Kia Philippines, under its official distributor ACMobility, has officially introduced the new Kia Sportage Turbo Hybrid. This electrified crossover aims to give the Korean carmaker a stronger presence in the growing hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) segment.
The latest Sportage pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor and a 1.49-kWh lithium-ion battery, producing a combined 235 hp and 367 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Sportage Turbo Hybrid is offered in two variants: the EX Turbo Hybrid and the range-topping SX Turbo Hybrid. Both share the same powertrain and ride on 18-inch alloy wheels.
Style-wise, the model flaunts a more masculine aura as compared to its predecessor. Aligning to Kia’s “Opposites United” design language, the Sportage Turbo Hybrid presents an aggressive front fascia, contrasted by smooth and flowing character lines and an aerodynamic silhouette in profile. Standard exterior equipment includes projection-type LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED rear combination lamps, power-folding side mirrors, roof rails, and a power tailgate with adjustable opening height.
The interior, on the other hand, presents a modern, tech-forward feel, headlined by leather-wrapped seats and key touch points, as well as a contemporary styled center stack. Both variants feature a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, automatic dual-zone climate control, leather seats, and an illuminated push-start button. The SX Turbo Hybrid adds several premium touches, including ambient mood lighting, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and power adjustment for the driver’s seat.
Safety also receives a significant upgrade on the flagship SX variant. In addition to standard features such as six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, downhill brake control, ISOFIX child-seat anchors, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear-view monitor, the SX gains Kia DriveWise advanced driver assistance systems. These include Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keep Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist.
The arrival of the Sportage Turbo Hybrid reflects Kia’s continued push toward electrification in the Philippine market. The Sportage has been one of its most recognizable global nameplates since its debut in 1993. The hybrid variant is expected to appeal to buyers looking for the practicality of a compact SUV with improved fuel efficiency and notable performance
Kia Philippines has priced the Sportage Turbo Hybrid at P1,978,000 for the EX variant and P2,098,000 for the SX. Customer deliveries are expected to begin through Kia dealerships nationwide, giving Filipino buyers another electrified SUV option as demand for fuel-efficient crossovers continues to grow.
Autocar’s Take
The arrival of the Kia Sportage Turbo Hybrid couldn’t have come at a better time. More Filipino buyers are warming up to hybrids, but many still want an SUV that doesn’t compromise on performance or features. By pairing a turbocharged engine with hybrid technology, Kia is taking a slightly different approach from the usual fuel-economy-first formula. If its real-world efficiency lives up to expectations and the pricing remains competitive, the Sportage Turbo Hybrid could become one of the more compelling electrified SUVs in its class.
