√2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid a step closer to Australia

Kia Australia says it is working overtime to introduce a hybrid version of the Kia Sportage SUV.

The 2023 Kia Sportage showroom line-up could have the option of a hybrid in Australia next year.

Kia Australia says it is working overtime with its South Korean parent company to introduce a hybrid version of the Kia Sportage SUV.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the top-selling SUV in Australia; more than 80 per cent of demand is for the petrol-electric version.

The Kia Sportage Hybrid has been slow out of the gates in Australia because, for now, the only example available is the ‘short body’ version made and sold in Europe.

Kia Australia must wait for a right-hand-drive Kia Sportage Hybrid to be developed and manufactured in South Korea before it can be introduced locally.

“We’ve made it very clear to headquarters that we want (a Kia Sportage Hybrid) and it’s very easy to demonstrate why it could be successful,” said Kia Australia’s head of product planning Roland Rivero, acknowledging the success of Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

“We’re well aware (of the interest in and demand for a Kia Sportage Hybrid) and it’s being reviewed,” he said. “We should have an answer relatively soon on it.

Drive understands if Kia Australia was to introduce the Kia Sportage Hybrid it would be a ‘long body’ version out of South Korea – our current source for Kia Sportage variants – rather than the ‘short body’ version made in Slovakia.

As previously reported, the Kia Sportage Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired to a 44kW/264Nm electric motor. Total outputs are rated at 169kW and 264Nm. A 1.42kWh battery pack powers the electric motor.

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