2022 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Kia Sportage
1. Introduction
Style? It's obvious that when companies create new car models, they are trying to improve the look in comparison to the last one. Tough task for most car companies when identity is everything in a model. One might think that 2022 and 2023 Kia Sportage models would look similar, but they're wrong. The wheelbase and length of the new 2023 model is longer, and it's also lower and wider too. Because of this, the new Sportage has a more aggressive and athletic stance. This, contributed with a longer hood and a more dynamic front end, gives the new model a more defined and refined look. The stance may not be appealing for all, but a lower, wider look usually means better handling and comfort. The choice here is a tough one, but it seems that the new 2023 Sportage has a better look from a minor stance perspective. Also, to emphasize the differences in the car models, Kia has introduced a new alien green to the new Sportage car colors. This is something that was not available on the 2022 model. [1][2][3][4]
When creating a new car model, many car companies will consider the pros and cons of new versus old. Kia is transforming their popular Sportage model into a progressive and futuristic SUV, but which option is better? The choice between the 2022 Kia Sportage and the new 2023 Kia Sportage may not be apparent to most people. What most people don't realize is that the 2022 Sportage model is the final year edition of the vehicle, and there's not much of a price difference between the two. This factor is making it difficult for MC students to decide the better buy. Please visit our Comprehensive Guide to Kia Model Comparisons to learn more about 2022 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Kia Sportage.
2. Exterior Design
Step inside the most exclusive version of the new vehicle, and you'll find an interior that matches the quality of the exterior, with highly tactile materials and a raft of features that create a cabin that's a pleasure to be in.
Choose the all-new Sportage in GT-Line or GT-Line S, and you further enhance the vehicle's head-turning capability with 17-inch or 19-inch aluminium alloy wheel designs, chrome exterior ice cube LED fog lamps, and 'ice cube' front fog lights.
From the back, the car is wider and more stable-looking; the rear has more visible volume, and rectangular forms are now cased in solid metal. The rear tail lamps echo the same detailing as the headlamps, ensuring a comprehensive and contemporary look all round. This, combined with dual exhaust mufflers and a skid plate, ensures a more complete and dynamic design.
From the front, the car appears wider and more stable, with the strongly defined shoulder line running across the bonnet into the A-pillar and the more aggressively sloping window. The most striking visual aspect is the new 'tiger-nose' grille - first seen on the Kee concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007 - which is sure to get people sitting up and taking notice. The masterpiece of the all-new Sportage's dynamic and contemporary appearance, the trademark grille is a key element of Kia's evolving design DNA. Flanked by the distinctively shaped headlamps (LED on GT-Line S), the result is a look that is at once forceful and dashing.
The Sportage has always been known for its distinctive exterior, and this remains true with the 2022 version. Impressive yet understated, the compact SUV has a raft of intelligent design features that help to ensure the new model has the substance to match its style. Opting to stick with a similar wheelbase (though it is slightly longer and more streamlined) has allowed designers to focus on creating a more spacious interior. This, combined with the repositioning of the A-pillar, gives the vehicle a more refined and flowing silhouette.
2.1. 2022 Kia Sportage
The range-topping SX Turbo carries the boldest style of the group with unique bumpers and 19-inch alloy wheels. It also has a sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters to cater to the most enthusiastic drivers in this segment. LED headlights with high-beam assist, fog lights, and a panoramic sunroof are standard on the SX Turbo and optional on the midlevel S trim. Dual exhaust tips provide a premium look from the rear. All models come standard with a comprehensive batch of advanced driver assistance systems (more on that below) with the exception of the base LX that is surprisingly available with very few options. A Nightfall Edition package that adds all sorts of black-out features is available on the S trim. With its menacing appearance, we'd like to see this offered on the SX Turbo as well. [5][6]
The 2022 Sportage goes down in history as the last version of this popular compact crossover that shares a platform with the Hyundai Tucson. A full redesign is on the way for the 2023 model year. Generally speaking, this is an attractive vehicle that was modernized during a midcycle refresh in 2021. Some might say it could be classified as polarizing due to its combination of smooth curves and sharp angles, particularly around the tailgate, but overall, it's still an eye-catching design. No exterior changes were made for the 2022 model year.
