The 2023 Kia Sportage is an all-new generation of one of the most popular compact SUVs on the market and it is ready to face its competition. Let’s see how it compares to the 2022 Mazda CX-5.

A distinctive style

The 2023 Kia Sportage shows a brand-new style that is entirely original and very distinctive, both inside and outside. Indeed, the new Sportage will not go unnoticed and it is it can be instantly recognised from any angle, something which is becoming rare in the automotive industry. The front-end features new boomerang-styled headlamps and a large grille while the rear has unique taillamps and a two-tone colour pattern. This is in contrast to the 2022 Mazda CX-5, which doesn’t look as modern and distinctive despite a refresh for this year.

The availability of a hybrid version

The 2023 Kia Sportage is offered with a hybrid powertrain for the first time, something that the Mazda doesn’t have. This new version is powered by a 1.6L turbocharged engine and an electric motor. The two units combine their output to generate 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is the same power level as the most powerful CX-5 when using regular grade gasoline in both vehicles. Even if their power level is similar, their fuel consumption isn’t, since the Kia only needs 6.1L / 100 km in the city and 6.3L / 100 km on the highway while the Mazda requires 10.8L / 100 km and 8.7L / 100 km to do the same.

The technologies

The 2023 Kia Sportage is equipped with all of the latest in terms of features and driver assistance systems. For example, the Sportage X-Line Limited comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment system and a 12.3-inch driver information display, as well as ventilated front seats and camera monitors to see the blind spots. None of these features are available in the CX-5, not even as options, but the Kia is still close to $5,000 less expensive than the top-of-the line CX-5.