2023 Kia Sportage LX: Value First SUV Trim Analyzed
This review of the 2023 Kia Sportage LX looks at why potential buyers may choose this trim as an entry-level model, instead of believing they must buy a higher trim to get a more modern, safe, and current looking version. The Sportage LX will seat, lug around, and provide the buyer with required technology and safety features in the 2023 model year Sportage, without the buyer having to shell out money for extra features they most likely won’t use on a regular basis. The Sportage LX offers the functionality of the Sportage lineup to the passenger to the best of their ability, without forcing the buyer to finance features they may not need.
Even with these observations, the LX is not necessarily the best Sportage to purchase (something to note is the lack of driver features and upgraded technology that the trim lacks), but it is an excellent entry-level trim for a compact SUV if buyers understand that they will be getting a lesser version in terms of features than higher trims. Under the right set of eyes, potential Sportage buyers may not even feel the need to buy a trim level higher than the LX.
The LX Isn’t a Penalty Box
Probably the most important note of the LX is that it is still in the redesigned body of the Sportage. Kia has made an effort to create an SUV with more usable space and an upright design for 2023. The new model series will provide passengers with more interior room than the previous series models. All this adds to why buyers should consider the LX as an entry trim model.
When considering an SUV for school runs and the grocery trips, the size and touches of trim of the SUV aren’t as important as the SUV’s flexibility, comfort for the passengers, cargo, and interior space. The Kia Sportage excels in these areas. The back seat is particularly useful. In many other compact SUVs, space is designed more for storage and offering a family seating option, as an afterthought. The Sportage actually has generous space in the back, and back seat passengers have plenty of space. The cargo area is also generous leaving a lot of flexibility to the size of cargo that can be hauled.
The Sportage LX also has a lot of attractive characteristics such as a bold appearance with the SUV styled body features. The sharp body creases also give instant recognition to Sportage models. Combined with the large grill and a distinctive lighting signature, The Sportage LX actually stands out on the roads, without the look of a budget model. This is an important factor in a segment where so many models of compact SUVs have an unattractive budget base model.
What Powers the 2023 Kia Sportage LX?
The standard 2023 Kia Sportage LX is equipped with a 2.5-liter four cylinder engine that provides 187 horsepower. This engine is suitable for everyday needs such as city and highway travel, butQuick is not how people would describe this model. This actually applies to the Sportage LX, not the Sportage SX.
This model of the Kia Sportage is designed to optimize everyday driving smoothness and predictability over the instant throttle response of aggressive acceleration. With normal driving and low loads, it has plenty of power. However, with some serious drivers or cargo, steep hills, or even just all four adults, it can be less responsive. This issue is something many manufacturers of value priced compact SUVs have to deal with. Compact SUVs in this price range typically see a fair amount of use and so a lot of drivers may opt to take this vehicle for a longer road test to see how well it handles the mountain passes or to see how well it can pass other cars on long stretches of road. You should do this for sure if those two scenarios apply to you.
In general, most American drivers prefer front wheel drive and this model costs less compared to vehicles with all-wheel-drive. By far, it gets the most mileage as well. If you live somewhere where your driveway can get icy, or you drive to a winter wonderland, it can be worth an extra cost for you to get all-wheel-drive. Also worth noting is that most people think all SUVs need AWD, but that is mainly a myth. All-wheel drive is better and helps you accelerate on slippery surfaces, but it isn't a substitute for good snow tires and it can't magically stop your car on slippery surfaces and compensate for poor driving. If you know your driving will be mostly on dry roads a front wheel drive Sportage LX is a much better option than an AWD Sportage LX.
Standard Equipment: Better Than Bare Bones, Not Fully Loaded
The 2023 Kia Sportage LX comes standard with equipment that kinda sorts out the important stuff. This includes Kia's smartphone integration, a modern touchscreen infotainment system, air conditioning, cloth seating surfaces, a rearview camera, and a nice suite of safety features that include adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, lane centering assist, a driver attention system, high beam control, and rear occupant alert among others.
