2023 Kia Sportage

Pros: Powerful and efficient hybrids; class-leading space; well-executed tech; distinctive design choices Cons: Slow base engine; X-Line and X-Pro are not available as the hybrid; X-Pro's firm ride The term “all-new” gets thrown around liberally in the car biz, but when it comes to the 2023 Kia Sportage, it absolutely fits the bill. Kia’s oldest nameplate goes from one of the smallest compact SUVs to one of the biggest, expanding in every dimension to be far more family friendly. It now offers two hybrid options: one is an exceptional, turbocharged conventional hybrid that does double duty as a fuel economy and performance upgrade, while the other is a plug-in hybrid that provides 32 miles of electric-only range and therefore even better fuel economy. Meanwhile, the interior is better-looking, better-made and packed with Kia’s latest, excellent tech. While it continues to deliver distinctive style and better-than-average value, the Sportage’s newfound practicality makes it a compelling answer to choices like the equally impressive new 2023 Honda CR-V, plus the Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester and the Sportage's mechanically related cousin, the Hyundai Tucson. There’s even a quasi-off-road model in the new X-Line and X-Pro trim levels, though they do fall short in terms of ruggedness compared to the Forester Wilderness and RAV4 TRD Off-Road, and are only offered with the sluggish base engine that is the Sportage's weakest attribute. Add it all up and you have a new entry in the ultra-competitive compact SUV segment that is an absolute must-see. We would steer you toward the Sportage Hybrid, however, as its price premium is negligible, its benefits great and the base engine is disappointingly slow. The plug-in hybrid is also very appealing, but is also costlier and will likely be harder to come by.  Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Levels   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features Video Review What's new for 2023? The Kia Sportage is all-new for 2023, and not only that, but it’s a significant departure in terms of size and engine choice. What are the Sportage interior and in-car technology like? The new Sportage interior represents another advantage over most in the segment. In short, it’s cool. There’s a sense of style here you’re not going to find in a RAV4 or Forester. Beyond the design, there are red, navy and sage green interiors available depending on trim level and drivetrain, with even the EX Hybrid eligible for a particularly cool Misty Gray and Triton Navy combo (pictured above). We really like that Kia includes such aesthetic options along with Kia’s usual generous feature content on lower trim levels rather than keeping them exclusive to high-dollar ones. Another example of this is the cabin’s main attraction: the giant curved panel housing twin 12.3-inch displays that are shared with the EV6. Found on every trim but the LX, it’s not only an eye-catcher for its curved design and pretty graphics, but like other Kias, …
Hide Full Review