2.2. 2023 Kia Sportage
Overall Length: 170.1" +1.4" Overall Width: 70.9" +2.0" Overall Height: 66.7" +.2" Wheelbase: 103.5" +3.2" Front Track: 61.6" +1.6" Rear Track: 61.8" +1.6"
Above all, the 2023 Sportage offers an evolution in design that is both subtle and bold. It begins with an all-new face of Kia that is simultaneously detailed, fresh and thoroughly intricate in its design. At the front and center is the detail-oriented, geometrically intricate grille that is a reinterpretation of Kia's signature Tiger Nose Grill which has been carefully integrated and aligned with the headlamps to give it a clean yet technical and aggressive look. The captivating stance of the all-new Sportage is more evident when looking at the SUV from the side profile. The combination of an elongated hood, a shorter front overhang, a longer wheelbase and a stretched rear overhang gives the all-new Sportage an almost sprinting appearance even when perfectly still. The bolder body design emphasizes a well-structured and assertive look with a sharp line that sweeps upward toward the C-pillar. A simple yet sharp design in the lower body and a heavy integration of wheel arches round off a true sport utility image. A newly designed 17-19" alloy wheels highlight the dynamic and upscale image of the all-new Sportage. At the rear, the all-new Sportage features a space that is just as intriguing and bold with the front and rear overhangs reversed in comparison to the front, giving it a more stable and aggressive posture. A strong and wide shoulders support the highly detailed and technical rear lamp lenses that are connected by a sleek and slim rear glass.
With its stunning exterior - characterized by a more emotive and dynamic look than its predecessor - the new 2023 Kia Sportage is set to further elevate the standards in the compact SUV segment. It engages the viewer with its mix of bold, pure surface design and intricate, technical details. Localized for U.S. consumers with an eye toward adventurous getaways, the on-sale date of the all-new Sportage in North America is anticipated for the first half of 2022 as a 2023 model year.
3. Interior Features
The 2022 Kia Sportage, on the other hand, offers a nicely designed modern interior. Like the previous Sportage, it still provides a roomy cabin and comfortable seating. Dashboard design and layout have been vastly improved compared to the old model, and it now offers more contemporary styling. It offers a lot of equipment for a very reasonable price. The high-grade models offer the "Platinum Pack," which offers more luxury items such as a touch screen satellite navigation unit, a high-grade audio system with a built-in rearview camera, an electric driver's seat, and leather trim. This is a very premium interior for this price range. Overall, the 2022 Kia Sportage has one of the best interiors in its class when you consider value for money.
The Kia Sportage has a very delightful and intelligently designed interior that is stylishly appointed with high-quality materials. It has a broad cabin that is very roomy, providing a lot of headroom and legroom for all passengers. The Kia offers a good driving position and all-round visibility due to its high driving seat. The straight dashboard design, simple control layout, and lots of storage spaces all combine to make the Kia's cabin very user-friendly. The Kia also excels in terms of its equipment, offering lots of cool gadgets for a very reasonable price. Generally, the Kia offers better equipment and a very high interior quality compared to its rivals, the Mazda Tribute and Suzuki XL-7. High-grade models even come with a panoramic sunroof or a "Luxury Pack" offering items such as leather trim and front seat warmers.
3.1. 2022 Kia Sportage
The older model used to feature some of the latest driver assists and safety technology at the time of its release but has since been surpassed. 2019 saw AEB, DAB and sat nav introduced to the line-up, which contributes to a 5-star safety rating from ANCAP. Safety packs were available from Kia for the higher grades of Sportage, which introduced features such as lane departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert, but they were merely added bonuses and not as crucial to the car's performance as they are now in the latest models. Features such as AEB and lane keep assist are now must-haves for a 5-star safety rating, and they are yet to be introduced to the base model S grade. The GT-Line features the most safety equipment to date, with features such as forward collision warning, AEB with nighttime and pedestrian detection, blind spot detection, and lane keep assist. Performance here is adequate but a little uninspiring, as the 2.0L engine on the S and SX models just doesn't deliver enough power to make the car fun to drive. The GT model features a 2.4L engine, but with the Sportage's increase in weight over the years due to added features and size increase, this too is a little underwhelming. If you're looking for a Sportage with an engine that is fun to drive and worth boasting about, the latest model is the way to go. [7][8][9]
3.2. 2023 Kia Sportage
- The 2023 Kia Sportage is equipped with a ten-inch infotainment system that integrates the functions of navigation, climate control, and infotainment. It also comes with shoppers' preferred 8-inch touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The top SX Turbo grade offers a panoramic sunroof. - Standard advanced driver-assist system features include Frontal Collision Avoidance-Assist with Pedestrians, Lane Keep and Follow Assist, High Beam Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. The 2023 Kia Sportage is also equipped with standard Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Distance Warning-Reverse, and Lane Change Assist on all but the base LX model. The top SXT Turbo package includes Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, Surround View Monitor, and Blind-Spot View Monitor. - Overall, the 2023 Kia Sportage finds a very good balance of increased safety and driver assist technology without adding an overwhelming amount of driver distraction, which allows driving purists to still thoroughly enjoy driving and feel connected to the driving experience.
