As Kia’s longest-running nameplate, the 2023 Sportage had a lot riding on a complete redesign. A week-long test drive showed that the 5th-generation crossover SUV rings up plenty of noteworthy points, including segment-leading boasts for rear seat legroom (41.3 inches) and cargo space (39.6 cubic feet with rear seat upright and 74.1 cubic feet with rear seat folded). The 2023 Sportage is bigger than its predecessor, underscored by an extra 7 inches in length. Sportage also adds two off-road slanted trims, X-Line and X-Pro.

The 2023 Sportage is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that produces 187 horsepower at 6100 rpm and 178 lbs-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. That lone engine offering mates to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Sportage has an available 12.3-inch cluster screen that seamlessly flows into a 12.3-inch infotainment display screen. DriveWise driver assist technologies on the tested SUV included lane keeping assist, and smart cruise control with stop and go. The tested 108.5-inch wheelbase Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige with all wheel drive collects estimated mpg of 23 city and 28 highway and carries a MSRP of $36,790.