2023 Kia Sportage

Almost every automaker has their hand in the compact SUV-pot, meaning there’s a constant need to innovate. As is the case with Kia’s longest running nameplate, the Sportage. It’s been redesigned inside and out for 2023.

Powering this Sportage is a 2.5-liter inline-four engine, sending 187 horsepower through an 8-speed automatic transmission. It’s nothing to rock your socks off, but plenty to pedal from A to B. A hybrid model is also available, with a plug-in hybrid soon to come.

No matter which powertrain you choose, the new Sportage uses Kia’s N3 platform. It now ends up being 7-inches longer than its predecessor, meaning more room inside: 41.3-inches of rear legroom and 39.6-cubic feet of trunk storage before folding seats.

STEVEN TRUANT: "So, makes a lot of sense that we’re carving up the desert roads of Palm Springs, because Kia is bringing the heat with the revamped Sportage. So, this vehicle actually shares the same chassis as the Sorento. It is stronger, it is lighter, and overall you can really feel it through the twists and turns. Another thing to note is just how quiet it is on the inside of the cabin. Kia added a lot more sound deadening materials, making for a quiet and comfortable ride."

You can choose your Sportage flavor amongst seven trims, from LX to X-Pro Prestige. No matter which you choose, the Sportage swings to a new vibe thanks to some substantial appearance changes: new daytime running lights and notch-shaped taillights, and a new take on Kia’s Tiger Nose grille.

The 2023 Kia Sportage starts around $26,000 for the LX, and $37,000 for the X-Pro Prestige.