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Kia’s compact crossover has just been redesigned. The new generation has just debuted in North America and it brings significant improvements in various aspects. Of course, the first thing you’ll notice is the new, pretty futuristic styling but this overhaul brings more substantial changes as well. There is a new platform, new powertrain options, new cabin design and many other things that make this generation a much better vehicle than the previous iteration. The new model debuts as the 2023 Kia Sportage and it is already in showrooms.
The new Sportage is a great car in many ways. We like its luxurious cabin, which comes with a full load of standard and available equipment. Furthermore, the new generation offers a pretty smooth and comfortable ride, while the amount of passenger space is very generous. Finally, there are new powertrain options, including new hybrid options, which offer pretty impressive fuel efficiency.
2023 Kia Sportage Design
The 2023 Kia Sportage brings a completely new design. This overhaul brings novelties in many ways, starting from the new platform. Once again, Sportage has a lot of things in common with Hyundai Tucson. The two models ride on the same architecture, though it looks like Kia’s model features a little bit different setup, which provides a little bit sportier ride.
Also, you can notice that the new generation is slightly bigger and that it comes with a longer wheelbase. That’s highly beneficial in many ways, while it’s impossible not to notice the new styling, which brings a pretty futuristic aesthetical approach. The new model looks very attractive, though we are pretty sure it’s also quite polarizing.
Interior
The cabin design is arguably the strongest point of this SUV. Compared to the previous generation, the new model looks way more upscale. Of course, the first thing you’ll notice is an attractive dashboard design. It utilizes high-quality materials, advanced tech features and nice color schemes. You can also notice much finer materials and more attention to detail. Simply, the overall quality is a pretty impressive level, among the highest in the class.
The sound insulation is also very good, while the stretched wheelbase provides extra legroom. As a result, both rows accommodate adult passengers with ease. The cargo area is also very generous with space. You may count on about 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space and a maximum of 73.7 cubic feet, which are excellent numbers for the class.
Features
The base 2023 Kia Sportage already comes with a long list of standard equipment. You may count on goodies like dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch touch screen, a 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a six-speaker audio system and a front USB-C port. There is much more to get in higher trim levels, things like a 12.3-inch touch screen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, wireless device charging, rear USB-C ports, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade, remote start, push-button start, multicolour LED interior lighting, a universal garage door opener and a hands-free power liftgate.
When it comes to safety features, base models come equipped with goodies like a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic high beams etc. You can also get upgrades like blind-spot monitoring, blind-spot view monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, front parking sensors, reverse automatic emergency braking, surround-view camera system, safe exit warning etc.
2023 Kia Sportage Engines
When it comes to the powertrain, the initial version came in two variants. Base models feature a good-old 2.5-liter inline-four, which puts out 187 horsepower and comes coupled with 8-speed automatic transmission. Also, there is a hybrid version, with the system that’s based on a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine, with a combined output of 227 horsepower. That system provides excellent fuel economy, which goes around 42 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway, according to the manufacturer.
We also expect to see a plug-in hybrid version soon, which would be based on the same turbo-four engine, but which would come with a more powerful electric motor. As a result, the total output would go around 265 horsepower, while the all-electric range would go around 30 miles.
2023 Kia Sportage Pricing
The 2023 Kia Sportage starts at around 26.500 dollars, while the hybrid version is available at around $28.000. Key competitors are models like Subaru Forester, Nissan Rogue, VW Tiguan etc.
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