The 2023 Kia Sportage gets a complete revamp and new X-Pro trim

Article content

In the highly sought-after subcompact SUV segment, Kia’s making the push to become the segment leader via its all-new fifth-generation 2023 Sportage. Offering up premium features, new trim levels, and a host of other relevant improvements, its aim is to appeal to drivers who want smart technology, and are adventurous and eco-conscious.

Article content

Power is sourced from a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, run through a new eight-speed automatic transmission that has a targeted horsepower figure of 187. There will be front- and all-wheel-drive options, and full power specs will be available at a later date.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

The 2023 Kia Sportage gets a complete revamp and new X-Pro trim Back to video

Ambitiously, Kia hopes to reduce fuel consumption by eight per cent, despite the growing footprint of the Sportage. Additionally, there will be electrified versions on the horizon.

It’ll use the same “N3” platform found in the Sorento, with Kia’s West Point, Georgia plant building most of the Sportage trim offerings. “While Kia moves purposefully toward electrification, we are further strengthening the Sportage lineup by adding a variety of options suited for all different kinds of customers,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia America.

The exterior sees the brand’s now-familiar tiger-nose grille and daytime running lights; they look similar to those on the current-gen Hyundai Sonata, with a distinct boomerang shape. The rear sports a sculpted tailgate with “notch-shaped” tail lights as part of the full redesign. The side profile has oh-so-slight flares but remains fairly conservative, design-wise, with the front and rear portions being the eye-catchers.

Article content

Toggle full screen mode Previous Gallery Image

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

11. 

12. 

13. 

14. 

15. 

Next Gallery Image Toggle gallery captions

View All 15 Photos

1 of 15

All 15 Photos for Gallery

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 
7. 
8. 
9. 
10. 
11. 
12. 
13. 
14. 
15. 

Function Not Available

Full Screen is not supported on this browser version.

You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen.

OK

The new Sportage will be 7.1 inches longer, with a wheelbase stretched by 3.4 inches; and is half-an-inch wider, a dramatic increase size-wise. The immediate benefit of the longer wheelbase is channeled into rear passengers enjoying three more inches of legroom, making it, according to Kia, best in class. The additional length also gives the Sportage an impressive 28 per cent more cargo space, now boasting a total of 1,121 L, or 39.6 cubic feet, with a dual-level cargo floor for additional functionality.

Inside, the Sportage has moved upscale to offer premium features, with the most notable being a pair of connected 12.3-inch digital curved screens: one for the dashboard; and the other for the infotainment system. With nearly 25 inches of screen real estate, Kia’s certainly upped its game. A clever new touchpad sits beneath the infotainment system, and controls both climate and audio inputs with a simple touch. And yes, there’s still a physical volume knob.

Article content

An available 360-degree Surround-View Monitor with 3D view comes on higher trims, along with the choice for a Harman Kardon premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard and for the first time, the Sportage offers a Wi-Fi Hotspot that connects up to five devices to 4G LTE-based internet. Interestingly, on EX trims and higher, Kia has opted to use animal-free leather.

Standard safety includes Lane-Follow Assist, Lane-Keeping Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance, Driver Attention Warning, and more. Available safety features include Blind-Spot View Monitor, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance-Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist, Highway Driving Assist, and many others.

Two new trims are being introduced: X-Line and X-Pro. These are in addition to the LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige. The X-Line presents a more rugged look, with cosmetic changes and unique 19-inch wheels. The X-Pro bolsters the off-road pretences of the X-Line with actually-dirt-ready BFGoodrich all-terrain tires mounted on 17-inch matte black off-road wheels; multi-terrain drive modes; heated windshield and wiper washer nozzles; and LED fog and headlights for a clearer look ahead.