2023 Kia Sportage - Harman Kardon 8-speaker Sound System Review | Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

[@See.You.Soon.027]

To be honest, for an average younger driver/passengers, bass is the kay, bass is what gets you going, along with the highs, of course. But as you get older, you understand and appreciate the value of mids and how difficult it is to master on (car) speakers compared to lows/highs. LOL I'm 29 and feel old typing this comment!

[@eddyparker10]

Im 27 nd couldnt agree more with you lol

[@miyagidough8923]

im 30 and i cant stand loud music anymore lmfao

[@michaelriga6431]

Hyundai's Bose systems face a common issue - their floor speakers are directed downwards to produce more bass. However, this isn't ideal as floor speakers shouldn't be producing excessive bass or mid-bass; those should be reserved for the subwoofer. The sub should handle all the lows, and the mids shouldn't interfere with it. For a great audio experience, highs should be bright and warm, resembling a live concert. Unfortunately, most car audio systems don't achieve this. Therefore, the best solution is to opt for aftermarket speakers. To find the right speakers for your car, visit an audio shop (avoid Best Buy) and listen to different options, such as Focals, and compare them to your car's audio system. You'll be amazed by the difference. However, if your car's speakers are facing downwards like Hyundai's, no matter which speakers you install, the audio quality will remain poor. You may need to change the speaker position, and your audio installer can assist you with that.

[@cloudo3884]

feelsbadman

[@Paulinagomezgym]

Yo tengo 17 y me compré la Kia sportage con harman kardon y la neta no suena padre no suena como Algo premium

[@andrewthaboss6643]

the android auto widescreen issue was updated last week, thank god. great review!

[@dasynn85]

thanks for posting this! Still boggles my mind that wireless isnt offered on this trim....

[@andrewthaboss6643]

@@dasynn85 same, and from my understanding, kia/hyundai have not included the hardware needed to allow wireless aa/ac... Rip... Their are work arounds to this issue tho. Side point, I'm surprised that the type c port doesn't transmit data.... 🙄. I really appreciate this reviewer for pointing that out

[@MrUser999999]

Currently waiting on a hybrid, was going for a mazda cx50 until I read a few days ago about the widescreen update. My only issue now is, I'm hoping on using a wireless android auto adapter like the Motorola. However, I wonder if my phone(z fold3) and the adapter will all fit nicely in the cubby.

[@andrewthaboss6643]

@@MrUser999999 fam are you me? I was on my way to test driving the cx50 when I saw the new sportage.... So I test drove em b2b and I LOVE Mazda's but the hybrid + the absolutely massive space + much better tech... Meant that I had to go with my head not my heart

[@MrUser999999]

@@andrewthaboss6643 yeah they're my 2 final candidates after almost 2 years of research, deciding between ev and combustion, deciding between sedan, hatchback, or suv and the whole chip shortage times were going thru. They're both brand new models, less likely to see an all new model any time soon. The tech is decent on both. I would love owning a car with android automotive but I understand the os is still new. Hopefully in 4 or 5 years the os will be on a far better place, at a time when it's time to upgrade. My family members own a few mazdas, all great and reliable. They all drive great, including the cx50, better I assume then the sportage. However, the interior of the cx 50 isn't up to my expectations, compared to the mazdas 3 and 5 interior. The sportage interior looks far more elegant and thought out. I did think the android auto aspect ratio was going to be a major daily disappointment, that is until the recent update. Now, hopefully the dealers don't mark up the sportage too much.

[@yurid09]

Thanks for the review. I was trying to find a video of someone looking into the audio of the new Sportage and you did an excellent job showing me just that. We test drove and while we didn't have much time to dive into the audio part, the sound was a bit underwhelming but seems like its decent enough from your video here if you have good source. Mostly gonna be Spotify for me but just want something decent.

[@harpreetbhatiani5228]

How was the cabin insulation?

