kia sportage review 2023 Page 2

The 2023 Kia Sportage is the family SUV that turned up to school pick-up looking sharp and actually delivering. Australia gets the roomier long-wheelbase body, a calm ride, and a cabin stuffed with big screens and useful tech rather than gimmicks. Engines span a 2.0 petrol FWD (6-speed auto), a perkier 1.6 turbo AWD (7-speed DCT), and a torquey 2.0 diesel AWD (8-speed auto); economy ranges from the mid-6s to low-8s L/100km in the real world. ANCAP rated it five stars in 2022, the boot is comfortably over 540 litres, and diesel variants tow up to 1900 kg braked.

It’s not perfect: the base 2.0 petrol can feel breathless, and the DCT can be grumpy in stop-start traffic. New pricing typically sits around $35k–$55k drive-away depending on trim, with 2023 used examples hovering roughly $30k–$50k. Overall, it’s a thoroughly competent all-rounder that makes school runs and road trips feel a touch less like chores and more like plans.