The 2023 Kia Sportage Goes Big (And Now The X-Pro Goes Off-Road Too)

[@mattspeer01]

My parents just test drove one of these yesterday along with the new Mazda CX-50. They said the Sportage blew the CX-50 away. Way more tech, better and more luxurious interior, and far better NVH. I was honestly surprised to hear that considering Mazda’s reputation as building “near luxury” products.

[@PWarren4]

Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH)

[@jaanfo3874]

Unfortunately, Mazda *WANTS* to claim they have a reputation for building “near-luxury” products, and that’s how they market themselves (and justify their prices), but they have never actually earned that claim. Their reputation is for building cheap, but fun, alternatives to their Toyota and Honda counterparts and they should never have tried to change that.

[@gustavomercado1599]

Don’t go for the Mazda. They’re really good to drive but the infotainment feels outdated at times and the interior rattles A LOT

[@TinLeadHammer]

Cheap tablets? Ugly as hell.

[@kermit1]

Yeah but the CX50 looks amazing and this thing looks rubbish.

[@gregg5958]

The switchable climate/radio doesn’t bother me as you can lock one to be the default. Since I would almost never use the audio controls there, it would be on climate all the time. I think it’s an ingenious use of space actually. No need for a bunch of buttons I rarely would use.

[@Icehawks7]

My mom has a 2020 Sportage and she was gonna trade it in for the 2022 Sorento until I showed her this video and now she has changed her mind. Thank you very much sir!

[@elijahmoreno326]

This new sportage is way better, no hate but the old one looked like a big bug in the front… the only vehicle in their line up left that needed a redesign

[@McSMACKthe1st]

A new video on a MONDAY!!??? This is going to be a good week. I recently saw the new Sportage and I have to say that it looks better in person than in pictures. It’s a really nice looking vehicle. Great video as always.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

The embargo lifted today and I figured why not.

[@timmy1tap678]

I almost bought a 2022 Sportage and decided to wait..I'm happy I did..after comparing so many SUV's I'm still sold..it's just gonna be the 2023 instead..sexy ass car with great performance/mpg ratio..

[@H1Productions]

I really enjoyed the presentation of this review and the fact that different trims were included in a single video. The B-roll was top notch and really showed the craft and effort put into this. 👌

[@gregkramer5588]

We just put money down to get on the list for a blue Hybrid SX Prestige. I am already used to using the volume control on the steering wheel so that is not a big deal.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I'm used to steering wheel controls too. But if it's switched to the HVAC and you go to crank up the heat, well, surprise. It's not a big deal but I had to find something to gripe about.

[@jp93309]

We’ve been a Honda CR-V family throughout almost every generation since its release but honestly this new Kia may have us actually giving it a try. Great job Kia for the glow-up!

[@mcertem3714]

Right on Tom!!! Thanks. I have been driving a hybrid (right hand version) in Dublin for a week now and I love this car!!! Nice, smooth, quiet, as good acceleration as you need. The only improvements I can think of are: - Please, please Kia, just one more knob on the dash for volume / audio source selection. Twist it for volume and press it to cycle between (off / radio modes / Android Auto / etc.) - Maybe slightly softer seats? Is the US model more tuned for American bottoms? - The interface nags me about following laws, driving carefully, etc. at every startup. Is that because the car is a rental? Can it be disabled? - Sometimes rear camera comes on when switching to R, does not immediately revert to normal display when D is selected. Hitting Home icon needed for that. - In this day and age: wireless AndroidAuto please. (Except, sometimes just yanking the USB cable from phone and replugging solves the previous rear camera issue) Like you said, very nice, bright and responsive display. [Avis gave me a diesel Qashqai that I hated! Returned that piece of junk after a day and got this from Hertz and oh what a difference! I do love my Bronco, but when I get back home I will check out the Telluride. If it has the same smoothness in a hybrid it might just be my next purchase.]

