There Is a Lot to Like About the 2023 Kia Sportage
The 2023 Kia Sportage offers a futuristic cockpit, impressive technology, and trail-ready rides. How does this bigger, bolder model compare to the 2022 version?
Sportage may look like your typical SUV, but its eye-catching front fascia says otherwise. With a panoramic roof, curved screen, and ample trim selection, this sporty SUV is ready for adventure.
The 2023 model got a giant makeover, with significant style changes and an expanded portfolio. Whether you’re a tech guru or a foodie with your sights set on the
It’s standard for each Sportage to come with automatic braking for a pedestrian, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, rear occupant reminder, automatic high beams, and rear parking obstruction warning. If you want to upgrade, the automaker offers features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and forward parking obstacle warning.
members, their main concern was getting an SUV with the best bang for their buck. They weren’t convinced that the 2023 Kia Sportage was the answer.
Though it has a spacious interior and more responsive handling than its sporty competitors, the SUV’s side and rear visibility are obscured. According to Consumer Reports, “The previous Sportage looks peculiar, like a melted bar of soap, among more sharply creased current competitors. Significantly, its styling impacts outward visibility, with short side glass.”
The new version has a more traditional feel, except for its impressive tiger-nose grille. The cargo space is top-notch, sleek, and who wouldn’t want a two-level floor.
The 2023 Kia Sportage comes with significant changes we’re excited about. It’s larger, more efficient, and offers a broad selection of trim levels.
The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic combination have been replaced by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, Consumer Reports tells us. This raises the output from 181 hp to 187 hp.
As far as Kia’s eco-friendlyoptions, the hybrid has a 1.6-liter engine, 44-kW motor, and 226 hp. It’s promised to get up to 39 mpg and offer more than a 500-mile range. And don’t worry, this hybrid will also be available with all-wheel drive for your off-roading ventures.
If a plug-in hybrid is more your style, you’ll get a 13.8-kWh lithium-polymer battery, and a 177-hp turbocharged hybrid four-cylinder engine with a 66.9-kW electric motor, according to Consumer Reports. Its electric-only range gets about 32 mpg, offered in the X-Line and X-Line Prestige.
The new Sportage rides on a 3.4-inch-longer wheelbase and is 7.1 inches longer. And the all-wheel-drive versions get about 1.5 inches more ground clearance than the 2022 model, notes Consumer Reports.
If you’re one for adventure, The X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige are right up your alley. With all-terrain tires, 17-inch black wheels, LED fog lights, wiper-washer nozzle, and heated windshield, their design makes it easy to explore. They also have a more squared-off lower front fascia.
The X-Pro cabin is upscale and features a 12.3-inch curved center dashboard screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel styled under a continuous piece of glass. They come together to form what looks like one large, beautiful screen.
We’re curious how the new touchpad for controlling the infotainment system will function. Upgrades promise a surround-view camera, a Harman Kardon stereo, and a wireless charge pad.
All trims will allow you to access Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and use Bluetooth to connect two phones. Other thoughtful touches include ensuring all passengers can charge their phones using the USB ports on the back of the front seats.
According to Consumer Reports, “Available Kia Connect adds a WiFi hotspot to connect up to five devices, over-the-air map updates, stolen vehicle tracking, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant connectivity, and an Android- and Apple-compatible smartwatch app to control functions like remote climate control and door lock/unlock.” Looks like no matter what smartphone you have, you’ll be set!
The 2023 Kia Sportage is up against cars like the Hyundai Tucson, Nissa Rogue, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4. We’d also throw the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester into the mix.
However, the Sportage sets itself apart with its luxurious interior and snazzy exterior styling. We can’t take our eyes off of the striking boomerang headlights!
Set to go on sale in early 2022, the SUV has an estimated price range of $24,000-$38,000. The Plug-in model will be available just in time for summer.
4.7
