2023 Kia Sportage: Choosing the Right Trim

Redesigned for 2023, the Kia Sportage gets a little bigger and a lot more appealing, charging confidently into an already crowded field of compact SUVs.

The Sportage plans to win the battle by offering more standard features at a lower price and more trims aimed at the outdoor weekend warrior crowd. All-wheel drive is available on the first four trims and standard on the X-Line and X-Pro models.

For now, the only powertrain is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine is adequate for daily driving duty, and it’s pretty good on gas. The 8-speed transmission delivers smooth shifts and the interior is pleasantly quiet.

There’s also a Sportage Hybrid and Sportage Plug-in Hybrid (reviewed separately).

The front-wheel-drive (FWD) 2023 Kia Sportage is rated at 25 mpg city/32 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. With all-wheel-drive (AWD), the EPA fuel economy ratings drop to 23 mpg city/28 mpg highway/25 mpg combined. The new Sportage Hybrid, covered elsewhere, is rated at 42 mpg city/44 mpg highway/43 mpg (FWD) or 38 mpg city/38 mpg highway/38 mpg combined (AWD).

Sportage LX
Starts at $26,290 | See listings

• Cloth upholstery
• 12.2-inch digital instrument panel
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• 6-speaker audio
• 60/40 split-folding rear seat
• LED headlights
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• See more

Sportage EX
Starts at $28,290 | See listings

• Syntex upholstery
• Power driver’s seat
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Wireless smartphone charger
• USB-C rear charging port
• Smart key/push-button start
• Blind-spot collision avoidance
• Rear cross-traffic collision avoidance
• Forward collision avoidance
• See more

Sportage SX
Starts at $31,790 | See listings

• 12.3-inch instrument panel
• Smart power tailgate
• Panoramic sunroof
• 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio
• Gloss-black low-profile roof rails
• 18-inch matte-gray alloy wheels
• Highway Driving Assist
• Navigation-based smart cruise control
• Forward collision avoidance with Junction Turning Detection
• See more

Sportage SX Prestige
Starts at $33,790 | See listings

• Premium Syntex upholstery
• Blind-Spot View Monitor
• Surround-view monitor
• Power front passenger seat
• Front and rear parking warnings
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Solar control glass
• See more

Sportage X-Line AWD
Starts at $31,090 | See listings

• X-Line styling
• X-Line Syntex upholstery
• AWD with locking center differential
• Gloss-black high-utility roof rails
• Gloss-black 19-inch alloy wheels
• See more

Sportage X-Pro
Starts at $35,290 | See listings

• X-Line styling/Syntex upholstery
• AWD with locking center differential
• 17-inch matte-black alloy wheels
• All-terrain BFGoodrich tires
• Gloss-black high-utility roof rails
• See more

Sportage X-Pro Prestige
Starts at $37,090 | See listings

• X-Line Syntex upholstery
• Power front passenger seat
• Ventilated front seats
• 17-inch matte-black alloy wheels
• Blind-Spot View Monitor
• Parking Collision Avoidance-Reverse
• See more

2023 Kia Sportage LX: $26,290

The 2023 Kia Sportage starts at $26,290.

The entry-level Sportage LX impresses right out of the box, with numerous standard driver-assist systems including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane follow assist, and a driver attention monitor. Also standard are rear parking sensors, a rearview monitor, automatic high-beam headlights, and a system to remind you to check the rear seats for people or pets before leaving the car.

The LX may be the base trim, but thanks to features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, and LED headlights and taillights, it certainly doesn’t look the part.

The Sportage LX touts cloth seats with a 6-way manual driver’s seat and 60/40 split-fold rear seat with recline. A 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster is a nice perk, as are 2nd-row air vents, cruise control, manual air conditioning, and remote keyless entry.

A six-speaker stereo hooked to an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system hosts Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot. Owners can find a single USB-C charge port in the front console. An intuitive touchpad just below the infotainment screen features physical knobs. The knobs can control audio or climate depending on which system is accessed. The Sportage’s Bluetooth system can automatically pair two phones.

Adding all-wheel drive brings heated side mirrors, heated front seats, and a temporary compact spare tire.

With a destination fee of $1,325, the 2023 Kia Sportage LX will sell for $27,615. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $521. See 2023 Kia Sportage LX models for sale

2023 Kia Sportage LX includes:

• 12.2-inch digital cluster – a fully digital gauge cluster is nearly unheard of at this price. This modern screen looks cool and allows for various configurable display options.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – allow a compatible smartphone to connect with the infotainment system, giving instant access to navigation, music, apps, and messages.
• Automatic high-beam headlights – illuminate when low lighting situations are detected but automatically dim when sensing oncoming traffic.

2023 Kia Sportage EX: $28,290

The 2023 Kia Sportage EX starts at $28,290.

The EX offers a few more creature comforts for not a lot more money. We think when it comes to what you get for your dollar, it’s the logical choice.

Building off the LX, the EX adds 18-inch alloy wheels, heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, a wireless charging pad, and additional USB-C ports front and back.

The seats get upgraded with a very convincing synthetic leather called SynTex, while the driver’s seat graduates to a 10-way power-adjustable unit with 2-way power lumbar support. Heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel complete the look.

