This Contender for Best Compact SUV Has Lackluster Power
The 2023 Kia Sportage is a well-liked SUV for a variety of reasons. Some even call it a best compact SUV. However, it has one big drawback that drives some owners mad. The problem is that the 2023 Sportage delivers rather lackluster power. Luckily, it does really well in other key areas and many consider it one of the automaker’s best vehicles.
The 2023 Sportage delivers lackluster power
Many things make the 2023 Kia Sportage a contender for best compact SUV. However, its performance isn’t one of them. According to Car and Driver, this Kia SUV has a 187 hp 2.5-liter engine under the hood. It can be front or all-wheel drive and uses an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Kia Hybrid Sportage uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter with a single motor.
The problem is that the 2023 Sportage has pretty sluggish acceleration. It takes this compact SUV about 9.3 seconds to get from 0 to 60 miles per hour. However, the Kia Hybrid Sportage is much faster. Still, this is slow for an SUV many are calling the best compact SUV. Fortunately, most people don’t buy this genre of SUVs for high levels of speed.
The 2023 Kia Sportage interior helps make it a best compact SUV
The 2023 Kia Sportage interior is impeccable. Like most Kia vehicles these days, it’s a combination of eye-catching design and high-tech features. In general, the SUV is bigger than many previous models and also includes generous cargo storage. In fact, it has 40 cubic feet behind the rear seats. It even has a dual-level cargo floor.
Regarding technology, the 2023 Kia Sportage interior has a standard eight-inch touchscreen display. However, most people will want to upgrade to the available 12.3-inch screen. There are also touch-sensitive controls below the touchscreen display. These control the climate and the music. The vehicle comes with a great car sound system, but buyers can upgrade it to a Harman/Kardon premium setup.
It’s a reliable compact SUV
Reliability is essential for any vehicle that’s even marginally called the best compact SUV. Luckily, the 2023 Kia Sportage does pretty well in this category. It has a predicted reliability score of 88 from J.D. Power, which is about average. According to sources, a Kia Sportage can last about 200,000 miles, which is a nice long automotive life.
The Kia Sportage price also helps make it a contender for the best compact SUV. This Kia SUV starts at $26,290 before any extras are added. Overall, this is a pretty awesome SUV despite the lack of power. However, those who want more speed can consider the Kia Hybrid Sportage.
