2023 Kia Sportage

Sportage, Kia’s longest running nameplate, undergoes a significant change as the fifth-generation, 2023 model debuts, delivering more for today’s consumers. Dimensions for the subcompact crossover grow by 180 mm in length, 53 mm in height, and 10 mm in width. The wheelbase is 85 mm longer than the previous generation, which significantly improves interior space — Kia stating that the second-row legroom is just two mm less than the front row. The Sportage is offered in no less than six trim levels — LX FWD, LX, X-Line, EX, EX-Premium and X-Line Limited — not including the new HEV and PHEV versions.

Performance

The gas-model Sportage is powered by a new 2.5L four-cylinder that is more powerful and more fuel efficient than the outgoing engine. Paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, the engine puts out 187 horsepower. The available Active AWD system uses an electro-hydraulic coupling with centre-locking differential to actively distribute power between front and rear wheels depending on road and driving conditions. Hybrid models use a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 44-kW electric motor routed through a six-speed automatic. Total system output is 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Practicality

Even the entry-level LX FWD is well equipped, with heated front seats and heated side mirrors,17-inch wheels, LED headlamps and partial LED exterior lighting, a 60/40-split rear seat, eight-inch infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and more. Forward collision warning, lane keep and follow assist and a new rear occupant alert system are standard. All-wheel drive can be added to the LX for $2,000; AWD is standard on all other trims.

The X-Line trim comes with exclusive satin chrome finishes, skid plate-shaped front and rear mouldings, gloss black side mirrors, shaped side garnishes, ladder-style roof rails and 19-inch wheels. The cabin is fitted with quilted synthetic leather, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless charging pad, keyless entry and push-button start, plus blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The EX adds the 12.3-inch infotainment system with HD Radio and SiriusXM (and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), smart cruise control, 18-inch wheels, LED fog lights, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, heated windshield, rain-sensing wipers, and more. The EX Premium has a different set of 19-inch wheels and adds a power liftgate, memory driver’s seat and power passenger seat (both ventilated), heated outboard rear seats and more.

The X-Line Limited has the same design elements as the X-Line but with an available sage green interior, 12.3-inch instrument cluster, upgraded LED headlamps, eight-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system, and premium safety features such as the Highway Drive Assist hands-on lane centring and adaptive cruise control system,  surround-view camera, and a blind-view monitor system that projects a camera view of the crossover’s blind spots onto the instrument cluster when the turn signal is activated.

Canadian Pricing

The 2023 Sportage starts at $28,595 for the FWD LX model and tops out at $41,395 for the AWD X-Line Limited model. The Sportage HEV/PHEV starts at $36,495.