Advantages: Powerful and efficient hybrid; top class space; well-executed technology; Special design selection
Defect: The X-Line and X-Pro are not available as hybrids; not exactly handsome
The term “all-new” is popular in the automotive world, but when it comes to 2023 Kia Sportageit fits the bill perfectly. ThatIts oldest nameplate goes from one of the most compact SUVs to one of the largest, expanding in every dimension to be more family-friendly. It currently offers two mixture optional: one is a special conventional hybrid, turbocharged, double duty as one energy saving and performance upgrades, while the rest is dip into the mixture will provide approximately 32 miles of range using only electricity. Meanwhile, the interior is nicer, more complete and packed with the latest great Kia technology.
The SportNew found practicality makes it a compelling answer to choices like Honda CR-VA, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester, while it continues to offer exceptional style and better-than-average value. There’s even a semi-off-road model in the new X-Line and X Pro trim levels, though they fall short in ruggedness compared to Wilderness Forester and TRD Off-Road. The new one Mazda CX-50 Similar to the new Sportage, but it doesn’t offer a hybrid. For that, you can turn to the Sportage’s mechanical-related cousin, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid.
Add it all and you have a new entry in the extremely competitive compact SUV segment, one that is absolutely not to be missed. We will direct you to Sportage Hybridhowever, because its price premium is negligible and its benefits are great.
Furniture & Technology | Passenger & cargo space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What is it like to drive? | Pricing & Cut Levels | Fault ratings and safety features
Video Reviews
What’s new for 2023?
The Kia Sportage is all-new for 2023, and not only that, it’s a significant departure in terms of size and engine choice.
How is the Sportage interior and the technology in the car?
The interior of the new Sportage presents another advantage over the best-selling cars in the segment. In short, it is cool. There’s a sense of style here that you won’t find elsewhere RAV4 or forester. In addition to the design, there’s also a red, navy and sage green interior depending on trim level and powertrain, and the EX Hybrid is even eligible for a combination of Misty Gray and Triton. Navy is particularly cool (pictured above). We really like that Kia includes such aesthetic options alongside Kia’s usual generous feature content on lower trim levels rather than keeping them reserved for high-priced cars.
Another example of this is the main attraction of the cabin: the huge curved dashboard that houses a pair of 12.3-inch screens shared with EV6. Found on every trim but the LX, it not only catches the eye because of its curved design and beautiful graphics, but like other Kias, the infotainment touchscreen is easy to use. Combined with it from the EV6 is a row of unique capacitive-touch “buttons” that double-duty as climate control and infotainment menu shortcuts. It’s quite a departure from Kia’s usual super-functional cabin controls and we can see how annoying it can be, but they give a clean look and we’re sure. It sure feels a lot worse these days.
How big is the Sportage?
Sportage is just about the biggest compact SUV ever. It is 7.1 inches longer overall than its predecessor with a 3.4-inch increase in wheelbase. Goods Capacity, previously sacrificed to provide surprisingly roomy rear legroom, is now class-best at 39.6 cubic feet. That’s better than anything related to machines Hyundai Tucson, passed our luggage test and the best Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
Rear-seat legroom is also extended to be a class leader at 41.3 inches. It seems to be a particularly spacious rear seat, but we have yet to test it with child seats or full passengers.
What are the Sportage’s fuel economy and performance specs?
The base engine is efficient enough for the class: 2.5-liter inline-four, producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission (many competitors have CVTs less desirable) and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Fuel economy is estimated 25 mpg city, 32 mpg highway and 28 mpg EPA combined with FWD and 23/28/25 with AWD. The latter number is overwhelming, as most competitors do significantly better ( CR-VAT AWD is combined 29 mpg).
Therefore, the Sportage Hybrid is highly recommended. This unique combination of a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four electric motor and six-speed automatic pairs with front- or all-wheel drive. It returns 42 mpg city, 44 mpg highway and 43 mpg combined with FWD and 38/38/38 with AWD. That will save you hundreds of dollars a year on gas, but best of all, it’s also a performance upgrade, boasting 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This figure is much higher than that of other hybrid compact SUVs.
