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2023 Kia Sportage: Bigger, better, and more well equipped -- a solid choice with features found on much more expensive SUVs

Kia scored a major hit with its full-size Telluride, winning praise and awards left and right the world over. Now its fifth-gen Sportage is looking to shake up the crowded compact SUV market. A little larger this time around and filled with high-tech options, the 2023 Sportage is practical yet boundary pushing for its segment. It will be available in special X-Pro off-road sport models too.

Sportage is Kia's longest running nameplate. The new redesign aims to set it apart from the bland cookie-cutter SUVs in its class. Besides some cool design cues, the new model debuts a number of Sportage firsts including an available dual panoramic curved digital display and an available Active AWD system that uses electro-hydraulic coupling with center-locking differential to actively distribute power between front and rear wheels, depending on road and driving conditions.

Drivetrain specs are limited at this time. Kia says the line -- which will come in LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, plus new adventure-ready trims (X-Line, X-Pro, and X-Pro Prestige) -- will feature a new 2.5-liter I-4 engine with new 8-speed automatic transmission and targeted 187 hp. Sportage engineers are shooting for fuel-economy numbers that are 8% better than the current model, despite the SUV being larger overall in size. The overall length is 7.1 in. longer than the previous generation, with a 3.4-in. longer wheelbase. It is also taller and wider by half an inch. It comes with FWD or available AWD (AWD-equipped models gain 1.5 in. in ground clearance over the outgoing Sportage).

Using the same all-new third-gen "N3" platform found in the Kia Sorento, the Sportage chassis provides a rigid base that offers better driving dynamics via expanded use of hot-stamped parts and ultra-high-strength steel for increased average tensile strength and torsional stiffness. It also features minimized road, wind, and engine noise via greater application of sound-absorbing and insulating materials.

2023 Sportage boasts class-leading rear legroom with 41.3 in. of room, best-in-class rear cargo capacity with 39.6 ft³ of space, and a dual level cargo floor.

Design-wise, the tiger nose grille and distinct boomerang headlights make the new Sportage immediately recognizable. Kia did this with design elements on the Telluride too. Angular fenders and crisp shoulder lines add to the off-road, sporty feel. Diamond-shaped notched taillights are also a differentiating touch.

Inside, the futuristic driver cockpit with available dual panoramic curved display seamlessly connects two screens to provide nearly 25 in. of digital info space. This is a high-end feature that some much more expensive cars have previewed in the last year or so. No more clunky iPad-like designs! The trend in in-car displays is long, lean, and wraparound. Other noticeable touches include an asymmetrical console that clearly favors the driver, real stitching and detailed patterning on the seats for a higher-end feel (SX and above), and available animal-free leather (EX and above).

Other nice interior tech features include:

• Available 360-degree Surround-View Monitor with 3D view provides a bird's-eye view of vehicle surroundings,
• Available Harman Kardon premium audio system,
• Multi-connection Bluetooth that simultaneously links two smartphones,
• Personalized profile that can be set up to remember climate and infotainment preferences, phone connection pairings, etc.,
• Available wireless charging pad built inside the upper tray, and
• A Sportage first, the Wi-Fi Hotspot connects up to five devices to 4G LTE-based internet, which includes over-the-air map updates for eligible vehicles.

There are eight standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems:

• Driver Attention Warning
• LED Headlights with High Beam Assist
• Lane Following Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Forward Collision Avoidance with Cyclist detection capability
• Rear Occupant Alert
• Rear View Monitor with Dynamic Parking Guidance
• Reverse Parking Distance Warning

Other optional Advanced Driver Assistance Systems abound, including Blind-Spot View Monitor with live video, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance with Parallel Exit, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance, Highway Driving Assist, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance, and more.

New special off-road options
Sportage All-Wheel Drive X-Line and X-Pro models come standard with AWD and a unique tread-like stitching pattern on easy-to-clean SynTex synthetic leather seats.

Sportage X-Line blends sporty and rugged looking exterior features:

• Unique front and rear bumpers with a satin chrome surround create a tougher image, complemented by side garnish
• Side mirrors, roof rack, and window surrounds finished in gloss black for a sportier look
• Raised roof rack rails to support adventure-ready accessories
• Exclusive 19-in. wheels.

Sportage X-Pro has off-road hardware to match its design elements:

• B.F. Goodrich all-terrain tires
• 17-in. matte black off-road wheels
• LED fog lights and available LED Projector headlights (standard on X-Pro Prestige) to illuminate the trail ahead if your adventure takes you into the night
• Heated windshield and wiper washer nozzle
• Multi-terrain drive modes with Normal, Sport, Smart, and Snow modes
• Available two-tone roof
• Ventilated front seats (X-Pro Prestige)
• 8-way power front passenger seat (X-Pro Prestige)

The Sportage will eventually be available in a hybrid version. Gasoline variants detailed here are anticipated to go on sale in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2022. Pricing was not released, but it should start around $25,000, with the X-Pro Prestige starting around $40,000 -- overall, a good value considering the high-end tech offered.

Source: Kia

Published November 2021

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