Kia Sportage named ‘Utility Vehicle of the Year’ by AutoGuide

MANILA: The 2023 AutoGuide Awards, in which the editors of Canadian automotive news site AutoGuide recognize the top vehicles on the market today, hailed the Kia Sportage as the Utility Vehicle of the Year.

“The Sportage is a Kia icon, but it’s been elevated to new heights after its significant overhaul for the 2023 model year. We’re humbled the esteemed editors at AutoGuide have recognized how much thought we put into improving the Sportage and expanding the model line with HEV and PHEV powertrains,” Kia America Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President Steven Center stated.

Since 2013, the annual AutoGuide Awards have honored the top new vehicles of the year.  In 2014, truck and SUV categories were added. After a hiatus in 2020, the awards returned in 2021 with more categories, such as Family Vehicle and Green Vehicle of the Year. The categories were reduced to four for this year: Car, Truck, Utility Vehicle, and Electric Vehicle of the Year.

“What more can we say about this small SUV than we already have? It won our massive 11-vehicle comparison shootout this past summer and continues to impress us every time we drive it. With gas, hybrid, and plug-in versions available, there’s a little something for everyone as well,” AutoGuide Managing Editor Mike Schlee said.

Kia America unveiled the 2023 Kia Sportage subcompact SUV in 2021. The 2023 Kia Sportage received major upgrades. With a more capable trim level and Sportage Hybrid and Sportage Plug-In Hybrid variants, the 2023 Kia Sportage delivers more for today's discerning and daring consumers.

The fifth-generation model of the Kia Sportage debuted a number of Sportage firsts including an available dual panoramic curved digital display and the new X-Pro variant. It is also noticeably larger, more capable and powerful, and is intended to be more fuel-efficient. The majority of Kia Sportage trims are manufactured at Kia's production facility in West Point, Georgia, USA, alongside the acclaimed Kia Telluride, Kia Sorento, and Kia K5.

The 2023 Kia Sportage's striking exterior, which features contrasting yet unified details, leaves a lasting impression. It incorporates all the elements of Kia's new “Opposites United” design concept. Rugged, sheer contours contrast smooth, soft surfaces, fusing off-road confidence with cutting-edge modern accents.

The 2023 Kia Sportage comes standard with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems such as Driver Attention Warning, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance, Rear Occupant Alert, Rear View Monitor, and Reverse Parking Distance Warning.

Photos from Kia America

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