[@davidwilliams6872]

I just bought an x lineAnd I love it I had a 2021 Sportage and the new one is just totally different I definitely love the Exline it is cool lotta stuff in it for the price I’ve driven Kia’s for years and they’ve always treated me right

[@UnenthusedEnthusiast]

The HVAC /radio alternating screen is great! My older brother got the Sportage and so did I. I prefer to have HVAC controls and use the steering wheel. He on the other hand likes the opposite. I think that’s what KIA had in mind. Not for everyone to constantly switch back and forth. It is more a choose and keep. Very intuitive and new idea for saving space and moving forward in thinking.

[@hogsandsooners]

We’ve had our x-pro for three weeks now. We love it! Easily my wife’s favorite car thus far.

[@jazzjokesjalopies]

You’re right: virtually nobody goes off-road. Yet ride and mileage and value are traded for looking like they could. Sedans, people!

[@hogsandsooners]

Actually, ease of entry, cargo room, outward visibility, trailer towing, driving position and the more-than-occasional trip off the beaten path make it the perfect all-around vehicle. Plus, the suv/ crossover retains its value far better than a comparable sedan. Sedans are a one trick pony, more or less.

[@jazzjokesjalopies]

@@hogsandsooners still, one trick being big savings at every fill up…good trick. And most trucks seen on the road have one or two people and empty beds.

[@PWarren4]

I think Kia (and Hyundai) are designing and building vehicles as good as anyone and better than most now. But until Kia betters their dealer and parts distribution networks in the United States - nope.

[@justinbelk89]

I thoroughly enjoy your videos & trust your judgment and opinions. I’ve been a car guy since 16 yrs old and know a few things about mechanics. With that said, I’m loving my selection of a 2023 X-Pro. This is my first Kia, but my daughter is on her 3rd. Her first two were Optima , unfortunately they were both totaled in accidents NOT her fault, the later was an rollover and she walked away. She acquired the 3rd during COVID so supply was limited and she ended up with a 2021 Forte, all run great no reliability issues. So I crossed shopped my current Toyota and Kia, Kia won, better styling, features, feel, price & warranty. You’re correct. They’re NOT the bargain basement anymore. I truly believe they’re passed their engine issues too. But 10yr 100K eases all that. Time will definitely tell, I’ll be driving mine probably at about to 30K a year. So I’ll be first hand witness. Good Job Kia👍🏾 Great review Sir. 👏🏾😊

[@michaelarch3779]

Excellent review as always!!!!! The presentation style is always clear and entertaining! And it's nice every once in a while to see a review of a vehicle that is within the financial reach of "mere mortals"!!!

[@theMLBfan]

Wow, that mat grey paint with red interior looks really good!

[@joemartino6976]

With Kia putting out better products, shortcomings in the area of the dealer experience may become more obvious. When I was shopping for EV's about six weeks ago, the worst was at a Kia dealer. The EV-6 was on my short shopping list, the compelling reason being "best value" versus my other choices. After a brief test drive, I looked at the sticker and saw a $5K market adjustment + $4k in unwanted options (etched glass?). A $9K bump ruined the value proposition for me. Hyundai and Kia have done a great job improving their model lineup....the dealer network, however, still needs improvement.

[@TurfSurf]

I can’t say every KIA dealership but the 2 I visited in SoCal, the sales people are assholes. If KIA can just pull a Tesla and selling directly would be better for consumers since the dealerships are only selling at MSRP anyway.

[@bruintoo]

Huh. I guess a lot of car press events are now done in the Palm Springs area. Also I think KIA has shed off it's budget brand image with the Telluride and EV6 even before the Sportage.

[@YellowstoneCountryFlyFishing]

One error in this review: All AWD models have 8.3 inches of clearance. He said the X-Pro had more clearance. All AWD models have 1.2 inches more than the FWD models. Put light off-road tires on the hybrid and it will have as much grip as the gas motor (though programming of the AWD may be different in terms of allowed slippage).

[@teamracing6]

nice report. thanks Tom

[@MrUser999999]

Disappointed on why the blue/beige interior isn't available in the top trim hybrid model. I recently checked the online configurator

[@jacktyler7599]

Excellent review, Tom. Thank you.

[@jjakkad]

Excellent review as always!

[@denault3985]

Tom you may get your wish, a Canadian dealership's KZbin channel indicates the plug-in hybrid will be x-line and x-pro styled vehicles.

