The 2023 Kia Sportage is positioned to be a very competitive small SUV in 2023 compact SUV rankings. The Sportage provides great value for the money, and that gives it an edge over some of its main rivals. Here are three small SUVs that the 2023 Kia Sportage could overtake in rankings.

The 2023 Kia Sportage could box out the Mazda CX-5

Mazda’s CX-5 small SUV nameplate has lingered at the top of compact SUV ranking lists for the last few years. The CX-5 is certainly in the best small SUV conversation. The Sportage may not have been as competitive in recent years, but it has been redesigned for 2023.

The new Sportage features a bold exterior styling and a comfortable interior. The Kia Sportage is larger than previous model years, providing a roomy cabin for occupants.

The 2023 Kia Sportage is 184 inches long, 73 inches wide, and about 65 inches tall. The CX-5 is 180 inches long, 73 inches wide, and about 66 inches tall. The Sportage is longer, and it has better gas mileage.

The Kia Sportage achieves 25 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway. The CX-5 gets 24 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway. Both small SUVs produce 187 horsepower.

The Kia Sportage will be more affordable than the Hyundai Tucson

Affordability is a huge factor when it comes to choosing a small SUV. Kia is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, so many Kia models bare a strong resemblance to their Hyundai counterparts. The Sportage may not look like the Hyundai Tucson, but it was clearly influenced by the small SUV’s latest redesign. Their design languages aren’t identical, but there are hints of the Hyundai Tucson in the latest Sportage, from its far-out exterior to its great standard tech features.

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson is expected to start from $26,450. The 2023 Kia Sportage starts from $25,990. The Sportage is slightly more affordable than the Tucson. There may not be a huge price difference between the two small SUVs, but a couple hundred dollars saved means more money for options and accessories.

The Kia Sportage could be more exciting than the Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan is extremely practical, but is it exciting? The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is about two inches longer than the Kia Sportage. It could be the closest in size to a midsize SUV in its vehicle segment. The Volkswagen Tiguan is praised for its handling, roomy cabin, and available third row. Car and Driver gave the 2022 model year an Editor’s Choice award.

The 2023 Kia Sportage could take the Tiguan’s place in small SUV rankings because of its exciting exterior design. The Tiguan’s exterior isn’t as bold as the Tucson or upcoming 2023 Honda CR-V, and that could cause some consumers to pass it up.

Read more about the Volkswagen Tiguan in the next article below.