Inside the Sportage dispenses with conventional gauges, replacing it with a wide, shallow, digital computer tablet display. There is a vehicle info display in front of the driver, with infotainment functions reflected over the centre console. Climate controls use knobs for the duplex climate system, with the remaining functions handled by touch surfaces. Ultra premium trims feature a push-button gear selector, with lesser models employing a conventional gear lever. The screen and the dashboard it is attached to is slightly banana shaped, with the right side curved slightly toward the driver. The tablet is flanked with bizarrely shaped dash vents. The passenger faces a plain dash that is closer to the windshield at its right end that in the middle. The rest of the cabin looks interesting, with some two-tone cabin combos offered and some interesting shapes and patterns, like the chevron sew patterns on the centre seat panels of premium trims. The Sportage is essentially a Kia version of the Hyundai Tucson. Cabin and cargo space are ample.

The standard powertrain available is a 187 horsepower, normally-aspirated 2.5L four. Front-wheel drive is offered in the base LX trim, but most Sportages will send power to all wheels via a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. The HEV version twins a 1.6L turbo four and an electric motor to create 227 total system horsepower. The PHEV uses the same engine and an electric motor to furnish 261 horsepower.

On the road, the Sportage PHEV runs in full electric mode a lot of the time. Transitions from electric to gas engine mode are near seamless and quiet. The PHEV powertrain accelerates briskly and refinement is impressive at all times, even under full acceleration. The ride is supple and handling is predictable.

Unlike the related Tucson that is only offered in limited trims with the conventional 2.5L four, all variants of the Sportage can be powered by the base engine. All-wheel drive is standard on all trims save the base LX, where it is a $2000 option. Moving up to the X-Line trim adds roof rails, a power driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, remote starting, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, rear parking sensors, wireless cellphone charging and a number of minor features and is good value. The EX upgrade adds a panoramic sunroof, navigation, fog lights, active cruise control, rain sensing wipers, junction turning intervention and dual-zone climate controls and is a bargain. The EX Premium upgrade includes a power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, alloy pedals and front parking sensors, and is great value. The range-topping X-Line Limited adds L.E.D. headlights, a Harman-Kardon audio system, reverse auto stopping and a  blind-view monitor system, and is reasonable value.

Average to above average predicted during the warranty period. Engine durability unproven