2023 Kia Sportage PHEV: A Solid People Mover

When it started life in the mid-'90s, it might have been hard to picture the Kia Sportage growing up to where it is now, or having three different styles of powertrain. Entering its fifth generation in 2021, the Sportage badge evolved with the times. The latest Sportage follows the bold and angular styling seen across the Kia and Hyundai lineup, and perfectly matches the stylized Kia logo. Under the Sportage’s hood, you’ll find a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated I4 that makes 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, or one of two hybrid systems that help out the turbocharged 1.6-liter mill. The traditional hybrid powertrain makes 227 hp, while the plug-in hybrid model makes 261 hp. Both hybrid models boast the same 258 lb-ft of torque. On this episode of Quick Spin, Autoweek’s executive editor Tom Murphy hops behind the wheel of the ’23 Sportage and puts it through its paces. Murphy takes you on a tour of the ’23 Sportage and talks about its features and materials. Later, Murphy takes you along on a live drive review. Adding to the show, host Wesley Wren chats with Murphy about the Sportage, its competition and more. Closing the show, the two talk about what makes the 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV special.