It’s a popular compact SUV that offers fuel-efficient propulsion options, comfortable seating for five adults, and a long list of standard features. It also features 12 unique trim levels, some with All Wheel Drive (AWD) and others with up to 43 mpg combined city and highway. The redesigned 2023 Kia Sportage has three reasons why it’s the right crossover to buy.
Three reasons to buy a 2023 Kia Sportage
ranked the 2023 Kia Sportage at the top of its latest “Best SUV” list using its “proprietary ranking algorithm.” Characteristics such as price, interior comfort, standard features and technology contribute to the ranking.
The transmission is also available in FWD or AWD options and features a 1.6-liter turbocharged I4 mated to a 1.49 kWh battery and electric motor to produce 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and includes a you are speed. The FWD Hybrid Sportage gets a combined 43 mpg estimated by the EPA, and the AWD uses the same powertrain to get a combined rating of 38 mpg.
The Kia Sportage PHEV drivetrain uses the same 1.6-liter I4 turbo and six-speed transmission as the hybrid, but adds a larger 13.8 kWh lithium-polymer battery to produce 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
The Sportage PHEV comes with AWD only but has an estimated equivalent of 84 mpg with 34 miles of all-electric driving range before switching back to hybrid mode. On trips longer than 34 miles, the Sportage PHEV AWD still gets an estimated 38 mpg.
Spacious interior
The 2023 Kia Sportage offers enough room for five adults to sit comfortably with front bucket seats and a 60/40 split rear bench seat with fold-down seatbacks to allow for more cargo.
Upholstery varies from fabric to premium synthetics, depending on trim level. Cargo space behind the rear seat measures 40 cubic feet and features a two-level floor that lays flat or drops down to accommodate taller items.
Features included
The base 2023 Kia Sportage LX starts at under $28,000 and comes with Apple CarPlay, Kia Drive Wise, three selectable drive modes, and more.
The X-Line Prestige PHEV AWD features the same equipment but starts at $43,190. Besides the obvious PHEV powertrain and AWD, the list of upgrades includes a premium audio system, heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, power liftgate and more.
The 2023 Sportage is the right crossover to buy
While the 2023 Kia Sportage isn’t the cheapest crossover in its class, it does have the best warranty with its five-year or 60,000 bumper-to-bumper and ten-year or 100,000-mile coverage from Kia.
Plus, with 12 variants to choose from, including gas-only, hybrid and PHEV models offering a range of FWD and AWD options, there’s a Kia Sportage to suit every lifestyle.
Finally, the base Sportage LX comes with standard features that rival some competitors’ top-level models, and the feature list grows as you move up the ranks of the Sportage trim level.
