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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $34,569–$44,758 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.9/10, the 2023 Kia Sportage S earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.5/10, while Performance at 7.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.4/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.0/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.7/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $34,569–$44,758, 28 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Sportage S sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 8.5/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this suv delivers more than most of the class. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2023 Kia Sportage S as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2023 Kia Sportage S ranks #293 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 88% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $34,569 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Kia Sportage S scores 7.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.9 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.1/10 | $36,706 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.0/10 | $35,638 | Read review → |
| 2023 (this review) | 7.9/10 | $34,569 | |
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $33,499 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.8/10 | $32,429 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $31,361 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.7/10 | $30,292 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.6/10 | $29,222 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.6/10 | $28,154 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.6/10 | $27,084 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.5/10 | $26,015 | Read review → |
We rate the 2023 Kia Sportage S's reliability 7.4/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.
It scores 7.9/10 overall, ranking #293 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 88% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2023 Kia Sportage S starts at $34,569 and ranges up to $44,758 across trims (MSRP when new). At 28 MPG, expect roughly $1,875/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.