KIA Sportage X-Line

Radical redesign

One thing that can be said about the all-new 2023 Kia Sportage is its spaceage styling is far from conservative. The reimagined compact crossover emerges appearing like a completely different beast and for the first time introduces a slightly more rugged (looking) X-Line model. Here’s how the latest offering stacks up.

“The Sportage is entering its most exciting generation yet,” says Kia Canada COO Elias El-Achhab in a press release. “We can’t wait for Canadians to experience this completely redesigned SUV that is not only a cut above when it comes to design, innovation and technology, but it is also an absolute thrill to drive.”

Gone is the traditional headlamp and tiger nose grille. The setup is replaced by a cluster of LEDS nestled inside boomerang-shaped signature daytime running lights, flanking a dominating 3-D mesh grille spanning the width of the front fascia. Bold sheet metal creases run down the side continuing around the back where a pair of “notch” taillights remain connected via a thin black bar running across the tailgate. Visibly larger measuring over 180 millimetres longer than the outgoing vehicle and nearly 13 millimetres taller and wider, the X-Line is particularly attractive with the exclusive chunky lower bumper garnishes, dark gloss side mirrors, ladder-style roof rails and two-tone 19-inch wheels. The Jungle Green paint colour on our media loaner suited the utility-focused accoutrements quite nicely.

The Sportage, particularly in the Limited grade is more premium than expected for the segment featuring hydro-dipped wood dash trim and quilt-

By Benjamin Yong

Highlights

MSRP: $40,995

Motor: 2.5-litre four cylinder

Horsepower: 187 @ 6,100 rpm

Torque (lb-ft): 178 @ 4,000 rpm

Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic

Layout: All-wheel drive

Fuel economy: 11.9 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed) nomic T-shaped shift lever is a nice touch amid a sea of rotary and button-type transmission selectors.

Climate control is integrated into the dual 12.3-inch instrument gauge and infotainment display, the latter which is beautiful and responsive however navigating radio stations is a bit of a pain especially with the absence of a physical volume or tuning knob.

While both hybrid and plugin hybrid options are available on the platform, the X-Line utilizes the 2.5-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. All-wheel drive is standard. Producing 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque there is no pretense of high performance here and fuel economy, at an observed 11.9 L/100 km in mixed city and highway driving, is pretty decent for AWD.

Speaking of which the intelligent AWD is proficient at detecting wheel slippage, sending the proper amount of torque to the rear axle as necessary. Even in rainy Vancouver the SUV remained stable at relatively high speeds, and though the system may very well be proficient on low traction trails, the ride height is no different from the other variants making off-roading a potentially risky venture.

Safety-wise the vehicle is fully loaded and equipped with a plethora of driver assistance equipment including Forward Collision Avoidance, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Follow Assist and the excellent Blind View Monitor that shows a live video feed of activity beside the car whenever the turn signal is activated.

The 2023 Kia Sportage X-Line starts at $40,995 MSRP.

644-4716

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OpenRoad Honda Burnaby, your award-winning Honda store.

OpenRoad Honda Burnaby, your award-winning Honda store.

OpenRoad Honda Burnaby is honored to be the recipient of the Honda President’s Circle Award, and the only Honda Driving Excellence High Achiever Award in BC, ranking #1 in Canada for 2021.

OpenRoad Honda Burnaby is honored to be the recipient of the Honda President’s Circle Award, and the only Honda Driving Excellence High Achiever Award in BC, ranking #1 in Canada for 2021.

With over 40 years of Honda product knowledge and experience, our team serves each one of our guests with the utmost level of care, and we look forward to sharing our Honda passion with you.

With over 30 years of Honda product knowledge and experience, our team serves each one of our guests with the utmost level of care, and we look forward to sharing our Honda passion with you.

OpenRoad Honda Burnaby

OpenRoad Honda Burnaby

6984 Kingsway, Burnaby BC, V5E 1E6

6984 Kingsway, Burnaby BC, V5E 1E6

(10-minute drive from Metrotown)

(10-minute drive from Metrotown)

(604) 525-4667 | OpenRoadHonda.ca

(604) 525-4667 | OpenRoadHonda.ca

We are Moving to our New Location soon!

We are Moving to our New Location soon!

5723 Marine Way Burnaby, BC, V5J 0A6 (10-minute drive from the current location)

5723 Marine Way Burnaby, BC, V5J 0A6 (10-minute drive from the current location)