The 2023 Kia Sportage is arriving soon with more space, power and features to boost its appeal among a sea of compact SUV rivals. In addition to an updated exterior that blends futuristic and rugged design elements, the redesigned Sportage adds more passenger and cargo space, a new powertrain and improved tech compared to the 2022 model. It also adds money: The 2023 Sportage will start at $27,205 (all prices include a $1,215 destination charge), a $1,900 increase over the outgoing 2022 model.
Thanks to a new platform shared with its larger Kia Sorento sibling, the 2023 Sportage gains more backseat room and cargo space. It also gets a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission for a Kia-estimated 187 horsepower (up from 181 hp in the 2022 model). Front-wheel drive is standard for most models, and all-wheel drive is available or standard on higher trims. A new hybrid and plug-in hybrid model will accompany the gas-only Sportage, but pricing for the electrified variants is still under wraps.
Trims and Pricing
2023 Kia Sportage SX | Manufacturer image
The gas-only 2023 Sportage will be available in seven trim levels upon its arrival, starting with the LX. It comes with standard cloth seats, an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a suite of safety features including a driver attention warning system, hands-on lane-centering steering, lane departure steering assist and forward collision avoidance with cyclist detection and automatic emergency braking.
EX and higher trims swap in leatherette seat trim for the cloth and add a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless charging and safety features such as blind spot collision avoidance assist and Kia’s Safe Exit Warning.
Shoppers looking to go off-road (or those who just want to look the part) might like the new X-Line and X-Pro models, which are only offered with AWD. The X-Line gets unique front and rear bumpers, a roof rack, raised roof rails and unique 19-inch wheels. The X-Pro adds more off-road capability thanks to 17-inch matte-black wheels with all-terrain tires. It also gets distinguishable features like an available two-tone roof and new multiterrain drive modes.
- LX: $27,205 (FWD), $29,005 (AWD)
- EX: $29,205 (FWD), $31,005 (AWD)
- SX: $32,705 (FWD), $34,505 (AWD)
- SX-Prestige: $34,705 (FWD), $36,505 (AWD)
- X-Line: $32,005 (AWD only)
- X-Pro: $36,205 (AWD only)
- X-Pro Prestige: $38,005 (AWD only)
Versus the Competition
2021 Compact SUV Challenge | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
Although the 2023 Sportage sees a sizable price bump from the outgoing model, it remains competitive among archrivals including the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox that starts at $28,595, 2022 Ford Escape ($27,755), 2022 Honda CR-V ($27,625) and 2022 Mazda CX-5 ($27,125 with standard AWD).
Kia said the gas-powered 2023 Sportage will go on sale in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2022.
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Keyword: 2023 Kia Sportage Price Starts at $27,205, New Off-Road Trim Adds $4,800