is more generic overview of BEV vs PHEV.