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Kia has recently presented the first glimpse of the 2023 Sportage, and it’s an impressive reveal. The company’s “Opposites United” design concept, which was elaborately discussed during the launch of the EV6, has reached a striking and bold culmination with the Sportage.
One might be tempted to say that it looks cooler than expected; historically, the Sportage hasn’t been recognized as a design leader, despite being a fun and budget-friendly option that could hold its own against vehicles priced much higher. However, disregarding some of the high-concept pretentiousness of “Opposites United,” Kia is genuinely investing effort into their design with the aim of establishing the Sportage as a new standard for modern crossovers, inside and out.
From the initial photographs, it’s clear that the Sportage looks fantastic. While it may not have adopted the extremely futuristic aesthetics of the Hyundai Tucson, which shares its platform, the 2023 Sportage excels in almost every aspect.
Karim Habib, head of Kia’s Global Design Center and senior vice president, explained in the announcement that the design process involved a complete reimagining of the vehicle. “Reinventing the Sportage provided our talented design teams the fantastic opportunity to create something innovative; by drawing inspiration from our recent brand relaunch and the introduction of the EV6, we aimed to captivate consumers with modern and progressive SUV design. With the new Sportage, our goal was not merely to take a step forward, but to elevate the SUV experience to an entirely new level.”
This type of statement is common from automakers who often introduce perplexing design choices. Yet, one must admit that Kia has hit the mark with this new model.
The transition from the 2022 to the 2023 Sportage is almost astonishing. The previous model featured a rounded, bulbous front end, whereas the 2023 version is characterized by a sleek, sharp, and clean aesthetic. While the overall silhouette from the hood to the roof remains somewhat similar, it presents a much smoother profile, giving the vehicle a more cohesive and refined appearance.
The Sportage shares some design elements with the EV6, as Kia has embraced distinctive grilles akin to other automakers with three-letter names, featuring a recognizable “Tiger Nose” look. The daytime running lights are styled like lightning bolts at the edges, integrated with the headlights, ensuring that the vehicle looks impressive even in daylight.
Significant attention has also been paid to the vehicle’s interior. The curved display that spans the cockpit incorporates air vents, enhancing the integrated feel of the cabin, or so Kia claims. Ultimately, it’s a large screen designed to keep you cool.
The center console has been revamped to function as both a control interface and a storage area. The front passenger seat is designed to be comfortable and accessible, although it does not offer the full distraction capabilities of a Hyperscreen setup.
Habib remarked on the car: “When you see the all-new Sportage in person, with its sleek yet dynamically powerful stance, and when you sit inside the meticulously crafted cabin featuring high-quality materials, you’ll recognize that we’ve accomplished our goals and set new standards. In the all-new Sportage, we believe the essence of our brand and products is clearly showcased.”
This announcement reflects Kia’s current direction, which appears promising if the focus remains on creating stylish, engaging vehicles.
The 2023 Kia Sportage is set to launch in the U.S. early next year, with details on powertrains and pricing still to be announced.
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