The normal contenders within the compact SUV section are boring. Sure, they’ve their charms. However you don’t need the identical crossover two pals and three coworkers have. You might have an excessive amount of character for that.

Two of the extra fascinating new choices in 2023 are the Kia Sportage and the Mazda CX-50. The Sportage is a model new design, with a extra up-to-the-minute look and an exceptionally lengthy function checklist. The CX-50 brings Mazda’s conventional sportiness to the desk however provides a brand new off-road character the model hasn’t touted earlier than.

Let’s take a better take a look at two decisions that may make you appear somewhat extra fascinating.

2023 Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage was once identified for an extended function checklist, an extended guarantee, and considerably uninspiring seems. Kia has saved the primary two however utterly modified the final for 2023. An entire redesign for 2023 introduced a recent look to the Sportage’s physique, and maybe the best-looking cabin within the class inside it. Pricing begins at $26,290.

Kia Sportage Highlights

Actual design panache: Outdoors, the 2023 Sportage options skinny LED lighting, a mix of curves and angles, and fascinating colour decisions. Inside, it’s even higher. Not lengthy earlier than this redesign, Kia employed a brand new design chief, previously with BMW. It reveals. The Sportage’s cabin seems like one thing from a European luxurious marque. The CX-50 isn’t unhealthy trying, however it doesn’t have the Kia’s assertiveness.

Hybrid choices: The Sportage is accessible with a alternative of conventional gasoline engines, hybrid energy, or as a plug-in hybrid that may go as much as 34 miles on electrical energy alone. Mazda is sort of merely behind on electrification. The CX-50 has no hybrid choices.

Wonderful guarantee: Kia could also be bettering its designs, however it hasn’t given up the function that constructed its identify. The Sportage is roofed by a 5-year/60,000-mile primary guarantee and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee. Mazda doesn’t come shut.

Verify this week’s Truthful Buy Value or see the Kia Sportage fashions on the market close to you.

2023 Mazda CX-50

Mazda has lengthy been identified for excellent on-road efficiency. The CX-50 is one thing new for the model – an SUV meant for the path as a lot because the freeway. Commonplace all-wheel drive (AWD), an accessible turbo engine, and an upscale cabin make the CX-50 a compelling new various. Pricing begins at $27,550.

Mazda CX-50 Highlights

Commonplace AWD: Kia will promote you an AWD Sportage, however it provides $1,800 to the value tag of most trim ranges. Mazda doesn’t construct a CX-50 with out it. For those who’re going to take your new SUV on the path, Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system is a plus.

Optionally available turbocharged engine: CX-50 patrons have the choice of a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine making as much as 256 horsepower (227 with out premium gas). It’s pricier however offers patrons extra occupied with efficiency an choice most rivals don’t give them. The Sportage plug-in hybrid variant has 261 horsepower however weighs extra, making the CX-50 turbo a contact faster.

Enjoyable to drive: The guts of virtually each Mazda is the model’s famously responsive steering enhanced by the G-Vectoring torque system. The Sportage may be enjoyable to drive however can’t fairly match the CX-50 on a winding street. We should always be aware that Sportage fashions outfitted with AWD have a torque vectoring system of their very own.

Verify this week’s Truthful Buy Value or see the Mazda CX-50 fashions on the market close to you.

Similarities

These are two of the most recent compact SUVs on the block, and every comes with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine making 187 horsepower.

Conclusion

Compact SUV consumers have a variety of choices. However not lots of them are fascinating. Each the 2023 Kia Sportage and the 2023 Mazda CX-50 supply distinctive character. The CX-50, as basically Mazda’s Subaru, has hiking-boot seems and a little bit of the off-road functionality to again it up. The Kia Sportage is extra fashionable and extra versatile, accessible with typical, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid powertrains. X-Line and X-Professional gentle off-roading trims might help you get your Sportage on the path, too.

Selecting between them is essentially a matter of fashion, although we’d be remiss to not be aware the guarantee distinction, too.

Specs