The 2023 Kia Sportage is Kia’s Ultimate Compact SUV

Kia reveals the all-new design of the 2023 Kia Sportage, and it comes with a bold and futuristic look that is an immediate attention-grabber. The company indicates the new Sportage is available for sale in the U.S. in early 2022 as a 2023 model and is very exciting news for families in the market for a unique and stylish compact SUV. Kia decides to go with a complete makeover that makes the new Sportage safer, more tech-savvy, and ultimately larger than the outgoing model. Being a more extensive vehicle means the new Sportage has more passenger space and cargo capacity, which is challenging to do in the compact SUV segment. Still, Kia manages to accomplish this with no problem.  

Exterior Styling

With the modernization of Kia’s logo, Kia’s design language also takes a turn for the better, which means taking on a new direction in vehicle engineering. The exterior evokes an aggressive and sophisticated appearance that emphasizes its angles and contours, making the new Sportage way better than the previous model in almost every dimension. Its broad front grille spreads across the whole front fascia, and the daytime running lights cut a jagged path around the matrix-type LED headlights.

Dual-fog lights also offer more visibility for nighttime driving and in hard-to-see driving conditions. The C-pillar of the rear side windows tapers nicely toward the roof-line giving the vehicle a sporty-coupe-like complexion. New taillights and a rear spoiler make the back portion of the Sportage look more prominent and more upscale. Depending on the trim level, consumers can select from different wheel sizes that range from 17-in to 19-in.          

Interior Features

Inside the cabin of the Sportage are significant improvements that consist of two 12-inch displays that join together, amounting to a total of 24 inches of combined vehicle information systems that face toward the driver. According to Kia, the screens are high-definition. They don’t have a “hood” covering them like a traditional analog gauge cluster, making them very visible to the driver and the front passenger. Kia also removed the hand-held shifter in favor of a rotary-style gear selector along with Terrain Mode controls. A wireless smartphone charging pad is also available for high-speed charging on the go. The 2023 Kia Sportage is a five-passenger vehicle with two captain’s chairs and a rear bench for three. For extra storage space, the rear seats fold down with the press of a button creating a flatbed for luggage and recreational equipment.

Performance and Powertrain

The 2023 Kia Sportage receives its power from a 1.6 L 4-cylinder engine that puts out 177hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Kia’s ultimate goal with its engine is fuel efficiency rather than full-on performance, and Kia uses new combustion, cooling, and anti-friction methods that result in fewer emissions. The engine operates in conjunction with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with available hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. The Kia Sportage receives some off-road capabilities that make it more road-worthy and versatile with its Terrain Mode. The new Sportage also has a MacPherson Strut Front Suspension, a Four-Link Rear Suspension (with continuously adjustable damping functionality).

Pricing and Release Date

Official pricing figures are not available, but estimates suggest the 2023 Kia Sportage costs $24,090 (plus destination fee). Base price is subject to change as its release date draws closer. For more information on the new Sportage, connect with us at Southern Kia Virginia Beach, and receive all the latest news and vehicle updates. We have flexible leasing and finance options to make your vehicle buying experience hassle-free and easy. Get started today, submit our contact form, and get one step closer to owning a  new or certified pre-owned Kia.

Image Source: Kia