OVERVIEW
With its outgoing style, the 2023 Kia Sportage stands out from the crowd of compact crossovers. The Kia has an unusual grille design and a set of headlights that appear to be from another planet. Its bolder exterior is also larger than before in terms of dimensions, which results in additional cargo space and internal space.
The 2017 Sportage's interior is stylish and loaded with technology, including a sizable dash-mounted screen. A 4-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower, a hybrid powertrain with 226 horsepower, or a more potent plug-in hybrid vehicle with an estimated 32 miles of electric range provides the propulsion. The Mazda CX-5 and the Honda CR-V are fierce competitors in the market, but the 2023 Kia Sportage shows it has more to offer than simply a unique design.
What Has Changed For 2023?
For the 2023 model year, the Sportage will transition into a new generation and offer newly developed hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The latter upgrade positions the Kia as a rival to plug-in vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 Prime and the plug-in hybrid Hyundai Tucson.
2023 Kia Sportage: Engine And Performance
The Sportage's standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower that is paired with an eight-speed automated transmission. A single electric motor and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine teamed to produce 226 horsepower in the hybrid model. Front- or all-wheel drive can be coupled with either powerplant.
A plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive is also available; it has the same gasoline engine as the standard hybrid but a stronger electric motor and a larger battery pack. During our initial test drive, we experienced both the regular four-cylinder and the hybrid powertrain, and we were happier with the latter.
The hybrid feels much more responsive because of the additional power and low-end torque provided by the electric motor. The Sportage has a redesigned platform with a longer wheelbase, which improves ride comfort.
Although the tiny ute has an off-road vibe thanks to the addition of tough-looking trims like the X-Line, the X-Pro has some kit to help tackle the rough stuff. It has several drive modes and is equipped with all-terrain tires and black 17-inch rims.
2023 Kia Sportage: Battery Life And Range
The EPA has not yet commented on Kia's claim that the PHEV variant can travel 32 miles on electricity alone. We anticipate it to utilize the same system as the Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid, so we can anticipate a 13.8-kWh battery pack and 261 combined horsepower.
2023 Kia Sportage: Interior And Comfort
The interior of the new Sportage Hybrid is roomy and composed of high-quality materials. Dual 12.3-inch infotainment and driver information displays are combined into one unit on the top-tier SX-Prestige specification. A comparable feature is available in several Mercedes-Benz automobiles.
The whole dashboard design offers an opulent appearance. The best available rear legroom in this class is 41.3 inches. With 39.5 inches, the SX-Prestige trim is the outlier and is nevertheless roomy.
Behind the 60/40 split/folding back seats, Kia advertises a 39.5 cubic foot luggage space that is similarly roomy. That is almost identical to the brand-new Sportage but that is not a hybrid. We can assume that there haven't been any packing compromises due to the additional hybrid components. With the back seats folded down, the maximum cargo capacity should be 74 cubic feet.
2023 Kia Sportage: Connectivity
The Sportage has desirable entertainment technologies like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment. All versions include a digital gauge display in addition to the usual 8.0-inch infotainment display. However, we advise upgrading to the larger 12.3-inch infotainment display, which offers greater connectivity and sharper graphics.
Under the infotainment interface, some slick touch-sensitive buttons switch between the stereo and the temperature system. There is an improved Harman/Kardon unit available, along with a wireless phone charger and a Wi-Fi hotspot that requires a subscription.
2023 Kia Sportage: Pricing
The starting price for the base 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid LX is $27,290. The entry-level Sportage Hybrid EX costs $30,990, while the top-of-the-line Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige starts at $36,190. The non-hybrid Sportage begins at $25,990, for contrast.
Which One To Purchase?
We would advise choosing the optional hybrid powertrain because it is more responsive on the road and also provides better fuel economy. With desirable amenities like the larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless smartphone charging, and heated front seats, the mid-range EX hybrid appears to be the best value in this situation.
Some buyers could also be interested in the Premium option, which includes a motorized liftgate, LED inside lighting, and a panoramic sunroof.