Kia pulled the wraps off the 2023 Sportage Wednesday. More precisely, it lifted the covers off the U.S. version of its popular subcompact crossover — and it revealed relatively few changes from the South Korean version of the Sportage introduced earlier this year.
And that means the American crossover will retain the distinctive new “Opposites United” design language which takes the 2023 Kia Sportage in a very different visual direction from the outgoing model.
The new model is larger than the old SUV, features a tauter, more sporty look, with a broader “Tiger Nose” grille and new boomerang-shaped running lights, to start with. It also picks up some of the design cues found in the carmaker’s new EV6 battery-electric vehicle, most notably the rear liftgate.
More trim levels for 2023
If anything, even more versions of the Sportage will be available in 2023, from the base LX to the Sporty X-Line and upscale SX-Prestige. Kia is adding all-new, “off-road ready” Sportage X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige trims, and a GT-Line is expected. There will be a hybrid version, as well, though Kia said details won’t be released until “a later date.”
“While Kia moves purposefully toward electrification, we are further strengthening the Sportage line-up by adding a variety of options suited for all different kinds of customers,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia America, Kia North America. “The tremendous success formula of our current stable of SUVs has been infused into every ounce of the new Sportage, transforming it into a leader of the pack with its cutting-edge design, adventurous capability and desirable in-car technology.”
The latest-generation Sportage shifts to the same N3 platform as the bigger Sorento, and grows a full 7.1 inches in overall length, even though the wheelbase has been stretched just 3.4 inches. Kia claims the ute now offers segment-leading rear cargo space and best-in-class rear cargo capacity of 39.6 cubic feet. The 2023 Sportage also adopts a dual-level rear cargo floor.
More technology
The new Sportage design is more muscular outside, and more upscale inside. The SUV now offers a panoramic curved display that pairs a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. Angular air vents add to the technical feel of the instrument panel. The asymmetric center console places buttons closer to the driver and now features a new rotary e-shifter.
Other technical upgrades includes a first-time WiFi hotspot that can connect to as many as five devices simultaneously, and a navigation system that, depending upon model, can keep maps up-to-date using over-the-air updates. The cloud-based system is able to revise routing on the fly, as well. The infotainment system now can be programmed by voice, touch or with a new touchpad. And it features both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The seats now feature real stitching and, for higher grades, adopt vegan “leather” surfaces.
Bigger, more fuel-efficient engine
Under the hood, the 2023 Kia Sorento gains a new 2.5-liter inline-4 powertrain. It’s tentatively rated at 187 horsepower. It will be available in either front- or all-wheel drive the AWD models gaining 1.5 inches of ground clearance. Despite the increase in the overall size of the 2023 Sportage and the boost in engine output, Kia said it is anticipating an 8% increase in EPA-rated mileage. It currently gets up to 26 mpg Combined.
“The available Active AWD system uses electro-hydraulic coupling with center-locking differential to actively distribute power between front and rear wheels depending on road and driving conditions,” Kia noted in a release.
The X-Line and X-Pro add off-road-oriented details, including larger wheels, unique bumpers, a roof rack and on the Pro, LED foglamps and an optional two-tone roof.
Increased safety tech
The new Sportage will add several advanced driver assistance systems, including optional features such as 360-degree Surround View Monitor with 3D View and live feed Blind-Spot View Monitor.
Most versions of the new 2023 Kia Sportage will be assembled at the automaker’s plant in West Point, Georgia.
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