Sportage hybrid: plug-in vs. battery?

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HerbyM

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Hi everyone. Just joined this thread and seriously looking at Kia Sportage EX hybrid. I also own a 2022 telluride gasoline powered and after almost 3 years of ownership have been very happy with reliability and low maintenance costs. My 2010 Ford Escape has finally reached its end and I like the Sportage looks and especially its price/value. I want to consider the hybrid but wanted to hear from the audience regarding plug in vs. regular battery hybrid models and approach.

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HerbyM
 
I went with the HEV because I want to be able to go camping in remote places - places I haven't seen any chargers. I've had it for 5 months and have been quite pleased. I can get 47 MPG under ideal conditions and seem to get around 30 when towing my teardrop camper. I'm leaving today on a 16-day camping trip, so let's see how it does on the road.
 
They are basically the exact same car, except the plug-in has a larger battery and can be charged. So for the large extra cost of the plug-in, you have to be able to drive it often locally, charge at home and have electricity rates that are significantly less than the gas equivalent (a full 13.8 kW charge = approx.1 gal gas). Only you can determine if the plug in is cost-effective. The PHEV also gets approx. 10% worse gas mileage on the highway and it doesn't have room for a spare tire in the cargo area.
 
I went with the PHEV, it seems to get about the same MPG on long highway trips, but those trips around town are a lot less costly. If you make frequent trips of less than 35 miles round trip around town, the plug in will be your best bet. It even comes with a level 1 charger which works well for me when away from home. I have an EV6 also and use the level 2 charger at home.
 
I have 2024 Sportage plug in hybrid. Just wondering has anyone discussed on the forum about leaving gas in the tank for long periods of time. We are retired and I have been only running in EV mode for the 4 months that I have had the car. The tank has been full since I bought it but I’m old school and always used some kind of additive in my home engines when they were going to sit unused for a long periods of time. Any suggestions would greatly appreciated.
 
ucinn35 said:
I went with the PHEV, it seems to get about the same MPG on long highway trips, but those trips around town are a lot less costly. If you make frequent trips of less than 35 miles round trip around town, the plug in will be your best bet. It even comes with a level 1 charger which works well for me when away from home. I have an EV6 also and use the level 2 charger at home.
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Depends on how much your electricity costs. For me it’s a push. Would never, ever make that $6K extra cost back, so a waste of money when it’s essentially the same car as the HEV, otherwise.
 
DavidS said:
I have 2024 Sportage plug in hybrid. Just wondering has anyone discussed on the forum about leaving gas in the tank for long periods of time. We are retired and I have been only running in EV mode for the 4 months that I have had the car. The tank has been full since I bought it but I’m old school and always used some kind of additive in my home engines when they were going to sit unused for a long periods of time. Any suggestions would greatly appreciated.
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Your instincts are correct. Gas doesn’t stay fresh as long as it used to. But I’m sure you can Google and figure it out!
 
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