The 2023 Kia Sportage has been popular with SUV enthusiasts since it was first introduced in 1993.  With the latest fifth-generation model, Kia has again raised the bar with its impressive design, cutting-edge technology, and improved performance.

2023 Kia Sportage Exterior Design

The Kia Sportage 2023 features a completely redesigned exterior, with a sleeker and more modern look compared to its predecessor. The front grille has been updated with a striking diamond-shaped design, giving the Sportage a distinctive and eye-catching appearance.

The headlights are also redesigned and now feature LED lighting technology, providing brighter and more efficient lighting. The Sportage sits on 17" alloy wheels as standard, but 18" wheels are available on higher-spec models.

2023 Kia Sportage Interior Design

Inside, the Kia Sportage 2023 features a spacious, comfortable cabin with high-quality materials and advanced technology. 

Regarding onboard technology, the Sportage takes inspiration from its electric EV6 sibling. Mid-level to high-spec trims feature twin 12.3" digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreens that deliver a panoramic feel to the overall dashboard display. The latest iteration of the Sportage feels a vast step up over the previous version, and there's no doubt that the quality of the interior is first-rate.

The standard kit provided on the entry-level '2' trim includes a smaller 8" touchscreen and a 4.3" digital driver’s screen. All of the touchscreens are easy to use, with a user-friendly interface and crisp graphics. The infotainment system also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users to connect their smartphones seamlessly.

If you want to benefit from features such as heated front and rear-outer seats, partial leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel, you'll have to upgrade to the '3' trim.

Wireless smartphone charging is available as standard only on the '4' and GT-Line S trims, but you can still charge your phone using USB and UCB-C connection on the dash in other trim levels.

The seats are upholstered in premium materials, and the driver's seat is power-adjustable with lumbar support, ensuring maximum comfort on long journeys. 

As you would expect from a family SUV, the Sportage provides lots of space in the front, and the rear seats are also spacious, offering ample legroom and headroom for passengers.

2023 Kia Sportage Engines

The Kia Sportage 2023 offers an extensive choice of engines, including petrol, plug-in hybrid, mild-hybrid and hybrid. There isn't an electric version of the Sportage, and if that's what you prefer, check out the Kia Niro EV or EV6 instead.

Let's start with the standard 1.6-litre petrol engine, which delivers 148bhp and is available on Sportage trim levels. This petrol engine is twinned with a six-speed ‘intelligent’ manual gearbox (the clutch is controlled electronically instead of mechanically, though you still have to press and release the pedal manually). However, you can also choose a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Select the auto, and you’ll get 48-volt mild-hybrid technology for improved fuel economy. All petrol models go from 0-62mph in under ten seconds, so although they don't feel as brisk as the hybrid counterparts, they still feel ideally suited to British roads.

The Sportage range now has a plug-in hybrid model that provides over 40 miles of electric range. It also has a healthy 261bhp but it's not the quickest model in the line-up - mainly because its bigger battery makes it weightier. Also available is the 227bhp 'self-charging’ hybrid. Both versions use a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine. However, the 227bhp model shifts from 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds, so it’s a tad faster than the rival Hyundai Tucson, while the plug-in hybrid model comes in at approximately eight seconds. Both hybrid versions come with a standard six-speed automatic gearbox, while the plug-in hybrid comes with four-wheel drive (it’s an option on the hybrid GT-Line S).

The Kia Sportage 2023 features improved handling thanks to its updated suspension and steering systems. The steering is precise and responsive, providing good feedback to the driver. The suspension is also comfortable, soaking up bumps and potholes on the road.

2023 Kia Sportage Safety Features

The previous generation of the Sportage was awarded the maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety score in 2015. The fifth-generation version achieved the equivalent top rating when tested in July 2022, which is pretty impressive given the rigorous assessment criteria Euro NCAP has in place.

An abundance of excellent standard safety kit is provided. Rear and front parking sensors and a rear-view camera help navigate tight parking, while various radar-based and camera systems are designed to help prevent a collision. This includes a Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system that monitors cyclists, pedestrians and other vehicles, and it provides a warning for a potential crash - automatic braking is also applied if required.

The Lane Following Assist system helps safely track the car in front through heavier motorway traffic and determine appropriate spaces in other lanes for you to move into. By engaging the Lane Keep Assist function, you'll get an alert if your car moves to the edge of your lane and the technology is intelligent and capable enough to steer you carefully back into place. 

Suppose you step up to either the '4' or GT-Line S trims. In that case, you will benefit from additional safety systems, such as Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) and Parking Collision Avoidance Assist.

Should you lease the 2023 Kia Sportage?

The Kia Sportage 2023 is an impressive SUV with a great combination of style, performance, and technology. Its sleek exterior design and premium interior make it a joy to drive, while its advanced safety features provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

Overall, the Kia Sportage 2023 is an excellent choice for SUV enthusiasts who want a reliable and practical vehicle that is stylish and fun to drive. It's no surprise that the Sportage has been a popular choice for many years, and the latest model will continue that trend.