All-New 2023 Sportage Undergoes Total Transformation: Gets Bigger, Gets Bolder

As Kia’s longest running nameplate which pioneered its segment, the Sportage undergoes its most significant change to date as the fifth generation is unveiled. Developed as part of Kia’s new global brand transformation, “Movement that Inspires,” the all-new 2023 Sportage subcompact SUV delivers more of everything for today’s savvy, adventurous and eco-conscious consumers.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8801255-all-new-2023-kia-sportage-undergoes-total-transformation/

Exuding the brand’s new “Opposites United” design philosophy, the new Sportage is a welcome addition in a sea of bland-looking subcompact SUVs that crowd today’s market. Significantly larger, more capable and powerful, and targeted to be more fuel efficient, the fifth-generation model debuts a number of Sportage firsts including an available dual panoramic curved digital display and an exciting new variant that will literally take consumers to new heights. Most Sportage trims will now be assembled in the U.S., alongside the award-winning Telluride, Sorento, and K5 at Kia’s manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia.

“While Kia moves purposefully toward electrification, we are further strengthening the Sportage lineup by adding a variety of options suited for all different kinds of customers,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia America, Kia North America. “The tremendous success formula of our current stable of SUVs has been infused into every ounce of the new Sportage, transforming it into a leader of the pack with its cutting-edge design, adventurous capability and desirable in-car technology.”

The Sportage delivers something for everyone, with a diverse lineup and trim levels that include the LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige and X-Line, while the all-new Sportage X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige trims allow drivers to venture further into nature with off-road ready features including all-terrain tires, among other elements.

With several enticing variants to come, the 2023 Sportage will help build Kia’s reputation in electrification, while also strengthening the brand’s commitment to building rugged and capable SUVs. Following in the footsteps of the Sorento, the Sportage will also be available in a hybrid version. Details on that and other powertrains will be revealed at a later date, while gasoline variants are anticipated to go on sale in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2022.

A Balancing Act in Design

Bearing all the elements of Kia’s new “Opposites United” design philosophy, Sportage’s distinctive appearance leaves a lasting impression with its contrasting but unified elements. Smooth, soft surfaces are offset by rugged, sheer forms, combining off-road confidence with cutting edge modern cues. It’s sleek and ready for anything.

• Tiger nose grille gets more technical with floating design, perched above blacked out grille graphic that spans the entire width of the front fascia
• Distinct “boomerang” daytime running lights immediately draw the eye with dramatic angles, which push the uniquely shaped headlights to the outer corners
• Angular fenders lend Sportage a sharp and strong presence
• Crisp shoulder line rises from the hood and runs down the side, adding more volume to overall shape
• Muscular shoulders around the rear flow into futuristic “notch-shaped” taillights, which are seamlessly connected by a thin black graphic across the tailgate

A Living Space Both Comfortable and Connected

Inspired by high-end outdoor products, furniture, and modern architecture, the Sportage’s interior is a new concept for Kia, transforming the cabin into a pleasant living space, complete with near-luxury, thoughtful features:

• Futuristic driver cockpit with available dual panoramic curved display⁵ seamlessly connects two screens for nearly 25-inches of digital bliss (12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment screen)
• Angular air vents hug the curved display for a simple and technical overall dash layout
• Asymmetrical console puts controls and buttons at driver’s hand with ease, while also boasting smart storage solutions, including cup holders that come undone when they need to hold something other than a cup (think tablet, etc.)
• Real stitching and detailed pattern on the seats create a feeling of luxury (SX and above), along with animal-free leather (EX and above)
• Innovative coat hanger molded behind front headrests, with useable seatbacks that also house USB ports and an integrated hook for shopping bags or for organizing charging cables⁶

To further distinguish itself from the hot-selling Seltos and more clearly define its space in Kia’s robust SUV lineup, the Sportage has gone from one of the smallest SUVs in its class to one of the largest. With best-in-class rear legroom⁷, rear passengers are greeted with a more relaxing space where they can feel good about kicking back.  

