2023 Kia Sportage Preview
When Kia debuted in the United States in the 1990s, the Sportage compact SUV was many Americans’ first experience with a Kia vehicle. Now Kia’s longest-selling nameplate, the fifth generation version of the Sportage has been completely redesigned for the 2023 model year with more aggressive and futuristic styling on both the outside and inside as well as the availability of a new hybrid version. As the compact SUV market becomes ever more fierce, Kia intends for the Sportage to bring more new customers to the brand and the new redesign may just be the ticket.
Customers can choose between seven trim levels: base LX, midrange EX, well-equipped SX, high-end SX-Prestige, off-road oriented X-Line, off-road dedicated X-Pro, and top-end X-Pro Prestige. (Hybrid versions are available in LX, EX, SX-Prestige trims only.) Noteworthy options include a driver cockpit with a dual panoramic curved display that connects two 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, a 360-degree surround view monitor with 3D bird’s-eye viewing capability, and a Harman Kardon audio system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard.
The standard engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder making 187 horsepower paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Those looking for added fuel efficiency and performance can opt for the Sportage Hybrid that mates a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a 44-kilowatt motor to generate a combined 226 horsepower while achieving up to an estimated 39 miles per gallon. All-wheel-drive is optional with both powertrains. Those planning to venture frequently off the beaten path may like the X-Pro trims which bring BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, LED fog lights, and a multi-terrain drive mode system with four different modes (Normal, Sport, Smart, and Snow).
In addition, numerous safety features come standard, such as driver attention warning, LED headlights with high beam assist, lane following assist, lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, rear view monitor, and reverse parking distance warning. Features that come on higher-end trims include a blind spot view monitor, forward parking distance warning, intelligent speed limit assist, navigation-based smart cruise control with stop-and-go, and a reverse parking collision avoidance system.
Ultimately, in what is a very competitive segment, Kia has likely done plenty of research in ensuring the updated Sportage continues to make an impact. (The hybrid version should help plenty in achieving that goal.) And with the completely revised styling everywhere you look, the 2023 Sportage will no doubt usher new customers into the Kia fold. In the end, the Sportage will presumably compel other companies to take up their compact SUV offerings up another significant notch.
