Watch out RAV4? Kia finally brings Sportage hybrid to NZ
The country’s best-selling hybrid gains a new key rival from South Korea, writes Matthew Hansen.
Following last year’s launch of the fully electric EV9, Kia’s local SUV line-up is set for a minor overhaul – with a new hybrid joining the mix and a sevenseater getting a generous update. Having initially missed out on getting a hybrid option during its launch a few years ago, the Kia Sportage has finally gained the anticipated powertrain.
The Sportage hybrid will be offered in two trim levels: the $53,990 Light and $55,390 Earth. Both boast a combined fuel economy figure of 5.4L/100km (WLTP), and a CO emissions count of 122g/km.
For reference, the 2.0-litre petrol Sportage has economy and emissions of 9.0L/100km and 205g/km, and the turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol has economy and emissions of 7.5L/100km and 168g/km in two-wheel drive trim.
The Sportage hybrid’s powertrain uses the same 1.6-litre turbo, but adds a parallel 44.2kW electric motor. Thanks to the additional electric component, it’s the most powerful powertrain in the Sportage range. Combined, it develops 169kW/350Nm.
The entry-level Light comes standard with cloth upholstery, dual-zone climate control and Kia’s familiar 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satnav, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, among other features. The Earth, meanwhile, adds composite leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, wireless device charging, a power tailgate and more.
The new Sportage hybrid options form an interesting counterpoint to two of the most popular electrified SUVs on the market: the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The RAV4, in particular, has been a sales juggernaut – in part because of there being limited hybrid rivals in the same weight division.
The RAV4 has a cheaper entry price than the Sportage, at $48,590 for the basic GX.
The Sportage Light and Earth align closest on price to the $55,690 RAV4 XSE. Whilst the Sportage hybrids are two-wheel drive, the RAV4 GX and XSE are all-wheel drive.
Kia also recently welcomed its updated Sorento into the country, with examples popping up in showrooms nationwide.
For the moment, only the new face-lifted Sorento’s diesel-powered variants are available in New Zealand. These range from the $62,990 LX+ and $68,490 EX, to the $73,490 Deluxe and $80,990 Premium.
All four models are powered by the same 2.2-litre turbo-diesel producing 148kW/440Nm mated to an 8-speed dualclutch transmission, and all are all-wheel drive. Kia Motors New Zealand’s website notes that hybrid and plug-in hybrid Sorento models are on their way, with the first hybrids set to land in May.