(October 29, 2021) 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.



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, Ga.



“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.”



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.




The 2023 Sportage has a more powerful base engine. The standard 2.5-liter non-turbo motor offers 187 hp compared with the current 2.4-liter with 181 hp, the automaker said. In the Sorento, the hybrid versions are more powerful than the standard motor but less powerful than the turbocharged engine on top trims.

The Sportage will also get a hybrid version for the first time, following in the steps of the larger Sorento crossover now available as both a standard hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. Kia will release more information later on electrified versions of the Sportage.

The compact Kia likely will follow in the footsteps of Hyundai with both a hybrid and plug-in hybrid. Both brands are owned by Hyundai Motor Group and share platforms and engines. The Tucson was redesigned this year with a larger version for the U.S. market. The Sportage, which has been hampered by a smaller footprint compared with segment leaders such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, grows by 7 inches in length.



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

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," Kia said.

Pricing will be released at a later date.