4. Performance and Technology
An important improvement over the 2022 Kia Sportage is the introduction of the 2023 model's EcoMinder. This system is simply an indicator on the dash when the vehicle is being driven in a fuel-efficient manner, which is determined by an analysis of current fuel consumption compared to the acceleration and engine loads. This is likely a feature that would contribute to the driver being more aware of their driving habits, which would result in fuel economy increases over time. This would be beneficial to a driver's wallet and the environment. Marketing this vehicle to a college student with environmental interests will be an easy task. Ecology is a hot topic today, and many people want to contribute to it without sacrificing their money or comfort. The 2.0-liter engine variant would deliver good fuel economy and off-road capability, and the EcoMinder would be a reassurance that they aren't wasting fuel while using an AWD system or doing light off-roading.
The Kia Sportage is a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) built by the South Korean car manufacturer Kia Motors since 1993. The next generation of the Kia Sportage has several differences between the 2022 model and the newer 2023 vehicle. The performance and technology aspects of the newer model are the most sought-after changes from the older model. For 2022, only one engine variant was available for the entire lineup, which was a 2.4-liter GDI I4, 181 horsepower at 6000 RPM, with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which is either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The 2023 model has completely overhauled this. There are now two different engines that are offered between the LX, EX, and SX turbo. The LX has a 2.0-liter GDI I4, 159 horsepower at 6200 RPM with a 6-speed automatic transmission, either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The EX and SX turbo, however, have a much more powerful 2.7-liter V6, 173 horsepower at 6000 RPM, with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and the same choice between front-wheel and all-wheel drive. This may seem like a downgrade in power for the EX and SX turbo, but the V6 allows for more torque and towing capacity. This, combined with an all-wheel drive option used in combination with a V6, provides far better off-road capability. The V6 is capable of towing up to 2000 lbs.
4.1. 2022 Kia Sportage
The 2022 Kia Sportage offers two distinct engine choices for the discerning consumer. The LX and EX trims arrive with a 2.4-liter, 181-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, while the top-tier SX Turbo model comes with a 2.0-liter, 240-horsepower 4-cylinder turbo engine. The 2022 model is ideal for the shopper who wants to enjoy the enhanced traction, control, and safety of an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. The optional Dynamax™ fully active all-wheel drive system comes with a 50/50 locking center differential to optimize torque distribution, providing superior and stable driving performance on any road condition. The 2022 Sportage with base engine and front wheel drive is the most fuel efficient, achieving an impressive estimated 28 mpg on the highway. The AWD model gets an estimated 26 mpg on the highway. The turbo engine model also gets an estimated 26 mpg on the highway. The second engine is the most compelling feature of the 2022 Kia Sportage. Kia's commitment to power and performance has never been more apparent with the addition of the Turbo model to the Sportage lineup. Drawing on Kia's proven and award-winning turbo engine technology, the SX Turbo utilizes a more powerful 2.0-liter inline four of 240 horsepower and substantial 260 lb-ft of torque. With the new engine, the SX Turbo delivers responsiveness and brisk acceleration for confident passing on the highway and an exciting driving experience. This engine also comes with an exclusive sport-tuned suspension and unique features such as dual exhaust, "SX" metal-finish skid plates, and a more pronounced front grille, striking a perfect balance between high performance and functional convenience.
4.2. 2023 Kia Sportage
Safety features remain a key strength for Kia, and the 2023 Sportage gets the brand's latest ADAS systems to further boost the level of crash prevention. Four-wheel disc antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution are new for the 2023 model, and remain standard on all models. All 2023 Sportage's come with front, side and curtain airbags to further the level of passive safety. A tire pressure monitoring system is also standard on all models to further boost driver safety. Built in Georgia, the 2023 Sportage is backed by Kia's long warranty.
The 2023 Kia Sportage will be offered with a list of safety features that includes advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which features rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance assist, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and parking distance warning - reverse. It also features 7 airbags including a knee airbag for the driver. ADAS also includes a number of other features, depending on what level of ADAS has been specified by the customer. All this in addition to the safety from Kia's Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), means that the Sportage is the safest car Kia has ever made. United States market.
Higher trims of the 2023 Sportage SUV are powered by a 281-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine is expected to get better fuel economy than the available V-6, and Kia says it plans to offer a gasoline-electric hybrid version. Both 2023 engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and depending on the engine, AWD will be optional or standard. Four-wheel independent suspension also carries over, and should help the 2023 Sportage maintain its car-like ride and handling qualities.
References:
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