[@davereimer1797]

With this sound system in my '23 Sportage PHEV SX, has anyone noticed you have to have the volume up at least half way to get some sound. I typically find I have to keep the volume 3/4 of the way up to get some sound (not loud, normal listening volume). Anyone figured out a fix for this? I would think normal listening volume sound setting would be in the 10-20 range, not up around 50+ range.

[@ronniericchie464]

I have the 2020 and literally have the vol all the way up speakers in back seats nearly work it’s a big problem I’ve seen so many forums about it no one can figure it out

[@davereimer1797]

Agreed. In fact, my other car, a Mercedes E class, has a Harmon Kardon sound system. That cars sound is amazing. This Kia and the Harmon system is not even worthy of the badge on the sound system. @@ronniericchie464

[@Mohankeneh]

Sometimes, your phone it’s paired to has the volume down. Try increasing the volume from the phone first all the way, then increase the volume in the car volume knob to increase the rest of the way. If your phone volume is already at max, then that’s just how your car is.

[@danrussell3509]

I think KIA and all other brands should make premium audio a priority within their engineering . After all some spend a great portion of their work days in their vehicles . But the price for different systems should match the quality and sound . I have purchased vehicles based on a large percentage of how good the audio is . I have also purchased vehicles only to take them to an audio specialist just to have the new thrown out to have a better new put in . I know , CRAZY ! LOL!

[@EmmaaDenisee]

Me too 😊

[@SinR0ck]

How to set up the equalizer for the best sound in your opinion? Did you check that? I saw that very often in car showrooms they are messing up the sound.

[@prathapuramsantoshkumar6432]

Hello..what is the better sound system in your opinion, this Harman Kardon or Toyota Rav4 JBL 11 speaker?

[@dirtydeeds2012]

Which you prefer from sportage kardon and nissan rogue bose system?

[@moystpotatogaming8045]

harman kardon is better than the bose. bose is disappointing in most cars sadly

[@Tingtong-gg5oe]

Harman is way better than bose

[@theornament]

They’ve been outdoing themselves lately though, especially in Mazdas. Listen to a Mazda 3 Grand Touring and you will see.

[@jdlmon64]

Does it sound better or worse than the Bose in the Hyundai Tucson?

[@ME-xd4he]

Crazy….my 2023 Sportage came with 3 USB C ports with wireless charger. Thanks for the video!!

[@Kamanda010]

This is the exact customization I want on mine when I get it next year 🙃

[@thestoryofindia9357]

I am saving money to get one next year as well. Best of luck to both of us.

[@desivlogs5612]

Is your exterior color choice matte grey?! Cuz I looked it up and there are many complaints about the color in general about the maintenance and cleaning

[@rohiniramanchakrabarti5282]

Does anyone know what active sound design in the sound menu is about?

[@papayamango7507]

This or the 2022 Hyundai Tucson 8 speaker Bose?

[@Briguy1027]

Also curious about this.

[@aliciae9223]

My kia sportage 2023 the radio turn on but don't have sound, what could be?

[@EricMalette]

Spot on about the inconsistency between different types of music.

[@adriancaruana8893]

Is the HK Worth the extra money to have vs the standard sound system?

[@ronik1096]

Can you review the Bose 9 speaker system on the camaro?

[@David-tm7ym]

how's the volume on anyone else's? anything below level 12 volume, you can barely hear... I have to go all the way up to atleast 40 to be able to enjoy the music. I have the 2023 sportage xpro with the Harmon Kardom system

[@Barbero1999]

Same for me, also with the kardon

[@fredericbaur8337]

Same for me 50-55 depending of the music type and quality of recording Harman too

[@natashaburns28]

Love my 2023 Sportage but Kia definitely dropped the ball on the sound. I love my music to be loud and clear and I must say the system is HORRIBLE

[@cpcboyboy]

Shit system Sportage is a nice car but HK system is so bad …

[@R56Cooper]

Thanks for the audio review for the Sportage! Still trying to figure out whether to keep my '22 Niro EV or get the Sportage SX!

[@JohnCocktosin-fl3nm]

If you are a small person, get the Niro or Seltos. Sportage was the smallest I was comfortable in.

