Overview of the 2023 Kia Sportage

• Unique Design Philosophy: The 2023 Kia Sportage stands out in the compact crossover market with its distinctive and extroverted styling. The design features unconventional, alien-looking headlights paired with a unique grille, setting it apart from competitors.
• Increased Dimensions for Enhanced Space: The Sportage has grown compared to its predecessors, resulting in increased cargo space and a more spacious interior.
• Interior Aesthetics and Technology: Inside, the Sportage impresses with its attractive design and high-tech offerings, including a large dash-mounted screen that enhances the user experience.
• Engine Options and Performance: The standard powertrain is a 187-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Additionally, Kia offers a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid variant, which are reviewed separately.

Pros and Cons of the 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige AWD

Pros

• Strong Warranty Coverage: Kia’s industry-leading powertrain warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles provides long-term peace of mind.
• Impressive Infotainment System: The option for a 12.3-inch infotainment display, along with standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhances connectivity and user experience.
• Interior Comfort and Space: The larger dimensions and a longer wheelbase increase rear-seat legroom and provide generous cargo capacity.
• Off-Road Capabilities: The X-Pro model offers credible off-road performance with its all-terrain tires and specialized driving modes.
• Fuel Efficiency: The Sportage offers commendable fuel economy for its class, especially in its hybrid variants.

Cons

• Lack of Complimentary Maintenance: Unlike some competitors, Kia does not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance.
• Standard Engine Performance: While adequate, the base engine’s performance is not as spirited as some rivals in the segment.
• Price Increment with Options: The cost can rise significantly with added options and higher trims.

Standing Against Competitors

• Challenging Established Rivals: The 2023 Sportage enters a competitive field, competing against established names like the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V.
• More Than Looks: While its wild exterior design is a key highlight, the Sportage offers more than just an eye-catching look. It brings a combination of increased space, technological advancements, and multiple powertrain options to the table, making it a formidable contender in its class.

What’s New for 2023 Kia Sportage?

• New Generation Introduction: The 2023 model year marks the beginning of a new generation for the Kia Sportage.
• Shared Platform with Hyundai Tucson: This latest generation shares its platform, technology, and powertrains with the Hyundai Tucson, which underwent a significant redesign in 2022.
• Modernized Features and Design: With the new generation comes a series of modernized features and a refreshed design, aligning the Sportage with the latest trends in automotive technology and styling.

2023 Kia Sportage Pricing and Recommended Model

• Model Variants and Pricing:
  • LX: $27,615
  • EX: $29,615
  • X-Line: $32,415
  • SX: $33,115
  • SX Prestige: $35,115
  • X-Pro: $36,615
  • X-Pro Prestige: $38,415

Best Value: Mid-Range EX Model

• Value Proposition: The EX model, priced at $29,615, is identified as offering the most value in the range.

• Added Features in EX:

  • Larger Infotainment Display: A 12.3-inch screen provides a better user interface and enhanced visual appeal.
  • Wireless Smartphone Charging: Adds convenience for charging mobile devices without the clutter of cables.
  • Heated Front Seats: Increases comfort, especially in colder climates, adding to the overall driving experience.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance: 2023 Kia Sportage

Standard Powertrain Specifications

• Engine Details: The default powertrain for the Sportage is equipped with a 187-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
• Transmission Setup: This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
• Drive Options: Buyers can choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

Performance Comparison: Standard vs. Hybrid

• Initial Test Drive Impressions: The hybrid powertrain variant showed more favorable performance than the base four-cylinder engine during initial test drives.
• Acceleration Metrics: In time trials, the non-hybrid Sportage recorded a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 8.6 seconds. In contrast, the hybrid model achieved this in only 7.4 seconds, demonstrating superior acceleration.

Ride Comfort and New Platform

• Enhanced Ride Comfort: The latest Sportage model benefits from a new platform with a longer wheelbase than the previous generation. This change has resulted in improved ride comfort.
• Platform Advancements: The new platform enhances the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal and improves handling and stability.

Off-Road Capabilities and Trims

• Rugged Trim Options: The Sportage introduces rugged-looking trims like the X-Line, which add an off-road aesthetic to the vehicle.
• X-Pro Trim Features:
  • Specialized Equipment: The X-Pro trim has features supporting off-road capability. It includes black 17-inch rims and all-terrain tires, suitable for rougher terrains.
  • Drive Modes Selection: This trim also offers a selection of drive modes, enhancing its adaptability to various driving conditions and environments.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG: 2023 Kia Sportage

EPA Fuel Economy Ratings

• Front-Wheel Drive Models: The Sportage equipped with front-wheel drive is rated at 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
• All-Wheel Drive Models: Models with all-wheel drive have a slightly lower EPA rating of 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the road.

Real-World Fuel Efficiency Test

• Fuel-Economy Test Results: On a 75-mph fuel-economy route, the all-wheel-drive Sportage X-Pro Prestige model demonstrated impressive fuel efficiency, returning 31 mpg.
• Additional Information: For more comprehensive details about the Sportage’s fuel economy, the EPA’s website offers a wealth of information and resources.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Design and Aesthetics

• Dashboard and Display: The Sportage’s interior impresses with its modern and stylish design, highlighted by a large digital display on the dashboard.
• Eye-Catching Interior Details: The cabin features various attractive details that enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.

Colour Schemes and Customization

• Two-Tone Color Option: An attractive two-tone color scheme is available for those who prefer a more vibrant interior.
• All-Black Interior Option: An all-black cabin option is also available for a more classic and subdued look.

