The All-New 2023 Kia Sportage

The compact SUV segment has continued to grow, both in variety as well as popularity. It has replaced the mid-sized sedan as the go-to for many drivers, from commuters who want the room to run a few errands on the way home, to families who need to haul kids and gear while having a small footprint for shrinking garages or small urban parking spots.

Every car maker has one or more entrants in the segment, fighting to differentiate themselves. The redesigned 2023 Kia Sportage brings class-leading cargo space and passenger room at a budget-friendly price to market, all wrapped up in smart, modern packaging. Let’s take a closer look!

Performance Features

Kia has consolidated the option for drivetrains from the previous generation of Sportage models – the 2023 Kia Sportage offers a single 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. This unit pushes 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque to the pavement through the 8-speed automatic transmission. It’s responsive and solid, with the predictability you want in an SUV.

You do get the choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive in the new Sportage. All-wheel drive is great for poor weather and road conditions but does come with a reduction in gas mileage. Front-wheel drive versions get 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, while all-wheel drive models drop to 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

Style and Technology

There’s a clear difference at first glance between the previous generation and the 2023 Kia Sportage. A taller, more upright nose with a waterfall edge features a larger grille than before, as well as more angular, arrow-like headlights. This is a major departure from the more rounded appearance of the previous models. The X-Line and X-Pro editions offer unique off-road styling.

Inside, the Sportage mixes passenger and cargo space with ease and flexibility. Best-in-class measurements include 41.3 inches of rear leg room, only 0.1 inches less than front seat passengers get! Seats are wide and comfortable, with extra hip and shoulder room. 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row can be expanded to 74.1 total cubic feet, plenty for errands, moving into a dorm, and daily use.

Smartphone integration featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is at the heart of the 8-inch touchscreen, although an optional 12.3-inch unit offers a display that is even more crisp and clear. Touch-sensitive controls are used throughout, and you can add technological goodies like a wireless phone charger and a Harman/Kardon audio system at select trim levels.

Safety

Kia has developed a reputation for great safety measures at affordable pricing. Even at the base level, the 2023 Kia Sportage features driver-assistance systems including forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, a rear-seat reminder, rear parking sensors, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rearview camera. There are an incredible number of available additional features as well, including innovative ones like intersection traffic detection and safe exit assist, and more common ones like rear cross-traffic alert.

Trim Levels

Seven different trim levels offer plenty of appearance and function choices in the 2023 Kia Sportage. Almost all options are included in trim levels, although a handful of independent options are offered.

Well-equipped from the start, the Sportage LX features an incredibly low sticker price, and includes plenty of features that make it a bargain! The standard 8-inch touchscreen comes with a six-speaker stereo system and a USB-C port. Remote keyless entry is standard, along with the standard driver-assistance features mentioned previously. Heated front seats and heated side mirrors are included if you opt for the all-wheel drive version, while ambient LED interior lighting is an option on both front and all-wheel drive.

For a relatively small price increase, the popular EX trim adds plenty of conveniences. Synthetic leather upholstery is provided, with heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Dual-zone automatic climate control and heated side mirrors also make it perfect for all seasons. Remote starts means you can get your Sportage warming up or cooling down before you get in. A rear-row USB-C port and wireless device charging make it easier to keep full power and get the most out of everyone’s devices. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rain-sensing windshield wipers are standard too. 18-inch wheels add a little flair to the exterior.

The X-Line trim is mainly an appearance trim for the Sportage, adding off-road hints inside and out. This includes 19-inch alloy wheels, interior and exterior styling, and higher ground clearance than standard trims. All-wheel drive is standard on X-Line vehicles. A panoramic sunroof, power sunshade, and hands-free power liftgate can all be added.

All of the optional features from the previous package come standard on the SX trim, including the panoramic sunroof with power sunshade and the handy hands-free power liftgate. The 8-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system is standard, and a digital gauge cluster provides more information in a clean, clear display. Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, intersection traffic detection, and highway driving assist systems are standard. With all-wheel drive, this trim includes a heated steering wheel and a heated windshield.

Similar to the X-Line trim, the X-Pro trim takes the SX trim and adds the X-Line off-road appearance and interior. The interior and exterior styling is specific to the trim. It does get additional features to provide actual off-road prowess as well, with a multi-terrain drive mode selector and heavy-duty all-terrain tires.

Adding a power-adjustable front passenger seat and ventilated front seats, the SX Prestige is high comfort. LED projector headlights and LED fog lights offer great lighting for the drive, and a heated steering wheel is standard. Still available in front or all-wheel drive, the latter comes with a heated windshield. Added standard active safety features include a surround-view parking camera system, front parking sensors, and reverse automatic emergency braking.

Like the previous trim levels, the X-Pro Prestige is simply a dressed-up version of the SX Prestige. It combines all of the features of that trim, with all of the appearance and off-road features of the X-Pro trim. This includes the ventilated front seats, the heavy-duty tires, and the multi-terrain select. It all adds up to an impressive rough- and off-road package!