From a design perspective, the Kia Sportage Tri-Fuel reaffirms the strength of a silhouette that has broken the mold in its segment. The front end remains dominated by the large Digital Tiger Face grille, framed by the distinctive boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights that define its lighting signature. Despite the addition of the third fuel option, the aesthetic impact remains unchanged:
It drives well
Unlike its “sister” model, the Niro, the Sportage Tri-Fuel features a more powerful engine: a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a 1.49 kWh hybrid system. Total output stands at 237 horsepower, just two less than the standard HEV, a difference that is imperceptible while driving. The thirty-year partnership with the Italian company BRC (Westport Fuel System) has enabled sophisticated software integration: the transition between the three power sources is seamless, with the electric motor and turbocharger working in synergy to ensure lively acceleration and smooth power delivery.
The Interior: Digital Ergonomics and Control
Inside, the in-car experience remains centered around the large curved display that integrates the instrument cluster and infotainment system, a true showcase of the brand’s technology. The only reference to the vehicle’s “triple” powertrain is the dedicated LPG control located on the center console, above the shift-by-wire gear selector. On the road, the total range of nearly 1,500 km transforms the Sportage into a tireless long-distance traveler, where acoustic comfort and material quality—a hallmark of Kia’s latest designs—ensure a relaxed atmosphere.
