Three things that help the Kia Sportage 2023 stand out in its segment

The Kia Sportage is all-new for 2022, meaning new looks, new engine choices and a host of great new interior options. There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s get to it!

Styling

The New Sportage is unmistakably a fresh ne design, especially when seen from the front, where the prominent new grille and all-new headlight shape takes centre stage. There really is nothing else like it on the market, even within the Kia line-up itself.

As we move ‘round back, however, there is a connection with Kia in the form of the connected taillamps, which are a clear callback to the new EV6 electric car. The tailgate of course is larger than that vehicle and has broader surfaces as a result, but it remains just as futuristic. Add the unique wheels that range in size from 17-19 inches and bright colour choices as well as the more rugged X-Line package, and the Sportage arrives a very compelling entry in the small crossover genre.

Power

For the first time in Canada, both hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models are joining the line-up. A traditional gas engine remains, of course; it’s a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine good for 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.

For its part, the HEV gets a turbocharged 1.6-litre gas engine paired with a permanent magnet EV motor for a combined power output of 227 hp and 258 lb-ft. The PHEV makes more horsepower – 261 hp – but equal amounts of torque and of course can cruise under full electric power for 55 km. At today’s gas prices, that’s a welcome bonus!

Features

Inside, we find a curved 12.3” LCD gauge and infotainment displays that can be personalized and saved to a user profile, available surround view monitor and wireless charging.

To keep interior clutter down, the transmission is operated by a dial so you won’t catch items on an unwieldly gearlever as you attempt to pass them on to the passenger’s seat. Also keeping the interior environs clean is an integrated climate control/infotainment button bank that allows you to swap between both modes with a single button press.

This is a CUV that needs to be driven to be believed, so come visit us for a look!