Palm Springs, CA: The all-new Kia Sportage took to the desert roads of California last week for its National Press Introduction. Media outlets from around the country had an opportunity to experience the Sportage both on- and off-road to fully understand its wide range of driving characteristics.
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 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, Georgia.
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, among other elements.
To that end, journalists will drive the new Sportage X-Pro this week on a specially designed course built to demonstrate its rugged capabilities and off-road prowess. From side slopes to steep descents and deep ruts, the Sportage will tread a variety of obstacles and challenges.
The Sportage arrives in Kia showrooms this spring.
A Balancing Act in Design
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 connected by a thin black graphic across the tailgate
Inspired by high-end outdoor products, furniture, and modern architecture, the Sportage’s interior is a new concept for Kia, transforming the cabin into a pleasant living space, complete with near-luxury features:
• Futuristic driver cockpit with available dual panoramic curved display5 seamlessly connects two screens for nearly 25-inches of digital bliss (12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment screen)
• Angular air vents hug the curved display for a simple and technical overall dash layout
• Asymmetrical console puts controls and buttons at driver’s hand with ease, while also boasting smart storage solutions, including cup holders that come undone when they need to hold something other than a cup (think tablet, etc.)
• Real stitching and detailed pattern on the seats creates a feeling of indulgence (SX and above), along with animal-free leather (EX and above)
• Innovative coat hanger molded behind front headrests, with useable seatbacks that also house USB ports and an integrated hook for shopping bags or for organizing charging cables6
To further distinguish itself from the hot-selling Seltos and more clearly define its space in Kia’s robust SUV lineup, the Sportage has gone from one of the smallest SUVs in its class to one of the largest. With best-in-class rear legroom7, rear passengers are greeted with a more relaxing space where they can feel good about kicking back.
To match the high-tech interior, the Sportage abounds with standard and available infotainment to keep drivers connected, confident, and informed of what’s going on around them.
Underpinned by the same all-new 3rd generation “N3” platform found in the Sorento, the chassis provides a rigid base and aims to offer:
• Better driving dynamics via expanded use of hot-stamped parts and ultra-high-strength steel for increased average tensile strength and torsional stiffness
• Minimized road, wind, and engine noise via greater application of sound absorbing and insulating materials
• Sportage X-Pro has off-road hardware to match its design elements, so it doesn’t just look like a trail-ready vehicle – it is.
