Update: Overhauled 2023 Kia Sportage, Sportage Hybrid Pricing Detailed

Here is some welcome news for any prospective car shoppers this year: while the 2023 Kia Sportage will see a price increase for the LX trim, the EX and SX trims are getting some pricedecreases. It's not very common to hear of price drops in today's inflated market, but the new Sportage has plenty to offer with four new editions added to the lineup; the SX Prestige, the X-Line, the X-Pro, and the X-Pro Prestige which all look to replace the 2022 Sportage Nightfall Edition.

The New Sportage Platform

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Even as the price does decrease for the 2022 EX and SX trims, it seems that Kia didn't want to degrade the fifth generation Sportage. First, the 2023 Sportage rides on Kia's new N3 platform, which underpins the Sorento. Not only does this increase the size of the Sportage but it also adds more strength and torsional stiffness to its chassis. There is also new sound absorbing and insulation to reduce noise, vibration and harshness from the road, wind, and engine.

Kia Sportage Standard Equipment

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Standard equipment on the new 2023 Sportage include dual panoramic curved displays that Kia says "seamlessly connects two screens for nearly 25 inches of digital viewing" and provides a large screen for the 360 Degree Surround View Monitor with 3D View and live feed Blind-Spot View Monitor within the instrument cluster. The Sportage also offers eight standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features. For up scale levels like the EX, SX, and X-Line, as well as X-Pro and both Prestige trims, an enhanced ADAS includes Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) Assist with Junction Turning capability and Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance Assist are available.

2023 Kia Sportage Pricing

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Even at the base level, the 2023 Sportage LX's $1,900 increase for the FWD ($27,205) and $2,200 increase for the AWD ($29,005) version aren't all that bad over its 2022 price ($25,305 and $26,805, respectively). Even the $1,800 premium of going AWD for the 2023 Sportage isn't a huge increase over the $1,500 cost in 2022. Especially when compared to many other CUVs in its range that saw much larger increases. It's enough to justify the new chassis for the fifth generation Sportage and make you wonder how Kia is doing it.

The EX and SX, on the other hand, saw price decreases when compared to 2022. The EX FWD is $29,205 where it was $29,605 and the AWD is now $31,005 where it was $31,105. While not more than a $500 drop, it's a drop none-the-less. The AWD premium is also the same increase as the LX ($1,800) and within the same price difference between 2023 and 2022 (a $300 increase).

Kia Sportage X-Line, X-Pro, and Prestige Trims

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The Nightfall Edition from 2022 isn't making a return for 2023. Instead, there are X-Line and X-Pro trims along with Prestige versions of the SX and X-Pro. The X-Line is offered only in AWD and rings up at $32,005 while the X-Pro also only comes as AWD but costs $36,205. The X-Line "blends sporty and rugged" looks to the Sportage and adds Unique front and rear bumpers with a satin chrome surround with a side garnish and adds a gloss black finish to the side mirrors, roof rack and window surrounds. The roof rack's rails are also raised for better off-road focused accessory support. Finally, there is a set of 19-inch wheels made just for the Sportage X-Line.

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The 2023 Sportage X-Pro is designed by Kia to be much more trail ready than the X-Line. In order to meet that demand, the X-Pro comes with 17-inch matte black wheels that are as off-road focused as its 17-inch BF Goodrich A/T tires. The roof also comes as a two-tone color treatment while the windshield washer nozzles are heated to help remove frost and ice in cold temperatures. To help you navigate your unpaved path, the X-Pro comes with a multi-terrain mode that includes Normal, Sport, Smart, and Snow modes.

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The Prestige versions of the SX and X-Pro offer more upscale treatment, with the X-Pro Prestige including ventilated front seats, an eight-way power front passenger seat, and LED fog lights and available LED Projector headlights for better forward vision. The Sportage X-Pro Prestige comes in at $38,005 while the SX Prestige rings in at $34,705 for the FWD and $36,505 for the AWD version.

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New Hybrid Doesn't Mean Hi-Priced

In keeping with the tune of affordability, 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid (the first PHEV ever offered on the nameplate) offerings aren't much higher than its gasoline only counterparts. The Sportage LX FWD Hybrid starts off at $28,545 and is only $1,340 more than the standard Sportage LX FWD. If buyers would prefer to drive all four wheels, the upcharge to go from the conventional Sportage LX AWD to its PHEV analogue is the same—$1,340—coming in at $30,345. The EX AWD Hybrids premium step up is $100 cheaper at $1,240 for an MSRP of $32,245.

The only SX trim of the Kia Sportage AWD Hybrid is the SX-Prestige, and it will cost you $37,445, which makes it only $940 more expensive than the conventional SX-Prestige. For so little additional money, and with such impressive fuel economy (39 mpg) and range (nearly 500 miles on a full tank), it's a wonder Kia didn't just make all SX-Prestige models PHEVs.

Kia says the Sportage Hybrid PHEVs will be on sale soon.