The Kia Sportage made its debut in 2000. It has come a long way since then, especially in terms of reliability and quality. The version currently on our roads was introduced for 2017 and it has confirmed the solid place that this model occupies in the market.
Really, the product is interesting and it is still in the game, five years after its debut.
However, the time for a change had come and it will happen this year. The 2023 Kia Sportage will make its debut in the next few months and frankly, we can't wait to see it arrive.
And it's easy to understand why when you look at everything it has to offer. Let's take a moment to analyze it all, just to get our mouths watering.
Efficiency
The 2023 Sportage is going to be talked about for many reasons, but the main one is the hybrid offering that is being added to the proposition.
Essentially, in addition to a base version that will inherit a new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine offering 187 horsepower, there will be two electrified models in the lineup; a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.
The first one will benefit from a 1.49 kWh battery, which will allow the 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine to receive the necessary help to reduce fuel consumption. The power announced thanks to the contribution of an electric motor will be 226 horsepower.
The PHEV model will have a 13.8 kWh battery and a 66.9 kW electric motor. The expected power output will be close to that offered by the Sportage PHEV's cousin, the Hyundai Tucson PHEV. It is estimated at 261 horsepower.
Never before has there been so much choice when buying a Kia Sportage. And what a choice!
Choice, that's right
Not only will there be incredible choice in terms of diversity, quality and efficiency, there will also be variety. Yes, different powertrains are on the menu, but different approaches in terms of presentation will be part of the game, from the basic versions to the more upscale models, including the X-Line and X-Pro proposals.
Basically, the latter models will be more stylish, with roof rails, black accents and 19-inch wheels on the X-Line. As for the X-Pro model, it will stand out with BF Goodrich off-road tires, this time in a 17-inch size, as well as a two-tone approach to the roof, and a rich equipment on board that will count on ventilated front seats.
It won't be hard to recognize these versions on the road.
A luxury SUV?
The Sportage doesn't play in the world of luxury, but it's going to do just that. At least, that's the impression you'll get when you take a look at the dashboard of the more upscale models. In passing, we'll see a huge screen with two 12.3-inch units, similar to what we see at Mercedes-Benz. The design of the dashboard is also unique, with original air vents inspired by what was introduced with the Sorento SUV a little over a year ago.
The luxury will also be felt behind the wheel, as Kia promises a smoother and quieter ride. This is made possible by, among other things, a longer wheelbase, a move that will reduce vibrations and improve comfort.
All in all, it's a greatly refined Kia Sportage that will arrive in 2023. Do we need to tell you that we can't wait?
