(February 4, 2022) WEST POINT, Ga. — The Kia Georgia team officially began production of the all-new 2023 Sportage subcompact SUV at the plant’s facility in West Point, Ga,  this week. Sportage, Kia’s longest running nameplate, has undergone its most significant changes to date as part of Kia’s “Movement that inspires” transformation. Savvy and adventurous, the celebratory Sportage was jungle green in color with the X-Pro Prestige trim package.
   


The vehicle was introduced by Sean Yoon, president and CEO for Kia North America, and then driven off of the assembly line by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and James Watson, Kia Georgia’s vice president of production.

“It was an honor to be here today for this milestone achievement by the Kia Georgia team,” said Governor Kemp. “The Sportage is yet another great product built in Georgia, and its launch here in West Point is a proud moment for our state. I congratulate all of the great Kia Georgia team members for their continued commitment to quality and growth, and thank them for bringing more opportunity to the No. 1 state for business.”



Sportage now joins the award-winning and popular Telluride SUV, Sorento SUV and K5 mid-size sedan on Kia Georgia’s production line.

“The launch of Sportage in Georgia is a further testament to Kia’s longstanding dedication to the U.S. market and the local economy,” said Yoon. “Joining our tremendous fleet of SUVs, the all-new Sportage is poised to take the industry by storm with its cutting-edge design, adventurous capability and desirable in-car technology. Coming off a record-setting sales year in 2021, today’s launch adds further momentum to the Kia brand’s fast start in 2022.”

The Kia 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 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. this spring.

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 present

    •    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