- Kia
- Sportage
- 2023
Editors' Pick
Autoblog Rating
Charging onto the scene, the new Sportage is drastically different from the old and way better in every category that counts. We recommend the Hybrid, which provides a powerful and fuel efficient mode of travel.
Industry
Pros: Powerful and efficient hybrid; class-leading space; well-executed tech; distinctive design choices Cons: Slow base engine; X-Line and X-Pro are not available as the hybrid; not exactly handsome The term “all-new” gets thrown around liberally in the car biz, but when it comes to the 2023 Kia Sportage, it absolutely fits the bill. Kia’s oldest nameplate goes from one of the smallest compact SUVs to one of the biggest, expanding in every dimension to be far more family friendly. It now offers two hybrid options: one is an exceptional, turbocharged conventional hybrid that does double duty as a fuel economy and performance upgrade, while the other is a plug-in hybrid that should offer around 32 miles of electric-only range. Meanwhile, the interior is better-looking, better-made and packed with Kia’s latest, excellent tech. The Sportage’s newfound practicality makes it a compelling answer to choices like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester, while it continues to deliver distinctive style and better-than-average value. There’s even a quasi-off-road model in the new X-Line and X Pro trim levels, though they do fall short in terms of ruggedness compared to the Forester Wilderness and TRD Off-Road. The new Mazda CX-50 is pretty comparable to the new Sportage, but it doesn’t offer a hybrid. For that, you can turn to the Sportage’s mechanically related cousin, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. Add it all up and you have a new entry in the ultra-competitive compact SUV segment that is an absolute must-see. We would steer you toward the Sportage Hybrid, however, as its price premium is negligible, its benefits great and the base engine is disappointingly slow. Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive | Pricing & Trim Levels | Crash Ratings & Safety Features Video Review What's new for 2023? The Kia Sportage is all-new for 2023, and not only that, but it’s a significant departure in terms of size and engine choice. What are the Sportage interior and in-car technology like? The new Sportage interior represents another advantage over the segment’s best sellers. In short, it’s cool. There’s a sense of style here you’re not going to find in a RAV4 or Forester. Beyond the design, there are red, navy and sage green interiors available depending on trim level and drivetrain, with even the EX Hybrid eligible for a particularly cool Misty Gray and Triton Navy combo [pictured above]. We really like that Kia includes such aesthetic options along with Kia’s usual generous feature content on lower trim levels rather than keeping them exclusive to high-dollar ones. Another example of this is the cabin’s main attraction: the giant curved panel housing twin 12.3-inch displays shared with the EV6. Found on every trim but the LX, it’s not only an eye-catcher for its curved design and pretty graphics, but like other Kias, the infotainment touchscreen is easy to use. Joining it from the EV6 is the unique row of touch-capacitive “buttons” that serve double duty …Full Review
Pros: Powerful and efficient hybrid; class-leading space; well-executed tech; distinctive design choices Cons: Slow base engine; X-Line and X-Pro are not available as the hybrid; not exactly
handsome The term “all-new” gets thrown around liberally in the car biz, but when it comes to the 2023 Kia Sportage, it absolutely fits the bill. Kia’s oldest nameplate goes from one of the smallest compact SUVs to one of the biggest, expanding in every dimension to be far more family friendly. It now offers two hybrid options: one is an exceptional, turbocharged conventional hybrid that does double duty as a fuel economy and performance upgrade, while the other is a plug-in hybrid that should
offer around 32 miles of electric-only range. Meanwhile, the interior is better-looking, better-made and packed with Kia’s latest, excellent tech. The Sportage’s newfound practicality makes it a compelling answer to choices like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester, while it continues to deliver distinctive style and better-than-average value. There’s even a quasi-off-road model in the new X-Line and X Pro
trim levels, though they do fall short in terms of ruggedness compared to the Forester Wilderness and TRD Off-Road. The new Mazda CX-50 is pretty comparable to the new Sportage, but it doesn’t offer a hybrid. For that, you can turn to the Sportage’s mechanically related cousin, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. Add it all up and you have a new entry in the ultra-competitive compact SUV segment that is an absolute
must-see. We would steer you toward the Sportage Hybrid, however, as its price premium is negligible, its benefits great and the base engine is disappointingly slow. Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive | Pricing & Trim Levels | Crash Ratings & Safety Features Video Review What's new for 2023? The Kia Sportage is
all-new for 2023, and not only that, but it’s a significant departure in terms of size and engine choice. What are the Sportage interior and in-car technology like? The new Sportage interior represents another advantage over the segment’s best sellers. In short, it’s cool. There’s a sense of style here you’re not going to find in a RAV4 or Forester. Beyond the design, there are red, navy and sage green interiors available depending on trim level and drivetrain, with even the EX Hybrid
eligible for a particularly cool Misty Gray and Triton Navy combo [pictured above]. We really like that Kia includes such aesthetic options along with Kia’s usual generous feature content on lower trim levels rather than keeping them exclusive to high-dollar ones. Another example of this is the cabin’s main attraction: the giant curved panel housing twin 12.3-inch displays shared with the EV6. Found on every trim but the LX, it’s not only an eye-catcher for its curved design and pretty graphics,
but like other Kias, the infotainment touchscreen is easy to use. Joining it from the EV6 is the unique row of touch-capacitive “buttons” that serve double duty …
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Retail Price
$25,990 - $36,790 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
| Engine | 2.5L I-4 |
| MPG | Up to 25 city / 32 highway |
| Seating | 5 Passengers |
| Transmission | 8-spd auto w/OD |
| Power | 187 @ 6100 rpm |
| Drivetrain | all wheel, front-wheel |
| Curb Weight | 3,373 - 3,543 lbs |
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