Popular vehicles are often refreshed with new features and design updates from year to year, but there’s a clear line in the sand between last year’s Kia Sportage and the new Kia Sportage in 2023. It grew from a compact SUV on the smaller side of the spectrum, to a larger size that puts it in contention with midsize models. In fact, we think it makes just as much sense for Keller drivers to think of the Sportage as a small midsize SUV that offers the best of both worlds!
So, which version of the Sportage is right for you? Read on for a comprehensive overview of the 2022 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Kia Sportage from Moritz Kia Alliance, and then use our payment calculator tool to see how a 2022 or 2023 Kia Sportage will fit into your budget.
New Kia Sportage: 2023 Exterior Updates
For 2023, Kia Sportage designers tweaked the exterior design, adding new angles and restyled headlights for a daringly modern appeal. It’s no surprise that auto reviewers at Car and Driver are so impressed by its “unconventional face” and “bolder bodywork!” The new design also incorporates black lower-body molding, boomerang daytime running lights, a more aerodynamic profile, and plenty of other elements that are sure to make it stand out on the road in North Richland Hills.
2022 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Kia Sportage: Engine Specs
The difference between the 2022 and 2023 Kia Sportage in terms of performance is less dramatic than the dimensional and design changes, but it’s worth noting that the latter’s 2.5L four-cylinder engine is slightly more powerful. More crucially for Irving buyers, it gets two more miles to the gallon than the outgoing model—doubly impressive in light of its larger frame! Here’s a closer look at the specs:
2022 Kia Sportage:
- Engine: 2.5L four-cylinder engine
- Fuel Economy: 23/30 city/hwy*
- Ground Clearance: 6.8 inches
2023 Kia Sportage:
- Engine: 2.5L four-cylinder engine
- Fuel Economy: 25/32 city/hwy*
- Ground Clearance: 8.3 inches
If you’re the adventurous type, you may be looking toward all-wheel drive configurations. The AWD 2023 Sportage has the advantage on the trail thanks to its increased ground clearance over the 2022 model.
2022 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Kia Sportage: Dimensions
We already mentioned that the new Kia Sportage 2023 model is significantly larger than the 2022 model—but how much so? As you can see here, the 2023 Kia Sportage has a larger frame, offers more cargo space, and provides more comfortable accommodations for front and rear passengers:
2022 Kia Sportage:
- Wheelbase: 105.1 inches
- Length: 176.4 inches
- Rear Legroom: 38.2 inches
- Cargo Capacity: 30.7 cubic feet
2023 Kia Sportage:
- Wheelbase: 108.5 inches
- Length: 183.5 inches
- Rear Legroom: Class-leading 41.3 inches
- Cargo Capacity: Best-in-class 39.6 cubic feet
Looking for something a bit bigger than either Sportage? Compare the Sportage to the Sorento, a midsize SUV that offers an additional 15+ cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
Find Your New Kia SUV at Moritz Kia Alliance!
Whether you’re ready for the next steps or still doing research, nothing can beat seeing what’s inside the 2023 Sportage and taking it for a drive yourself! Stop by our showroom in Fort Worth for a test drive at your convenience, or get the buying process started from home with an online financing application.
