The result is that the new Sportage is 7.1 inches longer than the preceding model and has a 3.4-inch-longer wheelbase. The Sportage’s increased size helps set it apart from its Seltos sister while also vastly boosting interior space, particularly in the rear seat.
In This Article...
What will the Kia Sportage look like in 2022?
For the 2022 model year, Kia makes only minor adjustments to the Sportage lineup, replacing the S trim level with the previously available Nightfall Edition package. The newly renamed Value Edition package, which now comes standard on the lowest LX model, also adds amenities that were previously only available on more expensive trims. The list also includes heated front seats, push-button start, passive keyless entry, and 18-inch black alloys. The EX Technology package and SX Turbo models both add 10 years of free map updates, new software, and features for their navigation systems. Additionally, every Sportage EX now includes a panoramic sunroof.
Is it worthwhile to buy a 2023 Kia Sportage?
The Kia Sportage shines out for all the right reasons, to sum it up. The 2023 Kia Sportage seems to have little in common with the easy-to-dismiss 2017 model I drove for a year. It is more roomy, more powerful, and just more fascinating than before. However, after experiencing Kia’s vastly upgraded compact SUV in both on- and off-road driving, it’s obvious that owners will notice certain parallels to the previous generation model, for better and worse.
What’s Changed on the 2023 Sportage?
The great Kia Seltos is no longer a clear Sportage substitute. The American-spec 2023 Sportage measures a robust 183.5 inches, which is more than a foot longer than the Seltos and at least 2.0 inches longer than the longest trims of the Toyota RAV4. This is because the new Sportage is now built on the same platform as the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The interior of the old and new Sportage is drastically different. The 2023 Sportage has a huge trunk and back seat, with the cargo area behind the second row of seats almost reaching 40 cubic feet. Currently, the Kia leads the class with 39.6 cubic feet, but once the new 2023 Honda CR-V is fully revealed, we’ll see what it has to say about that.
Because Comfortage Didn’t Have the Same Ring
Kia claims that when designing the 2023 Sportage, an excessively sporty driving style was never the intention. Instead, the American audience was more focused on providing a more comfortable experience. Overall, the Sportage X-Pro we tested drives well, but it won’t make you smile the way the Mazda CX-5 or even the outgoing Honda CR-V will.
But you’d better not be in a rush. The 2023 Sportage may have a 2.5-liter I-4 with 6 more horsepower than before, but the 187-horsepower engine and eight-speed automated transmission are no match for the SUV’s small weight increases and improvements in fuel efficiency. Conclusion: The 2023 Kia Sportage can easily do passing maneuvers; nevertheless, you will need to plan ahead a little more than in the segment leaders and pay closer attention to the engine.
The expensive and somewhat off-road capable X-Pro Prestige model of the non-hybrid 2023 Sportage, which is equipped with BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain tires, was the only model we had the chance to drive. In fact, according to Kia, these tires were taken into consideration when creating the X-unique Pro’s drive modes. The X-Pro has 8.3 inches of ground clearance like other 2023 Sportages with AWD, which is less than the Subaru Forester (8.7 or 9.2 inches depending on model) and the RAV4 (8.4 to 8.6 inches). As a result, it won’t be able to compete with the off-roader crossover crowd for bragging rights, but based on our initial off-roading experiences, it should be fine for those who choose to go off-road. What about the higher roof rails and unique two-tone paint possibilities for those who don’t?
It goes without saying that the entire goal of cars like the Kia Sportage X-Pro, Subaru Forester Wilderness, and Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road is to have just enough capability to give drivers some peace of mind when less-focused SUVs lack the daily drivability. To that end, the 2023 Kia Sportage X-performance Pro’s is adequate, offering a smooth ride and a level of mobility more akin to a family SUV than a four-door Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler. Having said that, we do wonder if the Sportage’s steering will feel slightly more precise with tires that are more designed for the street.
Tech and Fuel Economy
The Sportage X-Pro is a reliable driver, if not the best in its class. Nearly flawless technology and ample passenger space almost make us forget about its flaws. The only significant omission are the same basic volume and temperature settings that we criticized in the electric Kia EV6 SUV. Materials are a mix of soft-touch and hard surfaces appropriate for the market. When you press an on-screen button, the two dials move from controlling the temperature to controlling the music system (volume and tuning) or, if navigation is enabled on the enormous 12.3-inch touchscreen, zooming in on a map. With a less futuristic but more practical design, it might be possible to avoid this unnecessary complication. Another problem is that if you use the driver-side knob carelessly, the on-screen defroster can activate if your finger accidentally contacts it.