[@girlfriend878]

Can you install a subwoofer to this model? I ordered the car but we went for a test drive and i need my bass lol

[@johncorman8715]

I think he pointed out a subwoofer in the cargo area.

[@danielwu7238]

Thanks Charly for another great review!

[@haroldfulo6858]

hi, with this POV, where did you mount your camera? top of your head? mouth? chest?

[@DailyMotor]

The bridge of our nose via a hat-mounted GoPro

[@2ndAveScents]

Harmon Kardon system sounds great in my Niro at least, just needs a little sound deadening in the doors

[@Mohankeneh]

I know the sound system in the Hyundai Ioniq hybrid is amazing. Honestly perfect for the average car buyer. I briefly remember hearing the Harmon Kardon in the niro and thought it was also very good. Judging by the comments about how there’s no bass etc, it seems there’s a different system in these other models?

[@tomg8069]

Midd will always be bad in such a configuration due to fact that near mirrors kia put only tweeter which is cutt on about 3..4kHz and the rest is doing woofer in door but on knee hight so when you have high speed and noise in the cabin you hear only bass and high from tweeter. Midd from center dash speaker is fake because it is a dsp mix from two channels so it is not natural and make stereo more narrow than wide. So...when you hear the music when stop it sounds great, but after some time when you drive in most time it sounds bad ;) that is why i put tweeter together with small midd on my toyota and cut woofer verg low at 200Hz and now it sounds great even at 120km/h without any dsp ;)

[@SaphireTsukikage]

Im on waitlist for a 2024 Sportage Hybrid. Hoping the disappointing bass is fixed with the new year model.

[@king1fspades]

Good news; there's multiple people reporting on Reddit that a recent firmware update has drastically improved the HK audio system, especially the bass. Yours will likely have the update installed before you get it. My Sportage Hybrid is on order as well.

[@david243121]

@@king1fspades how can you put an order in for a Sportage? everything I'm seeing and hearing from dealers I've spoken with is that you cannot order one custom. They are not taking orders. What you see is what you can buy.

[@king1fspades]

@@david243121 Idk if it might be different per dealership, but my local on here in Southern Indiana can order whatever you want, you just have to put $1000 down and be willing to wait ,potentially months, for it to get to the dealership from whichever country that model’s plant is in. Also, when I say custom, I mean whatever you can configure on the Kia website. If you can’t configure it, they can’t order it. I ordered a Hybrid in the Matte paint with the red interior, so it’s taking forever because that configuration has to be fully assembled in South Korea and floated over 😩

[@EricMalette]

I ordered the PHEV in Canada so I didn't get to choose color and trim (SX is the only PHEV in Canada.) I ended up with a Steel Grey (rather than the preferred Vesta Blue.) Thankfully, I really like it; it's super sharp. Only took a month to get it when I advised the dealer that I'd take any color. As for the sound: the bass is fine, although I think I preferred the timbre of my 2021 Sportage SX better. I think this guy is right about the slight hollowing of the mid-range.

[@MinnieLitty-b7x]

So, I should just get hybrid EX then.. or if I want the Bose system.. get a 2023 seltos?

[@Tingtong-gg5oe]

Harman kardon is better than bose

[@imjustinb]

@@Tingtong-gg5oe no

[@osogato1560]

I have a 2023 SX Prestige ICE FWD with this sound system and the sub. Not impressed with the sound one bit. Before this I had a 2019 Kia Stinger GT2 AWD and the HK system in it was really great, but I guess that's what a $20k price difference gets you. If I wasn't leasing I'd consider upgrading the amp and speakers to something more serious, but I'm just going to leave it the way it is.

[@samuelajala2675]

What happened to your stinger?

[@osogato1560]

@@samuelajala2675 It was leased and the lease was up. Decided to get an SUV because the price of premium gas is now way up, and since I'm getting older need something that sits up higher. Loved the Stinger though, it was an amazing car. Never had an issue.

