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  • DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills

May 19, 2023

The Kia Sportage has always been popular among Americans, and now a brand new range of more environmentally-friendly options is coming out this year. With so many new economical options to choose from, including the 2023 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, it can be challenging to figure out which one is right for you. Take a look at some of the defining features that set these cars apart.

 

 

Comparing 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid with Base model2023 Kia Sportage | Temple Hills, MD

On the outside, these compact SUVs all look pretty much the same, and from the impressive front grille to the curving, sweeping body frame, these are some of the most beautiful cars that Kia has ever produced. Not only are they similar on the outside, but the interiors are all equally nice and boast the same high-tech driver-assist technologies and safety features.

 

 However, these cars are worlds apart once you get under the hood.

 

 

What’s on the Inside?

It is in the powertrains where the differences lie between these models. Whereas the classic gas-powered Sportage boasts a standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 8-speed automatic transmission, the hybrid model runs off a modest 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine coupled with a hybrid system that charges itself as you drive. The plug-in version adds a more powerful electric motor and larger battery, which can be charged at home.

 

 These different powertrains affect many different aspects of the vehicles, such as:

 

 

Fuel Economy

Take a quick look at the specs, and you’ll see that the plug-in hybrid model is by far the most economical, with an average fuel economy of a whopping 84 MPGe combined. Next up comes the standard hybrid model, which still delivers an incredible 38-42 MPG combined, followed lastly by the gas-powered version, which comes in at around 25-28 MPG combined. Opting for the hybrid options is great for both your budget and your carbon footprint.

 

 

Power

Despite boasting a larger engine, the standard Sportage only delivers up to 187 horsepower. However, pairing the slightly smaller gas-powered engine with the hybrid system on the standard Hybrid and the powerful electric motor on the Plug-In Hybrid raises this to 227 and 261 horsepower, respectively.

 

As you can see, despite looking much the same on the outside, once you get to their nuts and bolts, you’ll realize how different these models are from each other. It’s not just the differences in environmental impact that these cars make; with massively varying specs, there’s a Kia Sportage for everyone. If you’d like to find yours, come visit us at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills, where our professionals can match you with your perfect model.