The Sportage LX also has features that assist with safety, and it is great that Kia is leading the industry here, with many of these features on their base model trim. That said, while drivers should appreciate the safety technology systems on the LX, they do not make the Sportage safe for the drivers to operate in an autonomous manner, so keep that in mind. Forward-collision and lane systems are a backup to, and should not replace, alert driving.
As far as standard features go, the Sportage LX is pretty practical, unlike some others. The infotainment system is built around a touchscreen, and while it isn't completely loaded, it has both the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration that is more useful than many built-in navigation systems. Buyers also need to check which Sportage LXs come with wired or wireless connection for their phones (as both can vary) before choosing the LX.
The LX does have omissions, like most base model vehicles, and almost all buyers will want to check the higher trim levels for larger touchscreens, more features, better audio, connected services, heated seating, convenience amenities, and other features like blind spot and rear cross traffic warning systems.
The main concern is the cost justification for these features. Some features are actually useful, but most just aren’t worth it at the advertised price. Transactions cost more, financial agreements cost more, insurance and repairs cost more over the life of the ownership.
The best argument for the LX is total cost of ownership. Many discussions about new cars stop when they hit the MSRP on the sticker, but that is a mistake when people are comparing different trim levels of the same car. The least expensive trim doesn’t mean the cheapest to own. This is often the case because it has the lowest starting MSRP a and less expensive components.
When a buyer considers the 2023 Kia Sportage LX, they must think beyond monthly payments. They have to factor in the purchase price, financing costs, insurance, fuel, registration, maintenance and even anticipated resale value and the price they would expect to pay for desired accessories. The purchase price of an upgrade is significant and so is the interest.
For example, the cloth interior on the LX often is more comfortable and durable for owners that have young kids, pets or other activities. Leather may sound more comfortable because of temperature, but cloth seats are less trouble in the long run and a manual seat is better appreciated because no one touches them in a car that has a driving seat that remains in its optimal position.
Even small standard size wheels are a good ownership feature.
Large wheels can lead to a more attractive design, but those wheels and lower-profile tires often cost more to replace and are susceptible to pothole damage. Increasing the size of the wheels and tires is sensible for a family vehicle because it is more practical and often the better decision for the long-term without sacrificing anything.
Fuel Economy and the Case for Looking at the Hybrid
For a compact SUV like the 2023 Kia Sportage LX, front-wheel drive is the more fuel efficient option. A buyer should always take into account the effect all-wheel drive has on fuel economy because it is not always an abstract spec.
It is not always advisable to buy the less expensive Sportage, the LX model, as it is not the most fuel efficient for each buyer. Kia offered a hybrid Sportage in 2023 and a buyer who drives in the city and has high annual mileage should consider the numbers. If the buyer’s commute is primarily city driving, a hybrid Sportage will save the buyer money on fuel in the long term.
A buyer should also consider how far they drive in a year, how consistently they drive, and how steep the price of the hybrid Sportage is. All of these aspects can affect the ROI on a hybrid Sportage. It is not advisable to buy the hybrid because it is the more fuel efficient option, or to buy the less expensive model that is more fuel inefficient. A buyer’s long term costs with fuel should be taken into account when deciding which Sportage is the better value.
Where the 2023 Sportage LX Falls Short
The Sportage LX is not an overall perfect option, but it is the best option for most buyers considering fuel efficiency.
The 2023 Kia Sportage LX has some key features to note before purchasing.
Modest acceleration is provided by the entry-level powertrain. While it can handle baseline driving, the Sportage doesn’t provide the confidence and power boost that competitors and even some turbocharged alternatives can offer.
The cabin is functional over upscale. The overall design of the Sportage is appealing, but the LX materials and features show where the Sportage sits in the lineup.
Daily conveniences count. The drivers who take cold weather, long commutes, parking in tight spots, and frequent travel on the highway will appreciate the omitted upgrades on the base model.
