We just received more information about the 2023 Kia Sportage, and it looks fantastic. However, the new Kia Sportage looks a little reminiscent of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. Did Kia borrow from its looks, or is this just a coincidence? 

The 2023 Kia Sportage vs. the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander 

The 2023 Kia Sportage and 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander both got incredible makeovers to modernize their designs. However, they look a little similar. They both have lines that curve around from the sides toward the front bumper. 

On the Sportage, the lines are LED lights, and on the Outlander, they are chrome accents. The Sportage also got longer and sleeker with sharper lines on the side like the Outlander. They both have thin horizontal tail lights in the rear with bumpers that have two indents on the edges. But looks could be the only thing they share in common. 

What to expect with the new Sportage 

The base engine of the 2023 Kia Sportage is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder option with 173 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. It can be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. But the manual option probably won’t come to America. 

The Sportage will also offer a 2.0-liter diesel engine with 183 hp and 307 lb-ft of torque. However, the diesel engine probably won’t come to America either. But on a positive note, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains are on the way, and the Sportage is available with four-wheel drive. 

With the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, you get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that pumps out 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. It is exclusively paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The Outlander also has a plug-in hybrid powertrain on the way. It’s available with all-wheel drive. 

According to Autoblog, the Sportage has a new electronically-controlled suspension with continuously adaptive dampers. The hybrid models gained the Hyundai trick E-Handling system to apply torque to braking force to each wheel in corners to enhance turn-in or help acceleration to pull you around the bend. 

A new Terrain Mode will come in handy as you hit the trails. The Sportage automatically detects the type of terrain you’re on to automatically adjust to the best settings for various conditions. The X-Line trim will add rugged looks with unique colors, but this is an urban SUV, not an off-roader. 

What is the Sportage’s interior like? 

The 2023 Kia Sportage grew six inches longer to provide more legroom and cargo space. But the dimensions haven’t been released yet. It’s safe to say that the Honda CR-V may have a new competitor in terms of space. 

You’ll find an amazing new interior design with a 12-inch digital cluster gauge and 12-inch infotainment system. The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 9-inch infotainment system. 

The 2022 Sportage begins at about $24,090. Pricing for the 2023 model hasn’t been released. You can get started in the Mitsubishi Outlander for about $25,795. How close the vehicles feel may come down to a test drive.