2022 Kia Sportage - Exterior interior Visual Review (STYLISH SUV)

2023 Kia Sportage Starting at $27.205 Overview The 2023 Kia Sportage separates itself from the throng of compact crossovers with its extroverted styling. The Kia's unconventional face features a set of alien-looking headlights and a distinct grille design. Its bolder bodywork is also dimensionally bigger than before, which translates to more cargo space and a roomier interior. Inside, the new Sportage is both attractive and packed with tech that includes a massive dash-mounted screen. Motivation comes from a 187-hp four-cylinder, a 226-hp hybrid powertrain, or a more powerful plug-in-hybrid model with an estimated all-electric range of 32 miles. With tough competition from segment stalwarts such as the Mazda CX-5, as well as updated opponents such as the new Honda CR-V, the 2023 Sportage will have to prove it has more to offer than just a wild-looking exterior. What's New for 2023? The Sportage enters an all-new generation for the 2023 model year when it reaches showrooms early next year. Among the changes compared with its predecessor are newly available hybrid and plug-in-hybrid powertrains. The latter addition gives the Kia a competitor to plug-in alternatives such as the Hyundai Tucson, the Toyota RAV4 Prime, and Mitsubishi Outlander. Pricing and Which One to Buy LX: $27,205 EX: $29,205 X-Line: $32,005 SX: $32,705 SX-Prestige: $34,705 X-Pro: $35,705 X-Pro Prestige: $38,005 We'd suggest the mid-range SX, which comes with nice-to-have features such as 18-inch aluminum wheels, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory settings, a heated steering wheel, a Harman/Kardon stereo system, adaptive cruise control, and a cool 12.3-inch curved infotainment display. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The Sportage's default powertrain is a 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder that mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid variant mixes a turbocharged 1.6-liter four with a single electric motor that generates a combined 226 horses. Either powertrain can be paired with front- or all-wheel drive. There's also an all-wheel-drive-only plug-in hybrid that shares an engine with the regular hybrid but adds a more powerful electric motor and a bigger battery pack. Kia claims the PHEV model can go 32 miles on electricity alone. The Sportage rides on a new platform with a longer wheelbase that's said to help provide better driving dynamics as well as reduce noise and vibration. The introduction of rugged-looking trims such as the X-Line gives the compact ute an off-road vibe, but the X-Pro actually has some equipment to help tackle the rough stuff. It rides on black 17-inch rims and all-terrain tires, and features a selection of drive modes. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The Sportage with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder is rated for 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway when equipped with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive models are rated for 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The EPA hasn't released fuel economy ratings for the hybrid or plug-in hybrid models, but we expect both to be thriftier than the nonhybrid. Once we can test one on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate its real-world mpg. For more information about the Sportage's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Inside, the Sportage looks to make an impression with a snazzy design highlighted by a huge digital display on the dashboard and other various eye-catching details. The images we've seen show an attractive two-tone color scheme, and the shape of the air vents on the dash are particularly distinct. The center console boasts a rotary shift knob, a push-to-start button, and myriad other controls that blend into the piano-black bezel. Thanks to bigger dimensions overall as well as a longer wheelbase, the Sportage has more rear-seat legroom and 40 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat. There's also a dual-level cargo floor for even more versatility. Read More https://www.caranddriver.com/kia/spor...