• Overall length is 7.1 inches longer than previous generation, with a 3.4-inch longer wheelbase
• Taller and wider by a half inch compared to the previous generation
• Class-leading rear legroom with 41.3 inches of room⁷
• Best-in-class rear cargo capacity with 39.6 cu-ft. of space
• Dual level cargo floor

To match the high-tech interior, the Sportage abounds with standard and available infotainment to keep drivers connected, confident, and informed of what’s going on around them.

• Standard Android Auto⁸ and Apple CarPlay⁹ on all trims
• Intuitive new touchpad with climate and audio controls sits beneath infotainment screen; switching between functions changes what physical knobs do, whether it’s controlling temperature or adjusting the volume
• Available 360-degree Surround-View Monitor with 3D view provides a bird’s-eye view of vehicle surroundings¹⁰
• Available Harman Kardon¹¹ premium audio system
• Multi-connection Bluetooth¹² simultaneously links two smartphones
• Personalized profile that can be set up to remember climate and infotainment preferences, phone connection pairings, etc.
• Available wireless charging¹³ pad built inside the upper tray
• Available Kia Connect¹⁴ services provide advanced embedded connectivity to take the customer experience to an all-new level:
  • A Sportage first, the Wi-Fi Hotspot¹⁵ connects up to five devices to 4G LTE-based internet
  • Includes over the air map updates for eligible vehicles
  • Refreshed Kia Access App with newly added compatibility through Apple- and Android-based smartwatches to access features like remote climate control, door lock/unlock and more¹⁶
  • Peace of mind with the recently introduced stolen vehicle tracking and immobilization capability
  • Connected Routing: Cloud-based system calculates the optimal route using real-time maps and predicted traffic info based on historical information and AI to learn the preferred routes of users
  • Smart Speaker Integration lets customers use Amazon Alexa¹⁷ or Google Assistant¹⁸ enabled smart speakers or devices to remotely control some functions (such as remote start¹⁶)

New Foundation

Underpinned by the same all-new 3^rd generation “N3” platform found in the Sorento, the chassis provides a rigid base and aims to offer:

• Better driving dynamics via expanded use of hot-stamped parts and ultra-high-strength steel for increased average tensile strength and torsional stiffness
• Minimized road, wind, and engine noise via greater application of sound absorbing and insulating materials

A Diverse Engine Lineup

Whether you’re an urban adventurer or an off-pavement explorer, there’s a Sportage for you.

• New 2.5-liter I-4 is more powerful and targeted to be more fuel efficient than outgoing engine
  • Paired with new 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Targeted 187 horsepower
  • FWD or available AWD (AWD-equipped models gain 1.5 inches in ground clearance over outgoing Sportage)
  • The available Active AWD system³ uses electro-hydraulic coupling with center-locking differential to actively distribute power between front and rear wheels depending on road and driving conditions.
  • Information regarding additional powertrain availability will be shared at a later date.

Sportage All-Wheel Drive X-Line and X-Pro

In developing a reputation for building rugged and capable SUVs, Sportage is available in the X-Line and all-new Sportage X-Pro trims. Both come standard with AWD and a unique tread-like stitching pattern on unique and easy to clean SynTex synthetic leather seats. 

Sportage X-Line blends sporty and rugged looking exterior features:

• Unique front and rear bumpers with a satin chrome surround create a tougher image, complemented by side garnish
• Side mirrors, roof rack and window surrounds finished in gloss black for a sportier look
• Raised roof rack rails to support adventure ready accessories
• Exclusive 19-inch wheels

Sportage X-Pro has off-road hardware to match its design elements, so it doesn’t just look like a trail-ready vehicle – it is.

• B.F. Goodrich¹⁹ all-terrain tires
• 17-inch matte black off-road wheels
• LED fog lights and available LED Projector headlights (standard on X-Pro Prestige) to illuminate the trail ahead if your adventure takes you into the night
• Heated windshield and wiper washer nozzle
• Multi-terrain drive modes with Normal, Sport, Smart, and Snow modes
• Available two-tone roof
• Ventilated front seats (X-Pro Prestige)
• 8-way power front passenger seat (X-Pro Prestige)

Inspiring Driver Confidence with Advanced Driver Assistance

There’s no shortage of standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.²⁰ Even at the base LX level, drivers will appreciate the convenience of having some of Kia’s most technologically advanced systems.

• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)²¹: Analyzes the driver’s attention level and provides a warning if a break is recommended. It may also provide a leading vehicle departure alert, if the leading vehicle departs from a stop and the driver does not react within a certain time period.
• LED Headlights with High Beam Assist (HBA): Engineered to automatically dim the headlights when an oncoming or leading vehicle is detected, then return to high beams when vehicles are no longer detected
• Lane Following Assist (LFA): Helps detect lane markings and vehicles ahead and provides steering inputs to help center the vehicle in the lane
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Helps detect lane markings and provides steering inputs to help prevent the vehicle from leaving the lane while driving
• Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) with Cyclist detection capability: Warns if there is risk of a collision with a vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist in front of the vehicle while driving and may automatically assist with braking
• Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)²²: Provides a warning to the driver to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle
• Rear View Monitor (RVM) with Dynamic Parking Guidance: Provides view of behind the vehicle, with guidelines that adjust to follow the direction the vehicle is turning
• Reverse Parking Distance Warning (PDW-R): Detects certain objects behind the vehicle, issuing an audible warning when an obstruction is detected. The warning tone chimes faster as the vehicle gets closer to the detected object

Optional Advanced Driver Assistance Systems:

• Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM)²³: Projects live video view of adjacent lanes in the instrument cluster when activated via the turn signal
• Blind Spot Collision Avoidance-Assist (BCA): May help avoid a collision with rear-side vehicles when changing lanes
• Blind Spot Collision Avoidance (BCA) with Parallel Exit: May help avoid collisions with rear-side vehicles when exiting parallel parking spot by automatically assisting with braking
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist (RCCA): Helps detect approaching cross traffic when in reverse. When approaching cross traffic is detected, the system alerts the driver and may apply brakes
• Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) with Junction Turning capability: Helps avoid collisions with an oncoming vehicle while turning left at an intersection
• Forward Parking Distance Warning (PDW-F): Detects certain objects in front of the vehicle, issuing an audible warning when an obstruction is detected. The warning tone chimes faster as the vehicle gets closer to the detected object
• Highway Driving Assist (HDA)²⁴: Uses federal highway speed limit information from the navigation system and, under certain conditions, will automatically adjust speed to be within the posted speed limit and maintain distance with the vehicle detected in front and helps center the vehicle in the lane
• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA): Uses speed limit information detected through the front camera or GPS navigation information (when activated) and issues warning if the speed is over the speed limit
• Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control-Curve (NSCC-C): Leverages the navigation system to help lower the vehicle’s speed proactively before upcoming curves
• Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control-Zone (NSCC-Z): Leverages the navigation system to help lower the vehicle’s speed proactively before upcoming changes in speed limits
• Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance (PCA-R): May help avoid collisions with rear pedestrians or objects detected during reverse parking, potentially automatically assisting with emergency braking if the risk of a collision increases after warning
• Safe Exit Warning (SEW)²⁵: Provides a warning when a vehicle is approaching from the rear-side while someone is exiting the vehicle
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop and Go: Helps maintain distance from the vehicle ahead and drive at a speed set by the driver, including in certain stop-and-go driving conditions

Kia America – about us

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of more than 750 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

