Developed as part of Kia’s new global brand transformation, “Movement that Inspires,” the all-new 2023 Sportage subcompact SUV delivers more of everything for savvy, adventurous and eco-conscious consumers.
Significantly larger, more capable and powerful, and targeted to be more fuel-efficient, the fifth-generation model debuts a number of Sportage firsts including an available dual panoramic curved digital display and an exciting new variant that will literally take consumers to new heights.
The Sportage includes a diverse lineup and trim levels, LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige and X-Line, while the all-new Sportage X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige trims allow drivers to venture further into nature with off-road-ready features including all-terrain tires, among other elements.
With several enticing variants to come, the 2023 Sportage will help build Kia’s reputation in electrification, while also strengthening the brand’s commitment to building rugged and capable SUVs. Following in the footsteps of the Sorento, the Sportage will also be available in a hybrid version.
Details on that and other powertrains will be revealed at a later date, while gasoline variants are anticipated to go on sale in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2022.
New foundation
Underpinned by the same all-new 3rd generation “N3” platform found in the Sorento, the chassis provides a rigid base and aims to offer:
- Better driving dynamics via expanded use of hot-stamped parts and ultra-high-strength steel for increased average tensile strength and torsional stiffness
- Minimized road, wind, and engine noise via greater application of sound-absorbing and insulating materials
Engine
- New 2.5-liter I-4 is more powerful and targeted to be more fuel-efficient than the outgoing engine
- Paired with new 8-speed automatic transmission
- Targeted 187 horsepower
- FWD or available AWD (AWD-equipped models gain 1.5 inches in ground clearance over outgoing Sportage)
- The available Active AWD system uses electro-hydraulic coupling with a centre-locking differential to actively distribute power between front and rear wheels depending on road and driving conditions.
- Information regarding additional powertrain availability will be shared at a later date.
Sportage All-Wheel Drive X-Line and X-Pro
In developing a reputation for building rugged and capable SUVs, Sportage is available in the X-Line and all-new Sportage X-Pro trims.
Both come standard with AWD and a unique tread-like stitching pattern on unique and easy-to-clean SynTex synthetic leather seats.
Sportage X-Line blends sporty and rugged looking exterior features:
- Unique front and rear bumpers with a satin chrome surround create a tougher image, complemented by side garnish
- Side mirrors, roof rack and window surrounds finished in gloss black for a sportier look
- Raised roof rack rails to support adventure-ready accessories
- Exclusive 19-inch wheels
Sportage X-Pro has off-road hardware to match its design elements, so it doesn’t just look like a trail-ready vehicle – it is.
- F. Goodrich all-terrain tires
- 17-inch matte black off-road wheels
- LED fog lights and available LED Projector headlights (standard on X-Pro Prestige) to illuminate the trail ahead if your adventure takes you into the night
- Heated windshield and wiper washer nozzle
- Multi-terrain drive modes with Normal, Sport, Smart, and Snow modes
- Available two-tone roof
- Ventilated front seats (X-Pro Prestige)
- 8-way power front passenger seat (X-Pro Prestige)
Advanced Driver Assistance
There’s no shortage of standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
Even at the base LX level, drivers will appreciate the convenience of having some of Kia’s most technologically advanced systems.
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW): Analyzes the driver’s attention level and provides a warning if a break is recommended. It may also provide a leading vehicle departure alert, if the leading vehicle departs from a stop and the driver does not react within a certain time period.
- LED Headlights with High Beam Assist (HBA): Engineered to automatically dim the headlights when an oncoming or leading vehicle is detected, then return to high beams when vehicles are no longer detected
- Lane Following Assist (LFA): Helps detect lane markings and vehicles ahead and provides steering inputs to help center the vehicle in the lane
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Helps detect lane markings and provides steering inputs to help prevent the vehicle from leaving the lane while driving
- Forward Collision-Avoidance (FCA) with Cyclist detection capability: Warns if there is a risk of a collision with a vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist in front of the vehicle while driving and may automatically assist with braking
- Rear Occupant Alert (ROA): Provides a warning to the driver to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle
- Rear View Monitor (RVM) with Dynamic Parking Guidance: Provides a view of behind the vehicle, with guidelines that adjust to follow the direction the vehicle is turning
- Reverse Parking Distance Warning (PDW-R): Detects certain objects behind the vehicle, issuing an audible warning when an obstruction is detected. The warning tone chimes faster as the vehicle gets closer to the detected object
