The 2023 Kia Sportage grows into mid-size SUV proportions and is loaded with standard safety and convenience features. The Sportage is a compact crossover SUV that grows in size and features for the latest generation.
With seating for five as well as hybrid and off-road models, the Sportage rivals vehicles such as the related Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape.
The 2023 Kia Sportage separates itself from its counterpart compact crossovers with its unique styling and dynamic internal components. The unconventional face of the SUV is supported by the new bodywork being dimensionally larger than last year’s model.
This larger frame also means more room for the stuff you care about like cargo space and passenger comfort. No matter which trim you choose, the all-new 2023 Kia Sportage offers class-leading second-row legroom and the newest technology available to enhance the experience.
The redesigned Sportage wears a sharper face and sports a roomier interior thanks to its longer body. A 226-hp hybrid model targets 39 mpg combined with front-wheel drive; a plug-in hybrid model with X-Line styling has an estimated 32-mile electric range.
Two new off-road suggestive trim packages add some poser personality, but the interior on top models can be equipped with twin 12.3-inch displays under a single pane of glass for a futuristic cockpit uncommon in the compact crossover class.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Sportage’s default powertrain is a 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder that mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid variant mixes a turbocharged 1.6-liter four with a single electric motor that generates a combined 226 horses.
Either powertrain can be paired with front- or all-wheel drive. There’s also an all-wheel-drive-only plug-in hybrid that shares an engine with the regular hybrid but adds a more powerful electric motor and a bigger battery pack.
Kia claims the PHEV model can go 32 miles on electricity alone. The 2023 Kia Sportage rides on a new platform with a longer wheelbase that’s said to help provide better driving dynamics as well as reduce noise and vibration.
The introduction of rugged-looking trims such as the X-Line gives the compact ute an off-road vibe, but the X-Pro actually has some equipment to help tackle the rough stuff. It rides on black 17-inch rims and all-terrain tires and features a selection of drive modes.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Kia hasn’t said how fuel-efficient the 2023 Kia Sportage will be, but obviously, the hybrid is expected to be the thriftiest. Once we can test one on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate its real-world mpg. For more information about the Sportage’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the 2023 Kia Sportage looks to make an impression with a snazzy design highlighted by a huge digital display on the dashboard and other various eye-catching details.
The images we’ve seen show an attractive two-tone color scheme, and the shape of the air vents on the dash are particularly distinct. The center console boasts a rotary shift knob, a push-to-start button, and myriad other controls that blend into the piano-black bezel.
Thanks to bigger dimensions overall as well as a longer wheelbase, the 2023 Kia Sportage has more rear-seat legroom and 40 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat. There’s also a dual-level cargo floor for even more versatility.
Infotainment and Connectivity
On the infotainment front, the 2023 Kia Sportage comes standard with desirable features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Along with a large 12.3-inch instrument panel, there’s an available 12.3-inch touchscreen that together forms one seamless screen on the dashboard.
There are also neat touch-sensitive controls below the infotainment interface that alternate between the climate system and the stereo. An upgraded Harman/Kardon unit is available as well as a wireless phone charger and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The new 2023 Kia Sportage will be offered with a variety of standard and optional driver-assistance technology. The roster includes everything from navigation-based adaptive cruise control and a remote parking feature that’s essentially the same as Hyundai’s Smart Park system.
For more information about the Sportage’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Photos