The Sportage Plug-In Hybrid builds on the conventional hybrid in a much larger size the battery. It makes 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. When plugged in and filled with electrons, it returns to a range of about 32 miles, though officially EPA Numbers not available at the time of this writing.
What does the Sportage like to drive?
While most of its competitors offer the choice of a hybrid powertrain or a more efficient engine upgrade, the Sportage offers something that does both: Hybrid, pictured above left. Considering it’s only about $1,000 more expensive than the base engine, it makes your decision even easier. Besides blasting hybrid rivals in power, the Sportage Hybrid’s traditional transmission and turbocharged engine provide a much quieter and more casual driving experience. And compared to the base 2.5-liter engine, that’s unfortunately the only way to get the X-Line and X-Pro trim levels, whose electric-turbo-plus electric motor combo makes it feel found it significantly more powerful when going around town and passing and, despite the small displacement, quieter when you hit the gas.
Beyond the engine, driving the Sportage is typical of a Kia: capable, uncompromising and largely forgettable. It handles well enough and the ride is comfortable enough. Want something sharper? Try one Mazda CX-50 or Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE.
Want something more rugged? Well, Sportage has the answer to that. First, there’s the X-Line, which is really just an appearance pack. The X-Pro (pictured top right) builds on that with BF Goodrich off-road tires, 17-inch matte black wheels, and a recalibrated ride setting to reduce grip conditions. Oh, and a black roof. However, it has the same 8.3-inch ground clearance as every other all-wheel-drive Sportage. That’s insignificant, but it’s less than the RAV4 TRD Off-Road, Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk and everything Subaru Foresterincluding the high sky Deserted. if you really If you want to get dirty, get one of those first. Otherwise, know you’ll be left with a less desirable base engine and off-road tires that make for a firmer and more uncomfortable ride, more road noise, and reduced potential stick to the road.
What other Kia Sportage reviews can I read?
Review Kia Sportage 2023 for the first time | Bigger, greener, off-roadier
Dig deeper into the Sportage’s changes compared to its predecessor, plus what you can expect from the X-Pro both on the road and off-road.
What is the price of Sportage 2023?
Prices start at $27,245, including destination, for the base LX FWD. The Sportage Hybrid LX FWD starts at $28,545, which is lower than the entry-point CR-V and RAV4 hybrid.
While that LX is well-equipped, you’ll really want to start your search with the EX, which adds a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, genuine leather wheels, and dual-zone climate control. , push-button start distance, blind-spot warning, wireless charging, and perhaps most notably, a 12.3-inch touchscreen encased in that super cool curved display shell. All of that seems to be worth over $2,000 of the EX.
From there, the SX looks sportier while adding some nice touches like that curved display case. The X-Line features different bumpers, gloss black trim, exclusive wheels, raised roof rails and spike-like styling on the synthetic leather seats. Basically, it looks sturdier, but functionally it’s not. X Pro, though only to an extent. Pictured below left, it’s fitted with BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, 17-inch matte black wheels, and the drive settings have been recalibrated to reduce grip.
All prices below include a $1,295 destination fee. PHEV pricing is not available at the time of this writing.
LX: $27,285
EXAMPLE: $29,285
SX: $32,785
SX Prestige: $34,785
X-Line (AWD only): $32,085
X-Pro (AWD only): $36,285
X-Pro Prestige (AWD only): $38,085
Hybrid LX FWD: $28,585
Hybrid LX AWD: $30,385
EX AWD: $32,285 (pictured bottom right)
SX-Prestige: $37,485
What are the Sportage’s safety ratings and driver assistance features?
Every 2023 Sportage includes standard forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency brake, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, rear parking sensors and an inattentive driver warning system. All trim levels but the LX have blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Alert uses the first two systems to warn occupants not to open the doors in the car. where there are cars or cyclists from behind. Highway adaptive cruise control Kia’s excellent Driver Assistant with lane-focused steering assist is available on SX and X-Pro models.
2023 Sportage has not been crash test by a third party at the time of this writing.
Video review of Kia Sportage 2023
