I've got a 2022 Kia Sportage, and the stock speakers sound quiet and muddy. I'm thinking about redoing the interior - would new speakers help, or do I still need soundproofing anyway? What kind of budget should I be looking at?
To be honest, just swapping out the speakers without soundproofing is a half-measure. Stock car audio sounds bad often not just because of the speakers themselves, but because sound "leaks" through the thin metal body. New speakers will give you some improvement, but won't unlock their full potential - you'll waste money. Better to combine them: start with at least partial soundproofing (doors, wheel arches), then decent speakers.
Soundproofing the doors and trunk will run you about 15-25 thousand (depends on materials and labor scope). Entry-level speakers add another 10-20 thousand on top. That'll already give you a noticeable boost in bass and clarity. If your budget allows, it makes sense to fully soundproof the front doors (that's where most of the noise comes from) and install a quality speaker set - it'll be night and day.
Also keep in mind that replacing speakers might need an adapter or some minor modification to the mounting spots. Get a consultation at a good car audio shop - they'll assess your car's condition and tell you what the priority is specifically for your Sportage. Sometimes a couple days of work ends up costing way more than you'd expect.
Without soundproofing, even expensive speakers won't reach their full potential - the car just won't hold the sound. If your budget is tight, start with vibration isolation on the doors and wheel arches (you'll get the most bang for your buck), and then swap out the speakers. A full treatment will cost you serious money, but even partial cabin treatment will noticeably improve how the sound comes across.
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