Other than that, the interior is excellent, with a roomy baggage space that has controls to fold the 60/40 rear seats down and a clever USB arrangement in the back seat. The days of plugging in from an outlet directly above the floor are past thanks to the USB ports, which are situated halfway up the backs of the front seats, as we’ve seen in other Kias. The cupholders’ capacity to hold cups and larger objects without necessitating the removal of a separate trim piece that may later obstruct the route makes them noteworthy enough to mention. Simply push a button, and the spring-loaded cupholder edges vanish.
We dislike bringing up fuel efficiency and range because we appreciate the Kia 2023 Sportage. In terms of the former, the new Kia does indeed surpass its predecessor, but not in the latter. The 2023 Sportage also performs less efficiently than the competition in its segment. It’s not appealing to feel slower than a few others in the segment while also getting worse fuel economy, just like the 2017 Sportage I spent a year with during our long-term test. EPA-rated fuel efficiency for the non-hybrid Sportage is 25/32 mpg city/highway with FWD and 23/28 mpg with AWD. The combined city/highway driving range is only about 358 miles with AWD and just over 400 miles with FWD, so you’ll need to fill up more frequently than you could with rivals who offer slightly better fuel economy together with a reasonable gas tank size.
This might not be a deal breaker for most people given the technological advancements and increased space, but it’s still important to mention. The 2023 Kia Sportage hybrids offer a better overall driving experience than non-hybrid models, unless you absolutely must have an X-Line or X-Pro model. The price premium is only $900 to $1,300 higher than non-hybrid models, depending on trim, and if you can afford it, it’s well worth the extra money for the improved acceleration, range, and quietness.
One More Thing
The 2023 Kia Sportage hasn’t undergone any safety testing as of this writing. There are many secure options in this market, so it will be interesting to see if the Kia receives top ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. The Hyundai Tucson receives excellent ratings from the IIHS and is a Top Safety Pick+ for 2022, however the NHTSA only awards it four stars (out of a possible five). So, we’ll be on the lookout.
Is the 2023 Kia Sportage Any Good?
When compared to the previous model, the new Kia Sportage from 2023 is a significant improvement. The redesigned SUV could challenge the Toyota RAV4’s sales dominance in a more typical new car market without inventory shortages because of its superior technology, spaciousness, and features-per-dollar value, though we wish a power liftgate and adaptive cruise control were affordable for less than $30,000.
However, similar to the previous generation model, the base powertrain doesn’t offer any special acceleration or efficiency. The 2023 Kia Sportage is still a good advancement despite the drawback. Although not all of the boxes are completed, the Sportage is much improved. Beyond simply Kia’s excellent warranty coverage, buyers who venture the wilderness outside a Honda or Toyota store might discover the majority of what they’re searching for here. And we couldn’t say more about the previous Sportage than that.
Where is the Kia Sportage 2023 manufactured?
At its plant in West Point, Georgia, Kia started producing the updated 2023 Sportage this week, making this the country’s first manufacturing of the small crossover.
Following the brand’s dbut in the United States in the early 1990s, the Sportage nameplate was the automaker’s first top seller. In a year of record sales overall, the outgoing fourth-generation model was Kia’s best-selling crossover.
In comparison to 93,705 of the larger Telluride crossover and 115,929 of the Forte compact car, Kia sold 94,601 Sportages in the United States in 2021. According to Kia, the Sportage has had a nameplate for the longest.
In a concession to the American market, the fifth-generation Sportage sports more unique appearance and is much larger. In the spring, the 2023 Sportage goes on sale.
According to Sean Yoon, CEO of Kia North America, “Joining our fantastic lineup of SUVs, the all-new Sportage is prepared to take the industry by storm with its cutting-edge design, adventurous capabilities, and attractive in-car technology.”
The fourth car to be put together in the Georgia factory is the Sportage. The three-row Telluride, the midsize Sorento vehicle, and the K5 midsize sedan round out the group. The Hyundai Tucson, which started manufacturing in the United States at Hyundai’s Alabama plant last year, shares a platform with the Sportage.
Is the Kia Sportage 2022 larger?