[@thyreason]

I found the system to lack brightness and the mids are muffled

[@RahulKumar-gu1qu]

What is the mpg in petrol+electric mode Kia says it's 79mpge

[@richardrowland9511]

That is for the plug in hybrid you get the first 32 miles done fill electric then it is 38 mpg

[@BoomerMySooner]

Is that the Hybrid

[@FFEES]

My 23 sx prestige off different color interior and has heard shift not the twist knob

[@JohnCocktosin-fl3nm]

Pretty sure he's in a Hybrid. I have the X Pro (not X Pro Prestige) and I have a shifter, not buttons, and I don't have that god awful red interior, mine is all charcoal grey.

[@hljjun]

What’s the name of this music played in 13:50? thanks~

[@robbym3542]

I hated this system. It’s fine for most people but there’s no dedicated subwoofer in the trunk. All the bass comes from the front doors and it makes it very boomy sounding and doesn’t send bass throughout the cabin well. Also distorts at high volumes

[@adayinthelifeoftim7130]

Which do you prefer a Cx-50 Bose or Sportage Harmon kardon

[@DailyMotor]

Haven't tested the new CX-50, but if it's anything like other Mazda Bose systems, definitely the Bose.

[@KaHaDa_life]

I had 2 cars that support android auto and apple car play and never used it once. Most of my music is on a USB stick which just plugs in and anything on the phone is played through Bluetooth anyway while controlled with car controls, phone is through Bluetooth and voice dialing as well, navigation is built into the car and the car being reviewed as well so I do not see the point to mirror your phone screen on the car's screen?! Just put the phone into the inductive tray and forget it!

[@josephmatthews6421]

I watched this for the set up and controls. A review of car audio is always a compromise because of the nature of cars and road surfaces. Like our 2023 won’t let us put the speed in the center screen after a software update.

[@TheShowoval]

Yeah, HK and Kia dropped the ball tuning this one compared to the previous generation. The highs, mids and front staging is good, but the mid-bass like you said is hollow and really front biased. You can't tell there's a sub in the back and it so irritates me that the low end frequencies just drop off on certain songs at higher volumes. I traded in my 20 Sportage SX-T and the HK in that absolutely blows my new 23 away and I also lost ipod support in the usb with this current gen. After 3 weeks of owning this new one, I'm looking into integration options as I am sorley disappointed with it. I guess the bean counters had to cut some things for only $1500 more than my previous one.

[@kyron2092]

I drive an Optima with the 630 watt H/K system and many owners who've gone from that to the new Bose system in the K5 are extremely disappointed. At least the Sportage still has the HK, I'm pretty sure the Bose would've been even worse. It's nearly unbelievable to me that my 2016 has a better sound system than any brand new sonata, k5, camry, mazda 6, accord or altima with their premium audio systems. It made me appreciate what Kia did back in the day more.

[@andrewthaboss6643]

@@kyron2092 no its not hard to believe tbh. Sound tech in 2022 hasn't changed much and kia emphasizes other things like build quality now. Also your Bose comment makes no sense... It's all about tuning and not about the brand. A bad HK sound system is bad despite its name and vice versa

[@kyron2092]

@@andrewthaboss6643 made that Bose comment simply because Bose is known for their less that desirable audio quality in comparison to other brands at nearly every price point when it comes to car audio. I'm well aware that a reasonable amount of that quality is due to how the manufacturer decides it wants to tune their systems with Bose, but I've been in lower priced and/ or older cars that have systems from the Harman group that objectively sound better than some of the highest end Bose systems we've seen in the newest GM products. Their speakers always sound flat with punchy bass and noticeable resonance, lack of low end, weak midrange, and lack of smooth yet detailed highs in comparison to a similarly priced systems. So yeah, manufacturer tuning does play a significant role, but the more I've heard their systems, the more I've questioned how much does Bose' speakers contribute to the disappointing and unrealistic sound... You're talking to a guy you prefers aftermarket anyway. So I could probably care a bit less. Whether sound tech or not has change vastly over the past few years is almost irrelevant, because the technology available when these vehicles were redesigned was available, and at a reasonable cost as well. Manufacturers just use cheap speakers to begin with, hence why I prefer to grab audio equipment from the aftermarket. And yes, I'm also well aware that Kia has shifted their focus a bit more in other areas which don't bother me. Their build quality has improved, but the differences aren't stark in comparison to there previous generation of products in that aspect.

