Compact-crossover SUVs are popular for their combination of versatility and space along with a modicum of style, but performance is not a priority. So, it’s not surprising to find that the Kia Sportage offers a generous list of standard equipment and an enticing array of options along with versatility and space at an affordable starting price. The two-row Sportage’s reasonable tariff comes with a caveat: its 187-hp four-cylinder engine doesn’t supply nearly the thrust found in the pricier Sportage Hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which we review separately. Front-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is available on all trims save the SX and standard on upper trim levels. The Sportage’s prices are more affordable compared to those of competitors such as the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V. Redesigned for 2023, the Sportage wears the latest in Kia automotive couture, sharing much of its underpinnings with its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Tucson, including its vehicle architecture, powertrains, and overall size. However, the Sportage seems more fashion-forward compared to its more traditionally styled relative.
