There has been a lot of talk about the 2023 release of Kia's new Sportage model. Their new edition looks pretty awesome, and with the brand changing their philosophy and turning to all-electric vehicles, with hybrids in the mix, the new release may be pretty exciting and hard to compete with.

With each new Kia Sportage model featuring more and more aesthetic and mechanical upgrades, who knows how well the 2023 model will align with its expectations? If it manages to top its younger siblings, then the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape might need to watch out.

Let's take a closer look at how the 2023 Kia Sportage may compare with its rivals.

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Can The 2023 Kia Sportage Out-Perform Its Rivals?

2023 Kia Sportage Red
Via: Kia

The 2023 Kia Sportage will be an urban-style crossover SUV, which has in fact grown in size since its last model. It is kitted out with a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine, which will make 187 hp instead of 181 hp in the outgoing model. The transmission has been upgraded too, from a six-speed automatic to an eight-speed so that the driver can enjoy faster speeds and more efficiency. Furthermore, its top speed hasn't been announced yet.

Already, the likes of the Hyundai Tucson and the Ford Escape can churn out more horsepower than the Sportage. The Tucson can offer up to 226 hp, while the Escape is shortly behind at 221 hp. Being able to give greater power, we assume the speed might be able to beat it too.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Comes With A Refined Design

2023 Kia Sportage Interior View
Via: Kia

Inside, the 2023 Kia Sportage looks pretty fancy and refined. From a quick glance, you can notice the top models can be equipped with twin 12.3-inch displays under a single pane of glass for a futuristic cockpit uncommon in the compact crossover class. It is much roomier and kitted out with fine leather for ultimate luxury.

Externally, the Sportage is much sharper and sportier than previous models, with a sports grille, vertical DRLs, a tasteful black cladding that runs over the round wheel arches down the rockers to the rear, and LED taillights. It has been ironed out, in comparison to its younger sibling, and makes for a much more good-looking SUV from Kia.

In opposition, the likes of the Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4 are boxier-looking SUVs. They offer more creases and sheer exterior size in comparison. The Ford Escape is similar to the Kia Sportage in that it is rounder looking, less fierce, and boxy. Inside, the Kia Sportage looks to be the most futuristic and modern. The Sportage offers the biggest screen, with the smallest featuring in the Ford Escape, which has a tiny 4.2-inch screen. The Hyundai Tucson isn't far behind with a 10.25-inch.

In terms of interior features, the Toyota RAV4 seems to be the most outdated, with a hard-to-use interface, which is only just made okay thanks to its Bluetooth capabilities. The closest comparison to the Kia Sportage would go to the Hyundai Tucson, which is also admirably designed and easy to use.

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Who Can Offer The Best Price?

2023 Kia Sportage Side Profile
Via: Kia

It seems so far that the 2023 Kia Sportage can outdo the Toyota RAV4, closely compare with the Ford Escape, and not quite match the Hyundai Tucson for its look, functions, and performance. So, let's see who can offer the most justifiable price.

The pricing of the 2023 Kia Sportage has not yet been released and we assume customers will hear more in 2022. For now, we assume it will cost similar to its previous models as they typically stick to the same price range. For the best trim, we reckon it will be around the $25,000 mark, which is pretty good going for such an impressive SUV.

The most expensive model in the rivalry is surprisingly the Toyota RAV4, which offers a starting price of $31,695, and prices rise as high as $50,000. The Ford Escape matches the price of the new Sportage, if the price is correct, at $25,000. To our surprise, the Hyundai Tucson offers the best price at $24,950. Although it is just shy of the $25,000 mark, that little bit knocked off does seem quite influential.

It is shocking to hear that the best car in the lineup, in terms of performance and design, is the cheapest. The Hyundai Tucson does out-rival the Kia Sportage on its performance and matches its design criteria, and for a lower price, it really is unbeaten in this lineup.

Nonetheless, the 2023 Kia Sportage will be a highly competitive car, especially if it does stick to its pricing strategy. It beats two out of three cars and does closely compare with the Tucson, so depending on your preference, you can decide which model is the best out of the bunch.