How does the 2023 Kia Sportage X-Line compare with similar SUVs? | Car Doctor
Q: As far as you know, is there anything outstanding about the 2023 Kia Sportage X-Line that would differentiate it from similar SUVs? I have read that the hybrid outperforms the conventional gas-powered model. What are your thoughts?
A: Kia, once known as a value brand, is offering some very well-made vehicles with the latest in advanced driver-assistance features.
The X-Line package offers a higher-level trim, overall nicer interior and some additional ground clearance.
I feel comfortable recommending a Sportage against a Volkswagen Tiguan, Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. Kia, to me, offers a bit more value, safety and warranty than the competitors.
Regarding the hybrid, in almost every case, hybrids are outperforming their gasoline counterparts, although there is a premium cost for the hybrid drivetrain. You need to do the math to see if it works for you. At AAA we have a new online calculator, https://aaa.com/autorepair/drivingcosts, that can help you determine the actual driving costs of new and used cars that can help you make a decision.
Q: I'm going on a 2,000-mile trip. My 2012 Honda Fit's oil life readout says the engine oil life is at 50%. Should I change my oil before I go?
A: You don’t need to change your vehicle's oil, since it has plenty of life left, but I would do it just the same.
A proper oil change includes checking and topping off all the vital fluids, as well as checking and adjusting tire pressure.
With a 10-year-old vehicle, it's good to have a skilled technician give the car a “road-trip” inspection. Having a professional look over the car for problems can give you fewer worries when on the road and make the trip more enjoyable.
Q: If lower front ball joints wear out, how crucial is it to replace them? Is the extra play a real concern?
A: Ball joints have certain wear tolerances. In some cases, there is zero tolerance and other times a certain amount of movement is acceptable.
Once the tolerance is exceeded, the steering angle can change and cause tire wear. As the ball joint wear gets worse, the ball and socket joint can separate and cause a catastrophic failure and crash.
If the ball joints are worn, replace them and have the wheel aligned.
Q: During the summer, I live in a high-altitude state that sells 85 octane as regular gas. I believe this started long ago in the carburetor era.
I see online discussions that the advent of fuel injection and modern electronics negates this, and we should be using 87 octane now. I can't see that more precise methods of fuel mixture would overcome our lower atmospheric pressure. Gas prices are high enough without paying more for higher octane than needed. Can you shed any light on whether they are right?
A: The air in high-altitude areas can have an effect on cars, just as it does on people. In just about every case, the ideal fuel mixture is one gram of fuel for 14.7 grams of air.
In high altitudes, lower octane fuel is less prone to detonation and is generally acceptable for all vehicles that would normally require 87 octane fuel. It is always best to check the vehicle owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
When you return to a lower altitude, use a higher-octane fuel to raise the octane of what is left in the tank. After that initial tank of fuel, then use 87 octane fuel.
Reader Comment: I recently read in your column of someone complaining that the shop he used was overtightening the lug nuts on his motor vehicle. I, too, have encountered the same issue.
I believe part of the problem is that the technician is misreading the values. For instance, the torque chart for my vehicle has two stated values, one is in newton meters and the other value is foot pounds. The last time I checked my lug nuts they were torqued to 140 foot pounds when the shop manual states 105 foot pounds. However, in the torque chart it also states 140 newton meters. Thus, the problem.
John Paul is the AAA Northeast Car Doctor. He has more than 40 years of experience in the automobile industry and is an ASE-Certified Master Technician. Write to John Paul, The Car Doctor, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904. Or email jpaul@aaanortheast.com and put “Car Doctor” in the subject field. Follow him on Twitter @johnfpaul or on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: What are your thoughts on the 2023 Kia Sportage X-Line?
