Open the charging-cable lock setting, choose the behavior you need and test it with the vehicle parked before leaving the cable unattended.
Check that your vehicle has it.
Verified only for the 2025 U.S.-market Sportage Plug-in Hybrid in Kia's shared HEV/PHEV manual. The non-plug-in Hybrid has no external charging inlet.
Does the documented scope match your car?
This check combines the verified year, any source-supported powertrain scope, source-named trim/package and required equipment. It does not read a VIN or factory build record.
Published availability and qualifications
Verified only for the 2025 U.S.-market Sportage Plug-in Hybrid in Kia's shared HEV/PHEV manual. The non-plug-in Hybrid has no external charging inlet.
- 2025 Sportage Plug-in Hybrid models with the AC charging connector-lock menu
Know what kind of control to look for.
This original category diagram is an orientation aid, not a picture of your exact trim. Use the written labels and your vehicle manual to identify the real control.
Step by step.
- 01
Park the Sportage PHEV and open its Eco Vehicle or charging settings.
- 02
Open Locking Charging Cable or the charging-connector lock setting.
- 03
Choose Always Lock to secure the connector from insertion until the doors are unlocked.
- 04
Choose Lock While Charging for release at completion, or Do Not Lock when cable security is not needed.
- 05
Connect the cable and verify the selected behavior before leaving the vehicle.
Important limits
- Do Not Lock offers no cable-theft deterrence.
- Always Lock can relock if the connector is not removed within about 15 seconds after unlocking the doors.
- Press the connector release before pulling to avoid inlet or connector damage.
Quick checks.
- ✓If Always Lock will not release, unlock all doors and press the connector release again.
- ✓If Lock While Charging stays locked, confirm the session has finished.
- ✓If an electrical fault prevents release, use Kia's documented emergency cable rather than forcing the connector.
What happened on your vehicle?
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2025 Kia Sportage HEV/PHEV Digital Owner's Manual — AC Charging Connector Lock
Relevant section or page: Hybrid system overview — Charging the plug-in hybrid vehicle — AC charging connector lock. We use the written official source to determine the steps and applicability shown above.
Reviewed with a visible trail.
Scope and steps were checked by Car Cheat Codes Editorial Review. A guide is narrowed or corrected when the source does not support a broader claim.
- Published
- Last modified
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Guide change history
- Initial verified publication.