Consumer Reports recently reviewed the completely redesigned 2023 Kia Sportage, and the results are mostly positive. The compact SUV even garnered a coveted CR Recommended label. But there’s one area where the 2023 Sportage falls short. Here’s what Consumer Reports thinks of the new model.

Consumer Reports heaps praise on the 2023 Kia Sportage

Consumer Reports testers had plenty of praise for the 2023 Kia Sportage. They gave the compact crossover SUV an above-average score in predicted owner satisfaction and the road test. 

As for the vehicle’s interior, CR gave high marks for roominess. It also praised its ease of access, “thanks to large door openings, narrow sills, and hip-height seats.” In addition, testers note the Sportage’s rear seats are exceptionally comfortable, earning the highest score in that area. The backseat comfort is thanks to “generous head and legroom” and good thigh support, among other plusses.

Another area where the 2023 Kia Sportage gets especially high marks is in its emergency handling. Advanced driver-assist features such as automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning help keep drivers and passengers safe on the road. 

Consumer Reports has 1 main gripe about the 2023 Kia Sportage

Of course, no vehicle is perfect, so it’s no surprise Consumer Reports found one area where the 2023 Kia Sportage could improve. And that’s its acceleration time. 

The publication reports that the compact crossover takes 10 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, which isn’t the sort of speed many people in the market for a small SUV might expect. According to CR, “The powertrain strikes us as … lackluster. The output from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is respectable at 187 hp, but the delivery is neither smooth nor consistent.” 

However, Consumer Reports notes the powertrain is one of only a few negatives on a vehicle that offers many positives. 

Other areas where the 2023 model failed to get a glowing review

Although the 2023 Kia Sportage got the worst scores from Consumer Reports in power and acceleration, it also received mediocre ratings in other areas. The first was for its trunk/cargo area, receiving an average score. 

Interestingly, the less-than-stellar rating for the Sportage’s cargo area isn’t entirely because of its available space. Instead, it’s due more to the layout of that space. “There is more storage space than the exterior size suggests, but the sloping rear design limits the ability to transport some large, boxy items,” testers explain. 

Then there are the environmental considerations regarding this SUV (as with most internal combustion engine vehicles). When it comes to greenhouse gas and smog ratings, the 2023 Kia Sportage scores in the middle of the road. The greenhouse gas rating measures the amount of carbon dioxide a vehicle emits compared with other cars manufactured in the same year, and the smog rating does the same for “health-damaging and smog-forming airborne pollutants.”

Overall, the 2023 Kia Sportage has a lot going for it, from safe handling to comfort and accessibility. Though its acceleration time leaves something to be desired, and it doesn’t score especially high in a few other areas, it’s still a solid compact SUV worth considering.