The 2023 Kia Sportage makes its first appearance in the United States after launching in South Korea and Europe. In the first quarter of 2022, the fifth generation of the crossover will arrive in the United States.
The N3 platform is shared by Sportage and the Sorento in 2023. It improves tensile strength and torsional stiffness by using more hot-stamped components and ultra-high-strength steel. There's also extra sound-absorbing material and insulation to make the trip more comfortable for passengers.
Kia hasn't revealed any specifics on the new Sportage's powertrain yet, although the business has basic information. A new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automated transmission produces an estimated 187 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
There will also be a hybrid powertrain option. The 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV will be marketed alongside 2.5-liter four-cylinder and hybrid variants with a 1.6-liter turbocharged mill in the United States. A 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 177 horsepower also powers the 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV. A 66.9 kW electric motor and a lithium-polymer battery are connected to this engine. A six-speed automatic transmission is the only option. The total output hasn't been revealed by the Korean business, but we estimate it to be approximately 260 horsepower or the same as the Hyundai Tucson PHEV.
The Sportage PHEV also comes with a 7.2 kW high-efficiency onboard charger, which Kia claims will take about 2 hours to fully charge when connected to a Level 2 charger.
The Sportage PHEV has a regenerative braking system with an integrated electronic brake. The EPA ratings will be released at a later date, but it should be the most fuel-efficient Sportage on the market. Kia is also aiming for a 32-mile all-electric range.
Customers may choose between the X-Line PHEV AWD and the X-Line Prestige PHEV AWD versions of the Sportage PHEV.
The 2023 Sportage comes in two trim levels: X-Line and X-Pro. All-wheel drive is standard on both. The bumpers of the X-Line have a satin chrome surround. Mirror caps, roof rack, and window surrounds are all finished in gloss black. Raised rails on the roof rack make it easy to add extras. It is equipped with 19-inch wheels.
Off-road, the X-Pro is even more competent. Kia outfits it with 17-inch matte black wheels wrapped in B.F. Goodrich all-terrain rubber. LED fog lights, a heated windshield, washer nozzles, and multi-terrain drive modes with regular, sport, smart, and snow settings are all included.
There's also the X-Pro Prestige, which has a few extra features. LED projectors, ventilated front seats, and an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat is all included.
Kia equips the 2017 Sportage with a slew of safety features. Driver Attention Warning, LED headlights with High Beam Assist, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance, Rear Occupant Alert, Rear View Monitor with Dynamic Parking Monitor, Reverse Parking Distance Warning, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist are among the features available.
As previously stated, the Sportage PHEV will go on sale in the third quarter of this year, with pricing to be disclosed later.