The 2023 Kia Sportage commands a large amount of
consumer attention and test drive requests here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis,
and each new day seems to bring about new sources of achievement! This model
was recently named among Autotrader’s “Best New Cars of 2023”
list, confirming to eager drivers nationwide just how appealing its
fifth-generation release is. It was honored alongside 10 other top vehicles and
is now available with an internal combustion engine, hybrid electric vehicle,
and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The redesigned Sportage continues to fully impress lovers of
exploration and high-tech features alike, with its versatility and wide appeal.
This Best New Cars of 2023 list consists of 11 vehicles selected by a team of
experienced editors who have tested and scored new models using a wide range of
criteria. With a high level of consideration given to vehicles that display the
industry’s best value, only models available for purchase over the next nine
months were considered. Base models of vehicles needed to start below $110,000
to be in the running.
What began as a capable and attractive option in the compact
SUV category has now been reworked as a very stylish, tech-rich, and leading addition
to the competitive and demanding segment. The “Movement that inspires” global
brand transformation has very carefully taken into consideration what a savvy
and conscious customer need for their ideal vehicle, and this resulted in the
rugged X-Pro trim level as well as Sportage HEV and Sportage PHEV powertrains.
Another incredibly glowing review from the Edmunds.com auto
review team praised the Sportage for its “comfortable ride quality, spacious
seating, and massive rear cargo area.”
Also praised highly by the Edmunds crew for
its class-leading packing at a competitive price, they also chose to rank the
Sportage as their Top-Rated SUV for three years in a row. Eyeballing the
competition in the form of the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4, the
Sportage has fared amazingly well at the task of remaining more than relevant
in the shuffle of current offerings. With incredibly accurate steering and smooth
and responsive brakes, the Sportage has you fully covered in the comfort
category.
The look and design of the interior are leveled up nicely
and don’t leave behind the premise of everyday functionality. Another fantastic
and useful addition to the Prestige trim is the excellent surround-view camera
system. The touchscreen inputs lockout when you’re on the move, and the
Sportage is available with top-notch driver aids such as adaptive cruise
control, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view monitor, and parking assist.
The adaptive cruise control is excellent at maintaining sensible gaps without
the constant need to tap on the brakes.
With 39.6 feet of cargo space behind the second row and 74.1
cubic feet folded down, the Sportage ranks as one of the most spacious vehicles
in its class. The rear seats have very useful anchors that are simple to find
in a pinch, and the center console also features a bin that houses USB ports
and a wireless pad, with cupholders that retract smartly into the walls for
more space when needed. For the long-awaited weekend escape at hand, the
Sportage can tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is enough for
a small trailer or boat.