[@rrcbiker]

HP should be 227, not 277.

[@reemka8414]

I've noticed in other Kia Sportage videos that it comes with USB B and your came with an A. What is the difference and can you connect your iPod touch or a USB to USB type B?

[@andrewthaboss6643]

It comes with USB "a" and USB "c". Your iPod touch should be fine with a USB "a" port. You may need to buy a new cable to connect it to the USB "c" port

[@reemka8414]

@@andrewthaboss6643 Thanks for that and I have one more question regarding the driving part of this car, does it feel heavy when you drive like German cars do or it's very light such as Japanese cars? I'm not sure if you know what I mean.

[@andrewthaboss6643]

@@reemka8414 its mass market family SUV. The only car that'll give you German like steering input at this price point is probably a Mazda and some Honda's.However, I wouldn't say the steering input is extremely light like saay a Toyota, but don't expect anything close to German lvl heaviness

[@reemka8414]

@@andrewthaboss6643 I see. I'm visiting the showroom tomorrow and I'll ask them for a test drive. I also found myself comfortable with Eco mode on most cars

[@LWDrumz]

Do cars not come with CD players anymore? I have a huge CD collection and I still listen to them because the quality is much better than an MP3.

[@AndRootPro]

Rip them in flac or alac

[@markboucher5776]

CDs? Hey whoa there, Indiana Jones!!

[@LWDrumz]

@@markboucher5776 🤣🤣

[@LWDrumz]

@@AndRootPro are these 2 better than WAV?

[@JS-qn1ph]

The sound is awful in our 2023 Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige. No bass at all.

[@KB-vo8xn]

this is helpful, i was about to buy one lol

[@fr_iop7137]

It isnt all about sound..​@@KB-vo8xn

[@EricMalette]

I have the Canadian SX PHEV and can confirm the presence of moderate bass. ​@@KB-vo8xn

[@ramonschliszka6332]

I actually own this car with this audio. Not extremely impressed with the bass performance of the system. The bass should be in the back and it’s not. Furthermore the front tweeters sit to low in the a pillars to be crisp. Tweeters are completely missing for back seat passengers. Lastly the equalizer is not an equalizer at all but just your basic set up with little or no personal choices to be made. I had a Rav4 with a JBL set up that was more convincing. I acquired the HK audio upgrade as part of a package. If you can decide to take it as a single option, don’t do it. Save your money and spent it with an in car audio specialist.

[@TenzWang88]

They should come with Bose speakers sound systems like their brother Hyundai Tucson

[@eturnulrs704]

I currently own the very same car in the exact color. Love it. Decent power, extremely smooth and quiet ride. Sound stat though🤔😔 It’s terrible. I’m an audiophile and the system in my 13 Audi S5 is leaps better. I will be swapping out the speakers soon though. Maybe for some JL audio gear. Or possibly some hertz audio. First will be the sub since I have so many sitting around the house. Will post when it is done.

[@michaelriga6431]

Considering the ample trunk space, it's possible to fit 1-2 subs. For optimal performance, I suggest installing a 12-inch sub, or two if your music taste demands it. If you prefer EDM, one sub should suffice, and you can enjoy it at moderate volume. For the best results, I recommend using a Diamond sub with a Diamond-powered amp. Additionally, a DSP amp from AudioControl can enhance the sound quality, producing crisp highs, warm mids, and powerful lows. The entire system would provide around 2500-3000 watts of pure audio. You can further improve the sound by adding some sound deadening material. Please note that while the sub or DSP amps are reasonably priced, the Diamond amp can be quite expensive. For instance, the HEX-5 Channel 1200W RMS Full Range amp costs $1029.99, and you might need an additional amp to drive the sound of your speakers. However, the results are worth the investment.

