The 2023 Kia Sportage is an impressive compact SUV that offers great value for money. It comes in several trim levels, with the SX and SX Prestige being the top-of-the-line variants. For 2023, Kia has made several updates to the Sportage including new exterior styling, upgraded tech features, and more powerful engine options.
So what exactly are the differences between the Sportage SX and the SX Prestige trims for the 2023 model year? This comprehensive guide will compare the two variants in detail so you can determine which is the better option for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | SX | SX Prestige |
| Starting MSRP | $32,790 | $35,290 |
| Engine | 2.5L Turbo I4 | 2.5L Turbo I4 |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Drive Mode | AWD | AWD |
| Horsepower | 277 hp | 277 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | 21/26/23 mpg | 21/26/23 mpg |
| Passenger Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Capacity | 39.6 cu ft | 39.6 cu ft |
| Infotainment | 12.3″ Touchscreen | 12.3″ Touchscreen w/Navigation |
| Audio System | Harman Kardon 8-Speaker | Harman Kardon 12-Speaker |
| Power Liftgate | Standard | Hands-Free |
| Ventilated Front Seats | Not Available | Standard |
| Heated Steering Wheel | Not Available | Standard |
| Remote Smart Parking Assist | Not Available | Standard |
As you can see from the table, the SX Prestige adds several premium features over the SX, which we’ll explore in more detail throughout this comparison. The most notable upgrades are the larger 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, and the handy remote smart parking assist. However, these luxuries come at a $2,500 price increase over the SX trim.
Now let’s dive into the details and see how the 2023 Kia Sportage SX and SX Prestige compare in terms of exterior, interior, performance, technology, safety, and pricing.
Exterior Design
On the outside, the SX and SX Prestige look virtually identical. They both ride on 19-inch alloy wheels and come equipped with LED headlights, fog lights, and taillights. Dual exhaust outlets, roof rails, and a rear spoiler add sporty flair.
The SX Prestige is distinguished only by the unique “Prestige” badge on the rear liftgate. Otherwise, the two trims share the same athletic profile and aggressive new styling Kia introduced for the 2023 Sportage. This includes a curved grille, boomerang-shaped LED DRLs, and a sloping roofline for a coupe-like silhouette.
So if exterior bling is important to you, the regular SX likely has enough curb appeal and you can save a few bucks. But the Prestige model offers some worthwhile upgrades inside the cabin, as we’ll outline next.
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Interior Features And Tech
Inside is where the SX Prestige justifies its higher price tag. While the SX is no slouch with its soft-touch surfaces and stylish design, the Prestige takes luxury to the next level.
Both models come standard with leatherette seating, but only the Prestige has ventilated front seats to keep you cool on hot summer days. It also exclusively offers a heated steering wheel, which is a blessing on cold winter mornings.
Tech wise, the SX still packs quite a punch with its 12.3-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Harman Kardon 8-speaker audio system. However, the Prestige upgrades to a top-notch Harman Kardon surround sound system with 12 speakers for premium audio quality. It also adds built-in navigation to the infotainment system so you can ditch the phone map apps if desired.
Some other nice upgrades on the SX Prestige include LED interior lighting, a memory driver’s seat, auto up/down rear windows, and second-row manual window shades for increased privacy. Overall, the Prestige clearly takes in-car entertainment and comfort to a higher level.
Performance And Fuel Economy
Performance specs are identical between the SX and SX Prestige, which isn’t surprising considering they use the same engine and transmission. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder putting out 277 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This motor provides peppy acceleration paired with the smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic.
Both models come equipped with AWD for enhanced traction and handling. The all-wheel drive system actively distributes torque between the front and rear axles to optimize grip. Kia’s Terrain Mode selector also lets you tailor the drivetrain for different surfaces like snow or mud. Fuel economy checks in at 23 mpg combined for both trims as well.
In terms of driving dynamics, the Sportage SX models strike a nice balance between sporty and comfortable. The fully independent suspension easily soaks up bumps and imperfections in the road while still feeling poised around turns. The available all-wheel drive helps put the power down efficiently as well. Overall, buyers can expect similar driving performance from either top-level SX model.
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Safety Features And Driver Aids
Kia stuffed both the SX and SX Prestige models full of the latest passive and active safety technology. This includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, driver attention warning, and high beam assist. So you’re comprehensively covered on the safety front regardless of which SX trim you choose.
However, there is one advanced driver aid exclusive to the SX Prestige model – remote smart parking assist. This handy feature allows you to park or retrieve your Sportage from tight spaces while standing outside the vehicle.
Sensors and autonomous technology take over the steering wheel, transmission, brake, and accelerator to self-park the SUV with minimal input needed from the driver. It’s a neat trick and makes parking in congested urban areas much less stressful. Just keep the key fob in your pocket and the Sportage does the rest!
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Pricing And Value Proposition
The base price for the 2023 Kia Sportage SX starts at $32,790 including the $1,295 destination charge. Opting for the SX Prestige will cost you $35,290 before options. That’s a difference of $2,500 between the two top trims.
Considering the numerous interior upgrades, advanced technology additions, and unique features like the remote smart parking assistant, the SX Prestige seems well worth the upcharge over the standard SX model. You get more luxury and tech for the extra investment, allowing the Sportage to truly compete with pricier European rivals.
However, the SX still represents a great value if you don’t mind forgoing some of those premium amenities. It drives just as well as the Prestige and still offers ample horsepower, cargo room, safety tech, and multimedia capabilities. For budget-focused buyers, the Sportage SX hits a sweet spot and likely won’t leave you wanting for more.
As with any new vehicle purchase, be sure to also consider insurance costs, fuel expenses, expected maintenance fees, financing rates, and projected depreciation when determining the best value for your individual circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main differences are the SX Prestige has upgraded features like ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio, navigation, and remote smart parking assist. It also costs around $2,500 more than the standard SX.
The MSRP starts at $35,290 including destination fees. But you may be able to negotiate that price down depending on current incentives and rebates available. Shoot for paying no more than 5% above dealer invoice price.
The Sportage comes in LX, EX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, and X-Pro trim levels. The LX is the base model, the EX is mid-level, and the SX and SX-Prestige are the top-tier luxury models.
The SX Prestige is the highest trim level available for the 2023 Kia Sportage. It comes loaded with premium features and technology and is priced starting around $35,000.
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Conclusion
In summary, the new 2023 Kia Sportage SX Prestige justifies its higher cost over the Sportage SX with added interior luxury, technology, and driver aids like the handy remote smart parking system.
But if staying under budget is more important, the SX still provides pleasing performance and loads of great features for the money. For shoppers seeking style, space, efficiency, and value, both versions of the Sportage SX deliver in spades.