makes them an appealing choice for drivers who love adventure in all forms—whether it may be a weekend camping trip or even an hour-long trip to the grocery store. Choosing the perfect SUV means considering performance, size, and value. But don’t forget to include ground clearance!

Stick around and learn more about how high the Kia Sportage clears the ground.We have you covered with all the details, including how to find the best insurance policy for the Kia Sportage.

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2023 Kia Sportage ground clearance

Kia

has made it easy to go car shopping since all the 2023 Sportage AWD trims have the same 8.3-inch clearance levels. On the other hand, the FWD LX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims all sit an inch lower.

Ground clearances of Kia Sportage trims in AWD/FWD are as follows:

: 8.3 inches/7.1 inches

EX: 8.3 inches/7.1 inches

X-Line AWD: 8.3 inches

: 8.3 inches/7.1 inches

SX Prestige

: 8.3 inches/7.1 inches

Sportage X-Pro: 8.3 inches

Sportage X-Pro Prestige: 8.3 inches

Kia Sportage ground clearance over the years

Just as the Sportage has evolved through the generations, so has its ground clearance. Kia’s first-generation lineup had a 7.9-inch clearance, though subsequent model years were an inch lower.

Today, the Sportage is in its fifth generation and Kia seems to be returning to their original high clearance levels—even topping it with its highest ground clearance ever at 8.3 inches.

Here’s how the Sportage’s clearance has changed over five generations:

1st generation (1995-2002): 7.9 inches

2nd generation (2005-2010): 7.7 inches

3rd generation (2011-2016): 6.8 inches

4th generation (2017-2022): 6.4-6.8 inches

5th generation (2023-present): 7.1-8.3 inches

The Sportage’s ground clearance will vary depending on the generation and trim level you choose. Of particular note is the two-inch difference between the third and fifth generations.

MORE: The 10 best SUVs for towing

What is ground clearance—and why does it matter?

Ground clearance is simple: it’s the distance between a car’s lowest point and the road’s surface. In other words, it’s the space beneath a car and the ground.

But why is it so important?

For those who choose SUVs for their off-roading prowess, the ground clearance provides space for your car to avoid trampling over rocky terrain and uneven hills. Less ground clearance makes it difficult for your car to safely drive on rough roads.

Remember that the ground clearance spec should be a rough guideline. Passengers and other cargo weigh your vehicle down and slightly decrease the ground clearance. It’s always best to

test drive

a car before settling on your final choice!

MORE: 8 pro tips for long car rides with kids

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Is the Kia Sportage a good off-road vehicle?

If you choose the brand new 2023 Sportage, you’re in safe hands. The model includes Kia Drive Wise, an advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) that has plenty of features like blind-spot warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance to keep you safe.

And for your adventuring needs, the 2023 redesign sports an 8.3-inch clearance on all its models—the highest ground clearance ever on a Sportage! So while the Sportage isn’t known as an off-roading vehicle, it should be able to handle some rougher terrain.

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Guard against accidents with the best Kia Sportage insurance

Before you take off on your next road trip, make sure your brand new Kia Sportage is covered with the best insurance policy. The

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