¹ Distracted driving can result in the loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation.
² Best-in-class interior room, cargo room, and rear seat legroom claims based on comparison of 2021 and 2022 Mass Market Subcompact SUVs as of October 2021. Mass Market Subcompact SUV class as determined by Kia Segmentation.
³ No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. Always drive safely.
⁴ EPA estimates currently unavailable and expected closer to on-sale date. Targeted MPG improvement as determined by manufacturer testing for at least one trim. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition. EPA estimates, when available, can be found at fueleconomy.gov
⁵ Distracted driving can result in the loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation.
⁶ Always stow cargo safely and securely.
⁷ Best-in-class rear seat legroom claim based on comparison of 2021 and 2022 Mass Market Subcompact SUVs as of October 2021. Mass Market Subcompact SUV class as determined by Kia Segmentation.
⁸ Android Auto vehicle user interface is a product of Google and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play store and an Android compatible smartphone running Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android, Android Auto, and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC.
⁹ CarPlay runs on smartphone cellular data service. Normal data rates apply. Apple and CarPlay are trademarks of Apple, Inc.
¹⁰ When engaged, 360-degree Surround-View Monitor is not a substitute for safe driving and may not display all objects around vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
¹¹ Harman Kardon is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.
¹² The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc., and any use of such marks by Kia is pursuant to license. A Bluetooth enabled   device is required to use Bluetooth wireless technology.
¹³ Charging system only works with select devices. Refer to the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for warnings and instructions.
¹⁴ Purchase/lease of certain 2022 and newer Kia vehicles with Kia Connect includes a complimentary 1-year subscription starting from new vehicle retail sale/lease date as recorded by the dealer. After your complimentary 1-year Kia Connect subscription expires, continued access to the full suite of Kia Connect services available on your Kia will require a paid subscription at the then-current subscription rate or your use of certain Kia Connect features may immediately terminate. Use of Kia Connect is subject to agreement to the Kia Connect Privacy Policy (available at owners.kia.com/us/en/privacy-policy.html) and Terms of Service (available at owners.kia.com/us/en/terms-of-service.html). Complimentary Kia Connect subscription is transferable to subsequent owner during the original Kia Connect service term. Only use Kia Connect when safe to do so.  Kia Connect may currently be unavailable for Model Year 2022 and newer vehicles sold or purchased in Massachusetts; please see the Kia Owner’s Portal for updates on availability. Kia Access with Kia Connect app is available from the Apple App Store or Google Play store. Kia America, Inc. reserves the right to change or discontinue Kia Connect at any time without prior notification or incurring any future obligation. Message and data rates may apply. Cellular and GPS coverage is required to use most features. Kia Connect features may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. For more on details and limitations, visit www.kia.com or your authorized Kia dealer. Apple and App Store are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Google and its related trademarks are trademarks of Google LLC or its affiliates.
¹⁵ Wi-Fi Hotspot requires enrollment in Kia Connect. Trial or paid subscription data plan required. Wi-Fi Hotspot services require vehicle cellular connectivity and availability of vehicle GPS signal; certain services may collect location information. Wi-Fi Hotspot available only in the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia. Wi-Fi Hotspot may be unavailable for model year 2022 and newer vehicles that are purchased or sold in Massachusetts.
¹⁶ Remote features require a Kia Connect subscription, a compatible smartphone, and a wireless signal with good coverage. Normal cellular service rates may apply. Do not use remote climate control or remote start if vehicle is in an enclosed area (e.g., closed garage) or a partially enclosed area without ventilation. Close all doors leading from adjacent living areas to the vehicle area before executing a remote climate control or remote start command.
¹⁷ Amazon devices are sold separately and require a Wi-Fi internet connection.  Amazon, Alexa, and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
¹⁸ Google devices are sold separately and require a Wi-Fi internet connection. Google, Google Assistant, and all related logos are trademarks of Google, Inc.
¹⁹ BF Goodrich is a trademark of Compagnie Générale Des Establissements Michelin.
²⁰ These features are not substitutes for safe driving and may not detect or display all objects surrounding vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
²¹ When engaged, Driver Attention Warning is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all instances of driver fatigue or inattentive driving practices. Failure to pay attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation could result in loss of vehicle control. Always drive safely and use caution.
²² When engaged, Rear Occupant Alert is not a substitute for one’s attention and may not detect all movement within the vehicle. Always check the vehicle interior when exiting the vehicle.
²³ These features are not substitutes for safe driving and may not detect or display all objects surrounding vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
²⁴ When engaged, Highway Driving Assist is not a substitute for safe driving, may not detect all objects around the vehicle, and only functions on certain federal highways.  Always drive safely and use caution.
²⁵ When engaged, Safe Exit Warning is not a substitute for one’s attention and may not detect all objects surrounding the vehicle. Always pay attention to traffic and to the area around your vehicle when exiting the vehicle.

SOURCE Kia America