2023 Kia Sportage Is Long on Style and Room, Short on Verve

Redesigned small SUV packs more features and innovations, but is it enough to stand out?

Jeff S. Bartlett, Consumer Reports Managing Editor, Autos.

By Jeff S. Bartlett
Managing Editor, Autos

Published October 27, 2021·Updated July 6, 2022

Update: Since this first drive was originally published in May, 2022, we finished testing the Kia Sportage. See the complete Kia Sportage road test.

The redesigned 2023 Kia Sportage grew in size and features, with a significant styling change and a longer roster of available equipment. And the portfolio expanded, with regular gasoline, hybrid, and soon plug-in hybrid versions.

There is no longer a more powerful turbo version. Instead, there are three new adventure-focused trim levels (X-Line, X-Pro, and X-Pro Prestige) joining the familiar LX, EX, and SX, plus the fancier SX Prestige.

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Jeff S. Bartlett

Jeff S. Bartlett is the managing editor for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2005. Previously, Jeff served as the online editorial director of Motor Trend for 11 years. Throughout his career, Jeff has driven thousands of cars, many on racetracks around the globe. Follow him on X: @JeffSBartlett