Kia Likely To Showcase Sportage SUV At Auto Expo 2023

Most Notable Features Of Kia Sportage

The most notable features of the Kia Sportage are its design and ADAS-based features. Kia revealed the 5th-gen Sportage in 2021. The design of the Kia Sportage is tailored for European markets. It incorporates Kia’s latest design language and shares the Hyundai-Kia N3 platform with the 2022 Hyundai Tucson..

The 2023 Kia Sportage SUV features a bolder and more curvy design compared to the rather boxy styling of the older model. The new N3 architecture of the 2023 Sportage offers more legroom, headroom and luggage carrying capacity. It measures 4515mm in length, 1865mm in width and 1650mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2680mm.

Kia say that the 2023 Sportage “breaks new boundaries in terms of dynamics, comfort and performance”. Along with the new N3 architecture, it gets an adaptive suspension to deliver a combination of precise handling and comfort. Kia have also used premium materials on the inside, giving the new Sportage a richer in-cabin experience.

Notable features of the Kia Sportage include:

• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function
• ADAS features
• Lane keeping assist
• 6 airbags
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Hill descent control
• Electronic stability control
• Powered tailgate
• Wireless phone charger
• Rain-sensing wipers
• 60:40 split rear seats
• Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
• OTA updates
• Valet mode
• Mood lighting

Note: Know more about the upcoming cars In January 2023

Kia Sportage Expected Specs

Along with the petrol and diesel powertrain options, the 2023 Sportage also gets hybrid and plug-in-hybrid powertrains. The plug-in-hybrid Sportage gets a 1.6L turbo petrol engine, 90PS electric motor and a 13.8kWh battery pack. The combined power output stands at 265PS out of which the engine output stands at 180PS. The hybrid models get a 60PS electric motor and 1.49kWh battery pack along with the 1.6L turbo petrol engine to deliver a combined power output of 230PS.

Both the petrol and diesel engine options come with mild-hybrid setup. The 1.6L turbo petrol engine is available in 2 power outputs – 150PS or 180PS. Speaking of the diesel engine, the 2023 Sportage gets a 1.6L turbo diesel engine with the option of 2 power outputs – 115PS and 136PS. The 2023 Sportage gets a 6-speed manual, 6-speed auto-clutch manual, 7-speed DCT and a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission options depending on the choice of engine. Depending on the powertrain, the Sportage also offers a choice of 2-wheel and 4-wheel drivetrains.

Kia India could also offer the 2.0L diesel engine that powers the Hyundai Tucson. In the Tucson, the 2.0L turbo diesel engine is offered with an 8-speed torque convertor automatic transmission. This engine makes 186PS of power at 4000rpm and 416Nm of torque between 2000rpm and 2750rpm.

Note: Find out more about all Upcoming Kia Cars

Kia Sportage Rivals

If launched in India, the Kia Sportage will compete with D1- and D2-segment SUVs such as the Citroen C5 Aircross and the Hyundai Tucson.

Also Read: Hyundai Tucson Variants Explained: Which One To Buy?

Kia Sportage Launch Timeline

We do not expect the Kia Sportage to go on sale in India anytime soon. Kia India are currently working towards launching the Sonet facelift and next-gen Carnival MPV in India. Meanwhile, the Kia Seltos facelift is set for launch in 2024. However, Kia India’s lineup will benefit from the introduction of the Sportage as a worthy rival to its cousin, the Hyundai Tucson.

Kia Sportage Expected Price

We expect Kia to price the Sportage similar to the Hyundai Tucson. Not only do the 2 SUVs share their platform, they also get similar features. For reference, the Hyundai Tucson costs between Rs. 27.70 lakh to Rs. 34.40 lakh (ex-showroom). 

Note: Here’s a list of all upcoming Kia Cars