All-wheel drive adds a cost without solving all winter-driving problems. While it can help in certain conditions, this is not a replacement for good tires and good driving behavior.
Touch-based controls and the touchscreen should be tested for usability. The modern dash design should appeal to many shoppers.
The absence of these features is not a reason not to buy the Sportage LX. They are reasons to not buy it without test driving it. A happy buyer is in a more expensive Sportage trim or a different vehicle altogether. Trying to trick out the LX with options and accessories to make it feel more luxurious defeats the purpose.
How it Stacks Up Against Other Compact SUVS
The Sportage LX should not be viewed in a vacuum when viewing the other easy to spot offerings in the compact SUV market.
All local prices aside, the Sportage should be on your list over the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Subaru Forester, Nissan Rogue, and Chevrolet Equinox.
The Sportage has a large cargo area, modern style, and safety features. This makes for a great car for anyone who thinks other cars have conservative style, are cramped, or get expensive when you add all the safety features.
The CR-V gets great resale value, and safe and efficient packaging. The RAV4 has a reputation for durability and is a great option when a hybrid is a priority. The CX-5 is more engaging to drive and some people thing the interior feels more premium. The Tucson is the closest rival of the Sportage, since they have similar design and are both based on the same engineering.
The CR-V, RAV4, Mazda CX-5, and Tucson are all great cars, but I think that a 2023 Kia Sportage LX is actually worth buying over those. A higher interest rate and dealer added package with worn tires and history make a used car not worth buying, even if it has more features.
New and Used Buyer Checklist
The Sportage LX should be checked out individually from the remaining new inventory in some markets and used vehicles. Certain versions of the Sportage LX may have different equipment, so check before buying.
Check the original window sticker or factory build information, and check the vehicle in person to confirm the major features.
- Is it FWD or AWD?
- Test Apple CarPlay or Android Auto with your phone.
- Check if there are any warning lights, and if the Driver Assistance Alerts are working.
- Check if there's wear on the tires, and if all four are of the same brand/type.
- Get the maintenance records and a vehicle history report in the case of a used vehicle.
- Use the VIN to search for any open recalls on Kia's site or with the NHTSA.
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection, even with the seller providing a dealer inspection report.
- Check insurance quotes—Trim, location, driving history, etc., can affect overall cost.
Potential buyers also need to read the fine print. Some warranty terms can be broad in advertising, which can lead to disputes on coverage. Term differences exist for original owners vs. other owners, certified vs. non-certified, etc. No matter how strong the warranty is, it shouldn’t be a substitute for avoiding an inspection.
Who Should Buy the 2023 Kia Sportage LX?
The Sportage LX would be best for buyers who prioritize space and safety tech, but not the luxury features. Small families, commuters looking for extra cargo space, first time SUV buyers, and budget conscious buyers looking to replace sedans or crossovers would appreciate this SUV.
For someone who wants to buy a practical vehicle, it makes sense to buy the Kia Sportage LX: it has front-wheel drive (as long as weather permits), practical loan terms, and nothing from the dealership added on in an excessive manner (and a realistic idea of what comes standard).
However, it makes less sense to purchase this vehicle for someone who is shopping for confident towing abilities, quick acceleration, a premium interior, or every available convenience feature. Those people may be better suited to purchasing a Sportage Hybrid, a higher Sportage trim level, or even a different compact SUV.
Final Verdict
The 2023 Kia Sportage LX is not a deal because it is cheap; it offers value. Kia spends money where it matters for a compact SUV: room, cargo capacity, safety features, convenience, comfort, and practicality of powertrain. The rest of the features may be deemed lacking, but many of them may be wants, not needs.
So, it deserves more than being the “base trim.” The 2023 Kia Sportage LX may not be the trim level most people end up choosing, but after testing it and thinking about what features they would actually use, many people may conclude that the LX is already the best trim for them.