- kia has released u.s. specs for the 2023 sportage compact suv.
- it has the same base engine as the hyundai tucson and will offer lx, ex, sx, x-line, and x-pro trim levels.
- the sportage will go on sale in the u.s. in early 2022, with a hybrid to follow.
kia is nearly ready to bring its redesigned 2023 sportage to the u.s., and we now have a lot more details on the new model that's set to arrive on our shores in the first quarter of 2022. larger than before and with a wider array of trim levels, the new compact suv features an interesting design inside and out and offers a new off-road variant called x-pro. a gasoline version with a four-cylinder engine will arrive first, with a hybrid set to join the lineup later on.
the new sportage has a 3.4-inch longer wheelbase than before, and its overall length has grown by 7.1 inches. this makes for a large cargo area measuring 40 cubic feet with the rear seats up, which beats its corporate cousin the hyundai tucson and the honda cr-v. the u.s. version has the same distinctive headlight setup as the global model we saw earlier this year.
like the tucson, the base engine is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four that will make 187 horsepower in the sportage. an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, with all-wheel drive optional. a sportage hybrid is coming later on, but kia has yet to provide details on that powertrain. awd models also feature a bit of extra ground clearance, and there are two available models—the x-line and the x-pro—that play up the sportage's off-road cred.
the x-line is an appearance package with different bumpers, wheels, a beefier roof rack, and black trim. the x-pro features additional upgrades including 17-inch wheels with bf goodrich all-terrain tires, a heated windshield, and led fog lights. other trim levels include lx, ex, and sx, and the sx, x-line, and x-pro models offer a prestige package with additional niceties.
higher trim levels have a modern-looking interior with two large screens: a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch central infotainment display. the base lx model has a smaller 8.0-inch touchscreen. there's an interesting touch panel below the infotainment screen that controls the radio and the hvac system, and the two physical knobs on either side can change function depending on what's displayed, becoming either volume and tuning knobs for audio or temperature knobs for the climate control.
driver-assistance systems including lane-keep assist and forward collision warning are standard across the board, but blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control are optional.
kia has yet to announce pricing for the 2023 sportage, but we expect it to start a bit higher than the current model, which costs between $25,265 and $36,425. the nonhybrid is set to go on sale in the u.s. in the first quarter of 2022, with the hybrid likely to follow a few months later.