2023 Kia Sportage — Full Specifications
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The 2023 Kia Sportage is an SUV offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 34 mpg (UK) / 28 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 30–52 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (1.6L 4-cyl turbo), returning around 52 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Kia Sportage workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2022 Kia Sportage: Fuel economy improves from 31 to 34 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. EPA lists new engine options for 2023: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl. No longer listed: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.5L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo · 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S8) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 34 combined / 30 urban / 38 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 28 combined / 25 city / 32 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 200 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 6 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,400 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 5 configurations for the 2023 Kia Sportage across 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 25 to 43 mpg (US), or 30 to 52 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo (Hybrid) | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 46 | 38 (38/38) | 145 | $1,750 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo (Plug-in Hybrid) | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 42 | 35 (36/35) | 60 | $1,900 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo (Hybrid) | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 52 | 43 (42/44) | 128 | $1,550 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (23/28) | 222 | $2,700 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (25/32) | 200 | $2,400 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2023 Kia Sportage
Running Costs: 2023 Kia Sportage
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2023 Kia Sportage at 34 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,070 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,400 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2023 Kia Sportage Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 7 safety recall campaigns that include the 2023 Kia Sportage (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (2), Trailer hitches (1), Structure (1). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Trailer hitches — campaign 25V874000, reported 17 December 2025. Risk: An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
- Structure — campaign 24V025000, reported 18 January 2024. Risk: A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Power train — campaign 23V531000, reported 31 July 2023. Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
- Service brakes — campaign 23V410000, reported 7 June 2023. Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Showing the 4 most recent of 7 campaigns.
Owners have filed 305 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Kia Sportage. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (85), Unspecified (69), Engine (66). Complaints include 28 reported crashes, 1 reported fire, 18 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 132 complaints across the 17 Kia Sportage model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2023 Kia Sportage
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (2 recall campaigns · 85 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Engine (66 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Brakes (42 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Body structure (1 recall campaign) — Inspect for corrosion and for subframe or body-panel damage, especially underneath.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Kia Sportage compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 34 mpg figure is 7 mpg better than that average. Its 200 g/km CO₂ figure is 53 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
At 34 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 34 mpg average for Kia models in our database.
Of the 17 Kia Sportage model years we cover, the 2023 is the most economical on its best configuration (34 mpg UK combined). See every Kia Sportage year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2023 Kia Sportage
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2023 Kia Sportage have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2023 Kia Sportage: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.5L 4-cyl with a automatic (s8).
What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Kia Sportage?
The most efficient configuration returns around 34 mpg (UK) combined, or 28 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 30 to 52 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 52 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2023 Kia Sportage cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,400 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2023 Kia Sportage have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2023 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 7 safety recall campaigns that include the 2023 Kia Sportage (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (2), Trailer hitches (1), Structure (1). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2023 Kia Sportage?
Among the 305 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (85 complaints), Unspecified (69 complaints), Engine (66 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Kia Sportage's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 34 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.