2023 Kia Sportage Revealed Further, Goes on Sale Early in 2022
The 2023 model year signals the introduction of Kia’s fifth-generation compact SUV, the Sportage. We first saw it in June during the global reveal, but now the company is giving us more details specific to the North American-bound model.
In a virtual presentation The Car Guide attended, Russel Wager, Vice President of Marketing at Kia America, confirmed that the Sportage will be manufactured in the U.S. for the first time. However, the units to be sold in Canada will continue to come from South Korea.
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We haven’t too many powertrain details to share at this point, unfortunately. A 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing an estimated 187 horsepower should be standard. It looks like Kia engineers have some more testing and validation to do. There was no talk of a more powerful engine option or the transmission that will handle shifting.
Likewise, future hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives remain unclear. We’ve been told that more information will be released at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show (Nov. 19-28).
Inside the 2023 Kia Sportage, a fully digital 12-inch display replaces the conventional instruments. The infotainment touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard is also 12 inches in size.
Aesthetically, there are some similarities with the latest Sorento. Up front, the signature “Tiger Nose” grille has been updated and the daytime running lights are now shaped like arrows. Naturally, the new Kia logo can be seen inside and out.
Also similar to the Sorento, a new X-Line model is added to the Sportage lineup. It stands out with a two-tone exterior and unique seating surfaces. Sadly, we Canadians won’t get the adventurous X-Pro model that will be offered south of the border.
The first units of the 2023 Kia Sportage are slated to arrive in U.S. showrooms early next year. Availability—and pricing—for Canada will be announced at a later date.