Without a doubt, the 2022 Kia Sportage is a significant model in the lineup of the Korean automaker. How significant? Simply said, very.
The Sportage is Kia’s best-selling car worldwide. Over six million units have been sold worldwide since its launch in 1993. That’s a significant sum.
Since the mid-sizer first arrived on Australian soil in 1997, sales of the Sportage have totaled about 120,000, making it the third-best-selling car overall and the best-selling SUV for the Korean manufacturer. The Sportage is only outsold by the Cerato and Rio.
You may then understand Kia’s desire to stick close to a winning formula that has resulted in the Sportage’s exceptional sales performance. However, Kia has done just that with its new fifth generation. positive way.
a brief analysis of the range. There are four different variations available. Sportage S, which is the base model, is followed by the mid-range twins SX and SX+, and the GT-Line, which has all the bells and whistles.
At introduction, Kia offered the Sportage S and GT-Line trim levels. Kia has stated that they anticipate stock to arrive in Australia for the mid-spec SX and SX+ twins in about 60 days.
Aside from its unquestionably contemporary look, the new Sportage’s size compared to its predecessor is what immediately catches your attention. Kia has unexpectedly discovered a rival to the Toyota RAV4, at least in terms of sheer size.
It is plain to see that the new Sportage has grown significantly. The new Sportage looks more mature and grown-up than the previous version, which appeared little and a little squat.
The Sportage’s overall length has grown by 175mm to 4660mm, while its wheelbase has grown by 85mm to 2755mm. It is 15mm taller and 10mm wider (1865mm) than the previous model (1660mm).
These additional dimensions are accentuated by Kia’s updated Sportage appearance, which is both more resolved and elegant than the outgoing model, which, in this reviewer’s opinion at least, appeared a touch uncomfortable.
Not so with the new NQ5 generation Sportage, which is distinctive from the reprofiled “tiger nose” grille to the LED daytime running lights in the shape of a boomerang. The new Sportage appears more focused than the vehicle it replaces.
Kia avoided the profusion of prisms and creases that are so common in today’s automobile scene, keeping the side profile clear and simple. Pumped-out wheel arches and the rear quarter panels give the otherwise sophisticated look a touch of ferocity. It seems like the awkward teenager-like traits of the previous Sportage have matured.
At launch, we tested three different models: the base Sportage S in gasoline manual configuration, the Sportage GT-Line gasoline AWD, and the GT-Line turbo-diesel AWD.
What are the Sportage’s dimensions?
A forthcoming D1-segment SUV is the Kia Sportage. You can find the Kia Sportage’s length, width, height, and wheelbase in addition to its fuel tank capacity, trunk space, and ground clearance here. Additionally, you may view the Kia Sportage’s dimensions in feet, inches, centimeters, millimeters, and MM (millimeters) for all model variations.
Dimensions of Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is predicted to be 4661mm long, 1864mm wide, and 1661mm tall. A broader body typically provides more shoulder room within the car, and a higher roof facilitates entry and exit. The wheelbase of the Kia Sportage is anticipated to be 2756mm. The distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels is known as the wheelbase. Better legroom is typically a result of a larger wheelbase.
The Kia Sportage is anticipated to have a 1036 liter boot. You can transport more luggage if your boot is bigger. The next Sportage is anticipated to have a 54-liter fuel tank and a 180-millimeter ground clearance. With a higher ground clearance, it is simpler to drive over large speed bumps or on damaged roads without harming the car’s underbody.
What distinguishes the Kia Sportage from 2022 to 2023?
Compared to the 2022 Sportage, the 2023 Sportage is bigger. Its wheelbase is 3.4 inches larger and it is 7.1 inches longer. There is significantly greater inside room as a result of the size increase. The 2023 Sportage offers a class-leading 41.3 inches of legroom for the back seats, compared to the 2022 Sportage’s 38.2 inches. Additionally, the 2023 Sportage has extra storage space thanks to its best-in-class rear load capacity of 39.6 cu ft, which is higher than the 2022 Sportage’s 30.7 cu ft.
The cabin of the 2023 Sportage is more technologically advanced than the 2022 Sportage, in addition to having larger space. It has a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital cluster display on a new dual panoramic curved display that is optional. Additionally, the 2023 Sportage has a Wi-Fi hotspot, unlike the 2022 Sportage.