Console and Controls

• Center Console Features: The center console includes a rotary shift knob and a push-to-start button, along with various other controls.
• Integrated Design: These controls are seamlessly integrated into a piano-black bezel, contributing to the cabin’s sleek and modern feel.

Space and Versatility

• Increased Rear-Seat Legroom: Thanks to the Sportage’s larger overall dimensions and longer wheelbase, the vehicle offers more legroom in the rear seats, enhancing passenger comfort.
• Cargo Space: The Sportage provides 40 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat.
• Dual-Level Cargo Floor: Including a dual-level cargo floor adds extra versatility, making accommodating different types of cargo easier.

Infotainment and Connectivity: 2023 Kia Sportage

Standard Infotainment Features

• Essential Connectivity: The Sportage comes equipped with key features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.
• Infotainment Display: A standard 8.0-inch infotainment display is included in all models, providing a clear and user-friendly interface.
• Digital Gauge Display: All models display a digital gauge, enhancing the driver’s dashboard experience.

Upgraded Display Option

• Larger Infotainment Screen: For an improved experience, there’s an option to upgrade to a larger 12.3-inch infotainment display.
• Benefits of the Upgrade: This larger screen provides more connectivity options and crisper graphics, making it more appealing for tech-savvy users.

Innovative Control System

• Touch-Sensitive Controls: The Sportage features innovative touch-sensitive controls below the infotainment interface.
• Dual Functionality: These controls have a dual function, allowing users to switch between controlling the climate system and the stereo, adding to the vehicle’s modern feel.

Additional High-Tech Options

• Harman/Kardon Audio System: An upgraded Harman/Kardon audio system is available for audiophiles, offering superior sound quality.
• Wireless Phone Charger: A wireless phone charger provides added convenience and cable-free charging.
• Wi-Fi Hotspot: The Sportage also offers a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, enhancing connectivity for all passengers particularly useful for long journeys.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage: 2023 Kia Sportage

Kia’s Warranty Plan

• Leading Industry Warranty: Kia is renowned for its exceptional warranty plans, offering the longest powertrain warranty in the automotive industry.
• Comparison with Competitors: While its warranty coverage is impressive, Kia does not provide the complimentary maintenance services that some competitors, like Toyota and Hyundai, offer.

Coverage Details

• Limited Warranty: The limited warranty for the Kia Sportage covers five years or 60,000 miles.
• Powertrain Warranty: The powertrain warranty extends significantly longer, covering ten years or 100,000 miles.
• Lack of Complimentary Maintenance: Unlike some of its rivals, Kia does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance with Sportage.

Specifications of the 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige AWD

Vehicle Type and Price

• Category: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon.
• Base and As-Tested Price: The base price is $38,415, with the as-tested price slightly higher at $39,075.

Additional Options

• Exterior Paint: Jungle Green paint with an Ebony black roof for $395.
• Interior Options: Carpeted floor mats at $155, wheel locks for $60, and a cargo net for $50.

2023 Kia Sportage Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, with both port and direct fuel injection.
• Displacement: 152 cubic inches (2497 cm³).
• Power Output: 187 horsepower at 6100 rpm.
• Torque: 178 lb-ft at 4000 rpm.

Transmission and Chassis

• Transmission: Equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
• Suspension System: Features struts at the front and a multilink setup at the rear.
• Tires: Fitted with BFGoodrich Trail Terrain T/A tires, size 235/65R-17 104H M+S.

2023 Kia Sportage Dimensions and Capacities

• Wheelbase: 108.5 inches.
• Vehicle Dimensions: Length of 183.5 inches, width of 73.4 inches, and height of 66.9 inches.
• Interior Space: Passenger volume of 52/50 cubic feet (front/rear).
• Cargo Capacity: 74 cubic feet with rear seats down and 40 cubic feet with seats up.
• Curb Weight: The vehicle weighs 3728 pounds.

Performance Test Results

• Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds; quarter-mile in 16.5 seconds at 85 mph.
• Top Speed: Governed limit of 117 mph.
• Braking Performance: Stops from 70 to 0 mph in 180 feet.
• Roadholding Capability: Achieved 0.84 g on a 300-ft skidpad.

2023 Kia Sportage Fuel Economy

• Observed Mileage: 20 mpg in mixed driving conditions.
• Highway Efficiency: On a 75-mph highway drive, the Sportage returned 31 mpg.
• Highway Range: Approximately 440 miles on a full tank under highway conditions.
• EPA Ratings: EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg combined, 23 mpg in the city, and 28 mpg on the highway.

FAQs about the 2023 Kia Sportage

What are the engine options available for the 2023 Kia Sportage?

The Sportage offers a 187-hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants available.

Does the Kia Sportage have an all-wheel drive?

Yes, the Sportage has an option for the all-wheel industry, which is particularly beneficial for the X-Pro models designed for off-road conditions.

What is the cargo capacity of the 2023 Sportage?

The Sportage offers 40 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, which increases significantly with the seats folded down.

Is there a difference in fuel economy between the FWD and AWD models?

Yes, the front-wheel-drive models are slightly more fuel-efficient than the all-wheel-drive versions.

Are there any advanced driver assistance features in the 2023 Sportage?

The Sportage has advanced driver assistance systems, enhancing safety and driving convenience.

Conclusion

The 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige AWD is a strong contender in the compact SUV segment. Its greatest strengths lie in its exceptional warranty coverage, spacious and comfortable interior, advanced infotainment features, and capable off-road performance in the X-Pro trim. While the base engine’s performance may not excite all drivers and the lack of complimentary maintenance might be a downside for some, the overall package presented by the Sportage, especially in terms of value and versatility, makes it a compelling choice for a wide range of consumers.