What is the difference between 2022 and 2023 Sportage?

The Kia Sportage has been fully redesigned for 2023, and the Subaru Forester was updated for 2022. If you’re in the market for a compact SUV, you may find yourself cross-shopping these two rivals.

Both of these SUVs have many strengths, but there are some key differences you should know about. Let’s take a closer look at these compact SUVs and find the right one for you.

2023 Kia Sportage

What is the difference between 2022 and 2023 Sportage?

The Kia Sportage was completely redesigned for 2023, with new looks inside and out, more modern tech features, and a bigger, roomier body. Pricing starts at $25,990.

Kia Sportage Highlights

Modern tech: The all-new 2023 Sportage comes with cutting-edge tech features. You get what you’d expect from a new car, like standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Some high-tech optional features include wireless phone charging, 12.3-inch dual panoramic displays, plus Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration.

Roomy interior: The Sportage got a bit bigger with the latest redesign, and the result is one of the roomiest interiors in the compact SUV class. The interior space in the Forester is pretty good, but the Sportage has more rear-seat legroom and much more cargo space behind the rear seats.

Outstanding warranty: The Kia Sportage is backed by an excellent warranty that can give long-term owners greater peace of mind. It boasts a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. By contrast, the Forester comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sportage models for sale near you.

2022 Subaru Forester

What is the difference between 2022 and 2023 Sportage?

The Subaru Forester carries its brand’s reputation for impressive off-road capabilities and an emphasis on safety. Pricing starts at $25,895.

Subaru Forester Highlights

Standard AWD: All-wheel drive (AWD) is a standard feature on every Subaru Forester. This is the basis of the Forester’s good off-road capabilities, which are further enhanced with optional features like X-Mode with hill descent control, and the extra ground clearance and all-terrain tires you get with the Wilderness trim.

Excellent safety scores: Both SUVs achieve good safety ratings, but the Forester has earned the coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. This is thanks to its good crash-test ratings, generous list of standard safety tech features, and standard LED projector headlights for optimal visibility.

Great fuel economy: The Forester is more fuel-efficient than a Sportage with AWD. The Forester gets a combined fuel economy rating of up to 29 combined mpg, while the AWD-equipped Sportage only gets 25 mpg. That can add up to significant fuel savings over time, especially if gas is expensive in your area.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Forester models for sale near you.

Similarities

Similar standard safety and infotainment tech, 4-cylinder engine, rugged off-road trims, similar pricing, good safety ratings

Conclusion

If you insist on AWD, then the Subaru Forester is a more value-conscious choice since AWD comes standard and it’s more fuel-efficient than the Kia. However, the all-new 2023 Kia Sportage has a lot going for it, like a roomy interior, the latest tech features, and a longer warranty. Which is right for you depends on your priorities.

2023 Kia Sportage 2022 Subaru Forester
Starting Price $25,990 $25,895
Popular Powertrains
Engine 2.5-liter 4-cylinder 2.5-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower 187 hp @ 6,100 rpm 182 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque 178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm 176 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic CVT
Fuel Economy 25 city/32 highway/28 combined mpg 26 city/33 highway/29 combined mpg
Also Available Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid, AWD
Specs
Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty 10 years/100,000 miles 5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Overall Safety TBD 5 stars
Max Seating Capacity 5 5
Wheelbase 108.5 inches 105.1 inches
Overall Length 183.5 inches 182.7 inches
Width 73.4 inches 71.5 inches
Height 65.4 inches 67.5 inches
Turning Diameter 38.6 feet 35.4 feet
Headroom, Front 39.6 inches 41.2 inches
Headroom, Rear 39.4 inches 39.6 inches
Legroom, Front 41.4 inches 43.3 inches
Legroom, Rear 41.3 inches 39.4 inches
Shoulder Room, Front 57.5 inches 58.1 inches
Shoulder Room, Rear 55.6 inches 57.2 inches
Cargo Volume 39.6/74.1 cubic feet 28.9/74.2 cubic feet

How much bigger is the 2023 Kia Sportage?

In addition to the standout styling, Kia went bigger — literally — by increasing the 2023 Sportage's overall length by 7.1 inches to 183.5 inches, and the wheelbase went up by 3.4 inches to 108.5.

What are the features of the 2023 Kia Sportage?

Capabilities and Comfort. 2.5L 4-cylinder Engine w/ 187 hp & 178 lb.-ft. of torque. ... .
Convenience and Innovation. 12.2-inch Instrument Display. 8-inch Touchscreen Display. ... .
Kia Drive Wise Driver Assist Technology. Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist w/ Car, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection. Lane Following Assist..

Is the 2022 Kia Sportage bigger?

It's 10mm wider (1865mm) than the outgoing model and 15mm taller (1660mm). Those extra dimensions are enhanced by Kia's new styling for the Sportage which looks at once more resolved and refined than the previous model which looked, to this reviewer's eyes at least, a little awkward.

Is a Kia Sportage 2023 a good car?

The Kia Sportage stands out with its comfortable ride quality, spacious seating and massive rear cargo area. It also comes with some appealing technology features and advanced driver aids. The Sportage's biggest shortcomings are its slow acceleration and underwhelming fuel economy.