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What is a “Sportage?” According to Kia, the model name is a combinations of “sport” and the suffix “age” which means, “a state or condition of.” Sportage is the perfect word for the automaker’s most outdoorsy vehicle.

Kia and its distant Hyundai cousins have been absolutely killing it in the electric vehicle segment. So it’s no surprise that Kia just nabbed US News‘ plug-in hybrid of the year.

A white EV is charging in close left side view charging in front of a building
EV charging | Askolds via iStock

The Sportage is not the only PHEV the publication reviewed. The 2024 Volvo S60 Recharge went home with “Best Luxruy Plug-In Hybrid.” But for the regular segment, US News was taken with the Sportage’s affordability.

The most obvious metric of affordability is price. And with a $39,590 MSRP, this crossover is competitive. But it is engineered to save its drivers even more. The Sportage has a hefty all-electric range of 34 miles. That means most commuters will only need to fill up for roadtrips. Even when you are burning gas, the Kia Sportage PHEV gets 35 mpg. That’s one way to stretch your dollars.

The Kia Sportage is not without its flaws. For example, the 2023 Sportage had more owner complaints than most vehicles.

See the Kia Sportage PHEV reviewed in the video below:

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.