The 2023 Kia Sportage represents a dramatic redesign for the compact SUV, trading conservative sheetmetal for a futuristic, angular appearance that turns heads. Car and Driver praised the bold exterior and the tech-laden cabin, particularly the dual 12.3-inch curved displays and configurable ambient lighting, which feel a class above the segment. The powertrain lineup includes a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged 2.5-liter; the turbo model makes the Sportage genuinely quick, with responsive throttle and smooth power delivery. Ride quality is commendably controlled, and the long list of standard safety tech—including highway driving assist and blind-spot monitoring—rounds out the package. However, the base engine can feel underwhelming, fuel economy trails hybrid competitors, and the touch-sensitive climate controls require too much menu diving. Cargo space is also modest relative to rivals like the Honda CR-V. Despite these quibbles, Car and Driver concluded the Sportage is a strong value, backed by Kia's excellent warranty, and a worthy entrant at the top of the compact SUV class.

MotorTrend's first test of the redesigned Kia Sportage found a dramatically matured crossover. They highlighted the Hyundai-Kia N3 platform's rigidity, which contributes to a much steadier, more premium ride than the previous generation. The available 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivers strong acceleration, and the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic shifts smoothly, making the powertrain the highlight of the driving experience. The interior also drew praise for its upscale materials, generous standard equipment, and crisp displays. Criticisms centered on the base engine's thrashy responses, noticeable road noise on coarse surfaces, and cargo space compromised by the bold styling. Off-road capability is limited by modest ground clearance despite rugged-looking trim options. Still, MotorTrend declared the Sportage a huge leap forward in design and refinement, offering near-luxury features at a mainstream price. They cautioned that the sporty X-Pro trim's pricing creeps into territory where the driving experience doesn't quite match the visual flair, but for most buyers the Sportage represents excellent value.