The 2023 model year is looking to be an exciting one as Kia releases a redesigned Kia Sportage. The company just recently provided specs on their new take on the compact SUV, as well as a few teaser images.
With an exterior design that makes it near unrecognizable from the previous iteration, the new Kia Sportage is quite the sight to behold. Bigger, better, and with a greater set of trim levels to choose from, Kia just about overhauled the whole design. Not only that, this new generation comes with a new off-road model called the X-Pro.
The wheelbase on the new Sportage is 3.4-inches longer, with its overall length growing by 7.1 inches. Kia is aiming to be the best-in-class in terms of rear cargo space with a 40 cubic feet cargo area with the rear seats placed up. Its also aiming to be best in terms of rear legroom, measuring up to 41.3 inches for a comfy experience for rear passengers.
The base engine of the Kia Sportage will be a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, giving it 187 horsepower, which is an improvement from last years. It will also come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous six-speed transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but buyers can opt for an all-wheel drive model. Kia has yet to release more information on the powertrain of the hybrid models.
Fuel Economy is expected to improve on the ratings of the 2022 Sportage, which is currently at a 23 MPG for Cities and 30 MPG for Highways. For those looking for better fuel economy, it may be a good idea to hold out for the Hybrid models. There are also rumors of a plug-in hybrid model in the works.
For those looking for an off-road experience, the 2023 Sportage offers the X-Line and X-Pro trim levels. Both being all-wheel drive, they play off the Sportage’s reputation as an off-road beast. The X-Line uses 19-inch wheels and comes with a roof rack with raised rails, satin chrome surrounds for the bumpers, and normal road tires.
The X-Pro is given a rugged looking front and rear bumpers, along with glossy black exterior details. It also gets LED fog lights, a heated windshield, and 17-inch matte black wheels that come with a set of BF Goodrich all-terrain tires. It also comes with multi-terrain drive modes: Normal, Sport, Smart, and Snow.
There’s even an X-Pro Prestige which offers a bit more luxury, adding LED Projector headlights, a power-adjustable front passenger seat that goes eight-ways, and ventilated seats as well. Other options that buyers can get is a two-tone roof.
The first retail wave will feature the gasoline version equipped with a four-cylinder engine, with a hybrid model coming soon into the lineup. We’re expecting more information on the 2023 Kia Sportage as its Q1 2022 launch comes closer. Most of these compact SUVs will be built at Kia’s own factory in West Point, Georgia.