Plug-in Hybrid Review: 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV

 Kia  Comments Off on Plug-in Hybrid Review: 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV
Mar 302026
 


Kia introduced the Sportage, its first sport utility vehicle (SUV), in 1993 as a 1994 model. Fast forward to today, and it’s the brand’s top-selling model. The Sportage line-up to includes six gasoline-powered, five hybrid models, and in 2023 it expanded further to add two plug-in hybrid electric models (PHEV), the first entries for Kia in this segment. Latino Traffic Report recently tested the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV X-Line Prestige. It offers a decent electric range complemented by an impressive list of creature comforts.

Powered by a 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 177 horsepower and 195 lb.–ft. of torque and matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, the Sportage PHEV powertrain also includes a 66.9-kW electric motor and 13.8 kWh lithium polymer battery provide additional power. Equipped with all-wheel drive with Terrain Mode adds a selection of off-road surfaces: snow, mud and sand (new for 2026). To help improve on road performance, the PHEV offers a choice of three drive modes: Eco, Sport, and MyDrive.

For anyone who hears the word plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and wonders how it differs from a typical hybrid, beyond the acronym, and why anyone would spend extra for one, here’s the deal. Like a hybrid, the PHEV combines fuel combustion and battery power to extend a vehicle’s fuel economy. Unlike, the hybrid, however, the PHEV can be charged to increase its electric power range, not as far as a purely electric vehicle (EV), but enough to get you to and from work, or the grocery store, or some other quick errand, without using gasoline. In the case of the Sportage PHEV, that amounts to a 32-mile range.

Charging can be done at home on a 110v outlet or with a 220v quick charger that cuts charge time to two hours. The plug, however, had an odd configuration that limited charging during the test but owners will undoubtedly figure it out. The Sportage PHEV average 32.8 miles per gallon (mpg) but jumped to 54 mpg on highway drives.

As a Sportage PHEV with the X-Line Prestige trim, the test model sits at the top of the line-up.  This does increase expectations for extra bells and whistles and it didn’t disappoint. It’s refreshed exterior design, improves its curb appeal plus the test model came in a matte grey paint finish adding to its premium status.

The Prestige trim included a healthy list of standard features plus some fancy ones too, like a 12.3-inch center touchscreen for infotainment and other onboard functions, a blind-spot collision warning system, and smart cruise control with a distance setting and Stop and Go, among other features.

Fancy equipment on the test model included a 12.3-inch configurable instrument cluster (IP)—Kia has striking graphics on its vehicles—a head-up display, blinds-spot view camera in the IP, ventilated front seats to go along with the heated ones that come standard, plus heated rear seats, among other features.  Both 12.3-inch screens are connected to give an impressive, sweeping view along the dash.

The longest running nameplate from the Kia brand, pricing for the Sportage starts at $30,285. The as-tested price came to $49,730.

Sí: The Kia Sportage PHEV offers a decent electric range as well as good gasoline fuel economy.

No: The test model was fairly pricey so that the Sportage may compete above its weight class.


Plug-in Hybrid Review: 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV

 Mazda, Reviews  Comments Off on Plug-in Hybrid Review: 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV
Feb 112025
 


Some carmakers are all in when it comes to electric vehicles (EVs) while others prefer to offer as many fuel-efficient options as possible. Mazda appears to be in the latter camp, introducing the all-new 2025 CX-70 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Latino Traffic Report (LTR) recently tested the Premium Plus trim and as the name implies, this trim sits at the top of the CX-70 lineup and as such, comes loaded with fancy features and innovative technology.

The mid-size two-row crossover SUV squeezes between Mazda’s CX-50 and CX-90 models. A hybrid plug-in makes up one of seven available packages, including non-hybrid models, and helps stretch fuel economy. It can also tow up to 3,500 lbs.
True to its trim level, the test model came with maroon heated and cooled leather front seating, and heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, blind spot monitor, a leather dashboard with accent stitching, and a second-row that folded flat with the push of a button or remotely. The black handles on the exterior accented the Copper Metallic exterior nicely.
With two 12.3-inch displays enhancing the interior on the PHEV, the infotainment screen was a little plainer and the interface a little clunky, while the display on the instrument cluster was nicer to look at as well as informative.

Powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine matched to an electric motor with  a 17.8-kWh battery pack, the PHEV powertrain produces a combined 323 horsepower and 369 lb.–ft. of torque (with the recommended premium gasoline). It’s matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission and adds drive modes—Sport, Off-Road, Towing and EV—for better performance.

The EPA estimated fuel economy on the CX-70 PHEV is an average of 25 miles per gallon (MPG) but grows to 56 mpg with the added 26 miles of electric range. It achieved 28.4 mpg on the test drive but without the electric range—the standard charging chord, usable on a 120v outlet—was not included on the test model.

Oddly, the shift knob placed Park to the left which was a little counter intuitive. Normally Park sits at the top of the stack but that spot was taken by Reverse which may take a little getting used to, especially when parking.
Pricing for the 2025 CX-70 starts at $41,820. With a $450 charge for the exterior paint and extra features from the Plus package, the as-tested MSRP came to $59,275.

Sí: The CX-70 plug-in hybrid offers the convenience of an SUV with extra miles of electric range for better fuel economy and a handsome design inside and out.

No: The infotainment system, especially setting presets, wasn’t intuitive.

 

FCA Recalls Certain 2017 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

 Recalls  Comments Off on FCA Recalls Certain 2017 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Jun 252017
 

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Electric vehicles (PHEV) for two issues.

• The affected vehicles have diodes in the Power Inverter Module (“PIM”) that may fail due to an overvoltage condition. If the diodes fail, the vehicle will not move under its own power.

• The tire placard on the affected vehicles incorrectly lists the seating capacity as six occupants rather then seven occupants, with a combined weight of 950lbs rather than 1,100lbs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, “Tire Selection and Rims.”

A vehicle that suddenly cannot be driven, increases the risk of a crash and the incorrect tire label may cause customer confusion, potentially resulting in vehicle overloading, increasing the risk of a crash.

Chrysler has not yet finalized its remedy plans for the PIM recall. The recall is expected to begin on July 24, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is T34.

Regarding the tire placard, Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace tire placard label, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin July 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is T37.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.