The Ford Maverick isn’t the only news in town today. Kia Corporation out of Soeul released a smattering of images of the 2023 Sportage. While details in the accompanying release are sparse and there is no information for the United States just yet, one thing is clear: Kia is moving the bar again.
Here’s what we know so far.
Completely radical design
Whoa. I mean. Whoa. This exterior design is aggressive, and it utterly sings. The 2023 Sportage doesn’t really take design language from any of the other SUVs in its lineup, but I have to admit I do see a little Hyundai Sonata in the daytime running lights.
The Kia “Tiger Nose” grille takes a subtle hit, and the top notch, similar to the new Kia Carnival minivan, is getting smoothed out.
The sculpted side lines, attractive wheels and horizontally designed rear complete the very attractive picture. Usually, a photo doesn’t do a vehicle justice, so I’ll be super curious to see it IRL.
Dial gear shift
We don’t have any specifications on this vehicle – not even the engine type. But from the photos we do see that the 2023 Sportage will adopt a dial shifter rather than the lever shifter we see on the recently launched Sorento.
And, no, we don’t know if it’s a CVT or stepped gearshift.
Tech forward interior
From the photos, it looks like the digital cluster sweeps all the way through to the infotainment screen, similar to the huge display we see in the all-new Cadillac Escalade. So, I’d expect standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – perhaps in wireless format – as well as wireless charging and a whole host of additional connected features.
I see hard dials for the HVAC controls, but prepare yourself, I’m not seeing volume or tuning dials.
The bottom line on the 2023 Sportage
Kia has been designing up a storm lately, and the 2023 Sportage – in photos – doesn’t disappoint. While we don’t have any solid information, a Kia spokesperson confirmed that the U.S. news – hopefully with details – will arrive later this year.
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