Since its inception in 1993, the Sportage has been a hit for Kia. The Korean carmaker says that over the 30 years since its debut, the Sportage has remained true to its origins, bringing cutting-edge safety, performance and design to drivers around the world.
A pioneering compact SUV, the Sportage holds special significance as Kia's first unique model exported overseas. The first-generation Sportage stood out with a sleek design, spacious interior, and sedan-like driving experience, setting it apart from traditional off-road-focused SUVs.
Technologically advanced, it featured innovations such as a ‘body-on-frame’ design that enabled a more dynamic stance, electronically controlled on-the-fly 4WD switching, rear coil springs, and the world's first knee airbags. Thanks to its advanced concept and outstanding product appeal, the first-generation Sportage made a significant impact in the US market, establishing Kia as a successful brand in North America.
From the second generation onwards, the Sportage adopted a modern monocoque platform, enhancing ride comfort and capitalising on the growing SUV demand to achieve sales performance exceeding twice that of the first generation. The second generation prioritised quality and safety, ranking first in the J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout in 2005.
The third generation, known as the Sportage R (Revolution), showcased its innovative spirit through its design. Its outstanding appeal garnered global recognition and saw the Sportage surpass two million units in sales. The 'Tiger Nose' grille design earned widespread acclaim and prestigious accolades like the Good Design and Red Dot awards. It also achieved impressive safety ratings, including a five-star Euro New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) rating in 2010. Additionally, it consistently ranked first in J.D. Power's quality surveys (2013 Initial Quality Study, 2015 Vehicle Dependability Study), solidifying its reputation as a stylish, safe, and high-quality vehicle.
The fourth generation focused on safety enhancements and convenience features, addressing the rigorous small overlap front crash tests conducted by the IIHS and incorporating advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). It expanded its customer base in the compact SUV segment by adopting downsized engines. Since the fourth generation was introduced in 2015, the Sportage has remained Kia's best-selling car for eight consecutive years.
The fifth generation, introduced in 2021, further prioritised safety with a multi-structure body and increased mid-size SUV proportions. Its striking appearance, inspired by Kia's 'Opposites United' design philosophy, along with diverse powertrain options (e.g. hybrid, PHEV, diesel, and petrol turbo) earned it widespread recognition and numerous automotive awards on the global stage.
To mark three decades of outstanding success, Kia has equipped the 2024 Sportage with enhanced specification, focusing on convenience and safety while further elevating the model’s considerable luxury and design appeal. Key among these enhancements is the introduction of acoustic laminated glass in the first and second rows, significantly improving interior quietness. Additionally, Kia has reinforced safety features to align with the SUV's renowned reputation as a family vehicle. This includes the incorporation of eight airbags, including first-in-class rear seat left and right-side airbags.