[@desimo147]

I think they nailed the styling, both inside and out. Kia will sell these things as fast as they can make them, that's my prediction. Thanks for an awesome review, as always, Tom!

[@MarioDallaRiva]

SportEdge…good one, Tom 👏🏼 Nice to see Kia using the rear wiper they took from the EV6 😼

[@Samweis74]

Thanks for the video. The X-Pro will not be available in Germany. Did I understand correctly that the X-pro version only has more ground clearance and different tires? But the 4x4 system has remained the same? And is the Bronco Sport's trunk bigger or smaller?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Tires, ground clearance and an AWD with different calibration.

[@davidjackson8787]

I have a 2023 Kia Sportage and I like that the AC works engine on or off unlike my previous Ford Escape Hybrid. That and this vehicle will get up to highway speed quickly and you don’t even notice the engine turning off and on as you drive. If you like the idea of a hybrid vehicle and have some experience with them I think you will love driving this.

[@JIMMY-ck1oe]

do you have any issues for your sportage?

[@justinbelk89]

I have the X-Pro. I love it. Maybe Kia can do some kind of tweak to the engine to give it some more HP, other than that, it’s perfection 👍🏾🎯

[@Briguy1027]

Great job -- I do agree with you regarding the split -- I'd really love 40 20 40 as well.

[@TurfSurf]

The problem with the hybrid, you can’t find one anywhere, and if you do, expect paying over 45 grand for it.😂

[@MugatuJag]

Here in SoCal the dealers literally state 10k MSRP up charge online lmao😡🤦‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@TurfSurf]

@@MugatuJag I know, and the sales people are assholes too.

[@jeffruebens8355]

The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Tucson made the top ten list for owner satisfaction, for Consumer Reports magazine surveys. The Corvette and MX-5 were the top 2. Maybe the poor reputation for their dealers will start to improve. We chose a Mazda CX-5 the last 3 times, great steering and no rattles even for the one with 90 thousand miles, and a reasonable price for adding a sunroof my wife MUST have that she rarely uses.

[@tommihelich2613]

Nice job Tom

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Thanks Tom

[@Smallworld49]

I love your hair more than Kia Sportage this car is absolutely beautiful.

[@davidl.4147]

Tom,great reports as usual. I’m at a loss. Decided to purchase either the Kia hybrid SX Prestige or a Mini Countryman S all4. I love the size and fun factor of the Mini but I love the tech in the Kia. Any thoughts? Wish I could make up my mind.

[@johnkinsfather64]

Tom Have you done a breakout between Hybrid and plug in Hybrid, pros, Cons?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I kind of did here. The 2.5 gas only isn't as powerful, isn't as smooth and has significantly lower fuel economy.

[@bextar6365]

I would guess that most buyers / owners would never take it off road.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Forest Service/camping roads?

[@AllenDulles2]

Tom, did you notice which AT tires were on the off roader? Thinking of a set for my V60 CC but concerned about noise on pavement. Thanks.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I believe they were BF Goodrich Trail Terrain. I was surprised there wasn't tons of tire noise on pavement. So was my co pilot.

[@maximus11400]

My 2023 new X-Pro comes in on Sept 10th. I hate waiting!!

[@clbcl5]

Now we wait for the 18 inches of mid west snow review for the xpro.

[@sneakersonfeet9045]

One of the best car review channels!

[@neeko.b]

I really like the look, and I thought the last gen was pretty nice too, so Kia did a great job. If you guys adopt the Canadian pronunciation then you can really go with the upscale angle 😉

[@patriciomillan2403]

Thanks for this review! The new Sportage is really bigger than the previous model. I dont like front lights, it looks too modern for me (i am 51)

[@martinkleinman2522]

Really nice vehicle. Can you please test the Mazda CX-50? That's one I'm really curious about (especially the one with the turbo). Thanks!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I'll try but it'll probably be awhile.

[@wb6004]

What's wrong with the paint?

[@ronmccullock1407]

Fantastic review

[@danrussell3509]

I don't know why KIA insist's on sayin that there is a " center locking differential " when it fact there isn't . It is a center wet clutch ! BIG DIFFERENCE !