[@Smallworld49]

That’s sucks for this model doesn’t have apple and android auto car play.

[@JohnCocktosin-fl3nm]

It has it, it's just wired, not wireless. For the amount of tech this car has, it was a real surprise to me when I realized it wasn't wireless.

[@The1Mentalist]

KIA ARE CLOWNS! How do you not have wireless CP or AA on the higher trims? WTF

[@EshaanR]

So what if kia makes cp or aa wired least they have it.

[@The1Mentalist]

@@EshaanR shut up Apu

[@macvos]

It's said to be part of the contract with TomTom, who provides the navigation software.

[@M.A.R.I.O.V.]

I have this car and trim honestly the sound system isn’t good at all.

[@ramonschliszka6332]

Compared to… ?

[@ME-xd4he]

Yeah….compared to what? Your comment is hollow at best.

[@ME-xd4he]

@@M.A.R.I.O.V. looks like you need to make better decisions. Did the radio knob work before you decided to purchase? 😂. Good luck with your radio deficient vehicle.

[@M.A.R.I.O.V.]

@@KID_CHAMELEON 2023 sportage group USA we are all in the group and very helpful come on by

[@joser3613]

I can agree with you on this one My 2001 Mustang's Mach 1 sound system is miles better than the one in my Sportage.

[@NickMcC]

Man, this car would be pretty fitting for me if not for the lame audio system. I'm an audio engineer by trade and I think it'd just be too annoying to deal with.

[@DailyMotor]

Totally. If you care about audio in this segment, CX-5 is one of your best bets.

[@NickMcC]

@@DailyMotor definitely! I’m actually in a ‘22 CX-5 with the Bose currently. Audio wise, very happy with it! That fuel economy tho 🥲

[@DailyMotor]

@@NickMcC Gotta pay to play! Mazda is coming out with a PHEV CX-90 soon, maybe that tech will come into CX-5 soon.

[@michelecarbonara269]

Impianto audio nella versione GT LINE PLUS è stata una grande delusione.

[@scottfurlong5475]

I'm definitely not an audio fall but I have a decent set of ears on me and I found the factory audio systems in the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2022 Kia Sportage to be very nice. Certainly no reason to jump to a higher trim for a Harman or Bose audio system.

[@MinnieLitty-b7x]

Thank you for this. Was really trying to decipher between ex and SX .

[@creativesublimation7768]

I have the sx prestige and the audio left me a lot to be desired to be premium, you can't hear anything good, the basses are very poor and I have it at its maximum, very bad audio Harman Kardon

[@MrMikefromvegas]

Bru clean your windshield. I keep trying to spit on my thumb and clean my monitor.

[@garydonoghue4565]

Test the bass.. and listen to the least bassiest music.. yeah great test NOT

[@asianstud7]

Hyundai/Kia makes beautiful cars these days but they have serious design flaws with their engine designs. If you want to keep you cars long term do not go for Hyundai/Kias.

[@mathildedeflandre9363]

Commentaire absurde, Kia fait partie des marques les plus fiables, et il y a 7 ans de garantie...

[@EricMalette]

Simply untrue after the 2017 era.

[@asianstud7]

@@EricMalette lol

[@EricMalette]

@@asianstud7 "LOL?" Across the board Kia has closed the reliability gap with pretty much every established manufacturer. I don't know what else to tell you. You roll the dice with any car you buy.

[@asianstud7]

@@EricMalette that is true. you do roll the dice. but odds are still in your favor with a Toyota vs a Kia or Hyundai. believe me that it hurts me to say that. as i wanna buy kias as they are fantastic looking cars and would love to own one. and I'm Korean btw. so it hurts me even more to say that. 😂😂😂

[@kobebenedicto9715]

This is the only review that is positive on the sound system. How much did Kia pay you lol. It’s the worst I have ever heard and the bass is non existent. Harmon Kardon is rubbish apparently

[@michaelflude9334]

Umm poor video

[@enzoisernia]

the American version is really bad🤢