Kia continues to be a brand ‘on the move’ as they refine their lineup and focus on “movement that inspires”. They are improving their best selling models while also building for the future with EV models like the EV6. And it seems part of their focus as a brand is understanding their customer’s needs and expanding their models so they’re both ready for the road and adventure.
The 2023 Kia Sportage sees the most significant updates since the Sportage debuted. Kia’s new Sportage has grown larger, more capable and powerful, and more fuel efficient. It’s growth spurt makes it one of the bigger compact SUVs with 40 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row. The new overall length is 7.1 inches longer than previous generation, with a 3.4-inch longer wheelbase and a half inch taller and wider.
But wait, there’s more, the fifth-generation model also sports a number of Sportage firsts like an available dual panoramic curved digital display which connects connects two screens for nearly 25-inches of display and the X-Pro line designed to be ready for the trails. Or for those that need to be connected while on the go, there’s a Wi-Fi Hotspot which connects up to five devices to 4G LTE-based internet. (Now the kids can get their homework done on the ride home from school…or watch Paw Patrol)
X-Pro features for going off pavement include:
- B.F. Goodrich19 all-terrain tires
- 17-inch 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 specifically tuned for Sportage X-Pro trims to reduce wheel slip, maximize traction and downhill braking control
- Exclusive two-tone roof available in three exciting colors
- Ventilated front seats (X-Pro Prestige)
- 8-way power front passenger seat (X-Pro Prestige)
During our week with the Sportage we stayed on the paved roads, spending our time running errands, fighting road construction delays and other suburban norms. Of course if we’d wanted to go exploring, AWD models have 8.3 inches of ground clearance.
With its bold exterior and cohesive interior loaded with features, we found the new Sportage to be packed with everything you need for a comfortable commute or family road trip to grandma’s house. While I’d like to see more engine choices versus the 2.5-liter I-4 making 187 horsepower, this engine is more powerful than the previous gen.
Trims available include: LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, and the new X-Line, Sportage X-Pro, and X-Pro Prestige. The 2023 Sportage MSRP starts at $25,990 for the FWD LX model and tops out at $36,790 for the AWD X-Pro Prestige model. The destination charge is an additional $1,255.