[@tpolerex7282]

Seems like a very strong product, corporate reliability is still questionable and the notoriously awful Kia dealership and service experience makes this a no go. Great review though as usual Tom.

[@chuckwalla2967]

I have never had issues at Kia dealerships. They are no different than any other mainstream brand dealers.

[@fredp8486]

You have to hand wash it ? Does not say much for the paint finish .

[@kenc2257]

That's for the low-gloss matte (satin-finish) paint--it takes extra care.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Only for the matte finish. That's the case for any matte finish.

[@TheDennzio]

The X-Pro IS available with the hybrid powertrain, you just need to wait a while after ordering.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Kia executives at the event specifically said the hybrid powertrain was not going into the X-Pro. At least for now.

[@nostalgictamizhan2]

Ac blower motor failed in new 2023 car. Seems like control module malfunction or bad relay in new sportage. Something to note. The most common causes for AC fan blower motor not working are blown fuse, bad relay, resistor or control module malfunction and faulty blower motor. However, a bad electrical connector or broken wire, or a defect in the climate control unit can also cause the blower motor to stop working

[@keithsmathers9815]

I loved the technology that allows the button change between climate and radio. Not a negative in my opinion.

[@joegondo7985]

Would add to my list..but..the front end is off putting…yuk..Thanks for the review

[@butterfly1411]

So This is a hand wash only car? So car washes will dull the paint?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Only the matte finish paint is hand wash only in case that’s not clear and it’s already dull so there’s that…

[@butterfly1411]

Oh my heart! You are right! Thank you for the helpful information!

[@davids1816]

I had a previous gen SX which I described as a GTI SUV. This is much more... matronly. I'd describe it as a Picasso painting of a Buick Enclave styling-wise. I prefer the shorter version though I get the marketing of this size of car vs. the shorter one that's for sale in Europe. Wish you could get a sport-hybrid though. 250-275 hp and maybe 30 mpg sounds like a compromise I'd be more eager to make. I'm sure they'll sell well. Kia, piano-black-pollution notwithstanding make some of the very best interiors in a non-luxury car.

[@amigatommy7]

Exterior is very nice.

[@NinoNlkkl]

red light green light. 👍

[@TinLeadHammer]

This is a COMPACT crossover?

[@amigatommy7]

Don't know if I could drive now without cameras.

[@JulezWinnfield]

187hp seems a little weak vs the RAV4.

[@johndutton1037]

1.6 hybrid 227bhp !

[@chrisw443]

I miss plug in sedans.

[@chuckwalla2967]

I think Kia has a winner here despite the weird looking front end.

[@ruzzelladrian907]

Hyundai-Kia and Genesis are not for the badge snobs.

[@ltkwok]

Speeding! Send in the cops! 🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂

[@WyattMullin]

Off-Road? What's that? :~)

[@guniseran]

Reliability is a concern with Kia products with engines catching on fire

[@Kered-9]

Don't buy one 🤷‍♂️

[@margaretholmes9182]

Sold it after 3 months, seats too uncomfortable. Car and tech amazing but comfort is everything.

[@Brayant25]

You are lying. This vehicle just just got released in the states and Tom is at the press launch event

[@xconsumer]

From the look of it, no trims come with hand lotion dispensers.

[@joegondo7985]

Omg..A First for me…being first

[@Aikynbreusov]

Goodluck Kia for trying to get a piece of the pie from Toyota and Honda when you have blown up engine..... engine catches on fire.....explosion on the freeway....

[@Aikynbreusov]

$34,000???? I rather take that money and buy a certified Lexus RX350......

[@mimaz7155]

dismal engines

[@sunilayya8948]

Please check up on kia hyundais dismal recall history over engine fires and bearing failures in north america. Also refer to scotty kilmers opinion on kia before buying one.

[@treads2595]

If Scott Kilmer doesn't like it, that just makes me want it more.

[@tom_hoots]

So, does this model have the horrifying Hyundai/Kia engine problems, or is it that model? Tell you what, I can only afford one vehicle, and it has to be reliable. I'll look elsewhere.

[@amigatommy7]

I hate the new climate control thing.