Dual-zone automatic air conditioning comes standard, as does an automatic defogging system, a 12.3-inch touch screen infotainment system with built-in navigation, and a proximity key fob with push-button start.

In the area of driver assists, the EX adds three more systems: a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic assist, and Safe Exit Warning that prevents the rear doors from opening if a car is about to pass by closely.

Optional equipment for the EX comes when ordering AWD and includes a locking differential, roof rails, and a heated steering wheel.

With a $1,325 destination fee, the 2023 Kia Sportage EX sells for $29,615. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $559. See 2023 Kia Sportage EX models for sale

2023 Kia Sportage EX includes:

• Heated front seats – Three settings quickly warm occupants to just their desired temperature.
• Wireless charging pad – a simple and convenient way to charge a smartphone without the need for wires or a compatible USB port.
• Blind-spot monitor – watches and warns when vehicles are driving close the Sportage, typically in the driver’s blind spot.

2023 Kia Sportage SX: $31,790

The 2023 Kia Sportage SX starts at $31,790.

The SX puts the luxury touches on the Sportage but also elevates the price beyond where budget shoppers usually hang out.

Including all the features on the EX, the SX elevates the content with a hands-free power liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, flush-type roof rack, a dual panoramic curved 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and LED interior lighting.

The SX gains two-position memory for the driver’s seat and mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, plus an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio upgrade.

Additional driver-assist and safety features include adaptive smart cruise control with stop and go plus navigation assist and a front intersection cross-traffic avoidance system. Kia’s Highway Diving Assist operates the throttle, brakes, and steering without driver input (only works on a limited network of approved roads).

Opting for AWD brings a heated windshield and heated steering wheel.

With the $1,325 destination charge, the 2023 Kia Sportage SX sells for $33,115. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $625. See 2023 Kia Sportage SX models for sale

2023 Kia Sportage SX includes:

• Highway Driving Assist – this Level 2 autonomous driving system can drive the car at speeds up to 95 mph, controlling acceleration, braking, and steering. It can even change lanes if the driver activates the turn signal first.
• Panoramic sunroof – makes the Sportage cabin feel more open and airy, letting in light when closed and fresh air when open.
• Smart power liftgate – automatically opens when sensing the key fob nearby for more than three seconds.

2023 Kia Sportage SX Prestige: $33,790

The SX Prestige builds off the SX, adding premium features like a heated steering wheel.

It also brings 19-inch alloy wheels, LED projector-style headlights, LED rear combination lights, LED fog lights, and an 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat. Premium SynTex faux leather comes standard, accompanied by ventilated front seats.

Additional driver assists include reverse automatic emergency braking, front parking sensors, a surround-view monitor, and a blind-spot monitor that shows an image of vehicles in the adjacent lane.

Adding AWD brings a heated windshield and locking differential.

With the $1,325 destination charge, the 2023 Kia Sportage SX Prestige costs $35,115. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $663.

2023 Kia Sportage X-Line AWD: $31,090

The 2023 Kia Sportage X-Line starts at $31,090.

The X-Line is a more rugged version of the Sportage, harkening back to its early roots as a tough little off-road champ.

Kia’s Active All-Wheel Drive comes standard with exclusive 19-inch wheels, enhanced exterior trim, and raised roof rack rails. The X-Line shares most of the SX trim exterior features, minus the panoramic sunroof and Smart liftgate, both of which are included in the optional Premium package upgrade.

The X-Line includes the standard 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad, SynTex Premium seating, and a 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support. Heated front seats are standard, as is the base model’s six-speaker audio system. Thankfully, the X-Line gets the better 12.3-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation.

Safety and driver-assist systems mirror those of the EX.

With its $1,325 destination charge, the 2023 Kia Sportage X-Line sells for $32,415. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $612. See 2023 Kia Sportage X-Line models for sale

2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro: $35,290

The 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro starts at $35,290.

The X-Pro is the more extreme off-roader, challenging competitors like the Subaru Crosstrek and Jeep Compass Trailhawk.

It builds off the X-Line, adding BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, 17-inch matte black wheels, heated windshield and washer nozzles, and multi-terrain drive modes for Normal, Sport, Smart, and Snow.

LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights are part of the trim package, as are heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals. The panoramic sunroof, raised roof rails, and hands-free Smart liftgate are all included.

Two-position driver’s seat memory comes standard, as does a Harman Kardon Premium audio system, 12.3-inch infotainment system with navigation, and proximity key with push-button start.

The X-Pro includes adaptive smart cruise control with stop and go plus navigation assist.

With its $1,325 destination charge, the 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro sells for $36,615. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to roughly $691. See 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro models for sale

2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro includes:

• All-terrain tires – meant for real off-road adventures, these beefy BF Goodrich tires look great wrapped around the X-Pro’s matte black 17-inch wheels.
• Heated windshield – keeps ice from building up on the wiper blades, accompanied by heated washer nozzles.
• Multi-terrain modes – change throttle mapping, traction control, and braking to ensure maximum grip on any surface.

2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige: $37,090

The X-Pro Prestige builds off the X-Pro trim, adding the same features as the SX Prestige trim, including its driver-assist systems, the panoramic glass sunroof, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and LED projector headlights.

With its $1,325 destination charge, the 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige sells for $38,415. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to roughly $725. See 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige models for sale