Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage (Korean: 기아 스포티지) is a series of automobiles manufactured by the South Korean manufacturer Kia since 1993 through five generations. Initially a compact SUV built on a body-on-frame chassis, the second-generation Sportage transitioned to a car-based platform which placed it into the compact crossover SUV class, and was originally developed alongside the Hyundai Tucson and since the fifth-generation model launched in 2021, in two sizes with different wheelbase lengths for different markets, alongside the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento.
The Sportage has been the best-selling Kia model globally since 2016 after surpassing the Rio. In 2018, the model reached the 5 million production milestone. As of 2023, the Sportage is positioned between the Seltos or Niro and the three-row Sorento in Kia's SUV global lineup with the latter sharing platform with the Sportage.
The first-generation Kia Sportage was developed with a Mazda Bongo engineering base platform. It shares many mechanical components such as the engine, transmissions (early versions), and differentials with the Mazda line of vehicles. This was during Kia's alliance with Ford and Mazda, which involved Ford/Mazda providing technology and Kia providing inexpensive manufacturing facilities for Ford Company.
From 1995 to 1998, the Sportage was built by Karmann in Germany; European buyers received German-built versions in that period, while the rest of the world received South Korean-built versions. It was launched in Asia in July 1993 and European sales started two years later.
The Sportage was sold in either a five-door SUV or a three-door soft-top convertible. Kia initially developed the wagon in standard length form, but in circa 1996, the company released an extended length version. This stretched model—mainly sold in Asian markets under the name "Sportage Grand", but also as the "Grand Wagon"—featured a 305 mm (12.0 in) longer body utilizing the same wheelbase, an increase in luggage capacity from 1,570 to 2,220 liters (55.4 to 78.4 cu ft), and the relocation of the spare wheel from the tailgate to underneath the floor.
Kia offered three Mazda-sourced engines in the Sportage, beginning with the 2.0-liter FE DOHC inline-four gasoline unit producing 95 kW (128 hp) and the 2.0-liter RF inline-four diesel rated at 61 kW (82 hp). Diesel-engined models were mostly restricted to European markets, as was the more basic single overhead camshaft (SOHC) version of the 2.0-liter FE gasoline inline-four. Delivering 87 kW (117 hp), this gasoline engine was available from 2000 onwards. In North America, the 2.0-liter FE DOHC engine produced 130 hp (97 kW) and had optional four-wheel drive. The 1997 model year Kia Sportage was the world's first production vehicle to be equipped with a knee airbag.
This first-generation model (1993–2002) sold in low numbers, even domestically in South Korea, and models after Hyundai's 1998 partial takeover of Kia (1997–2002) were recalled twice for rear wheels dismounting while driving. The first-generation Sportage was discontinued in South Korea in 2002, and in North America after the 2002 model year. By 2003, most international markets had discontinued the Sportage range, although it remained on sale in some developing countries until its second-generation replacement arrived in 2005.
The Kia Sportage scored the lowest possible result in the Australian ANCAP crash tests – one star out of five. As well as a failure of the seat belts, the vehicle structure collapsed.
After a two-year hiatus, the Sportage returned in model-year 2005, sharing a Hyundai Elantra-based platform with the first-generation Hyundai Tucson. A 2.0 L straight-4 diesel engine was available in the United Kingdom. Fans of the original pre-Hyundai Sportage and critics complained that it was considerably larger than the original Sportage and had none of its off-road capability, the two keys to its success. However, buyers of the second-generation model were likely to favor the available 173 hp (129 kW) V6, with 178 lb·ft of torque (241 N·m). Overall fit/finish and quality was noticeably improved over the first-generation model.
A facelift model of the second generation was introduced in May 2008. From 2006, it was manufactured at the Žilina Plant in Slovakia. A second facelift was introduced in the UK in early 2009, only a few months after its first facelift.
The Sportage was named as one of the most reliable vehicles from the 2009 Consumer Reports reliability survey. and ranked second in the "20 least expensive 2009 vehicles to insure" list by Insure.com.
The second-generation Sportage earned a top rating of five stars in crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it only “acceptable” for frontal and side impact crash protection and “poor” for roof strength.
The SL series Sportage was released to Asian and European markets in April 2010, the North and Central American markets in August 2010, and the Australian market in October 2010, for the 2011 model year. Two engines were available, a 2.0-liter Hyundai R diesel engine with 184 hp (137 kW), and a 2.0-liter Theta T-GDi gasoline engine. In China, it was released by Dongfeng Yueda Kia in October 2010 and called the Sportage R, and was to be built and marketed alongside the previous generation rather than as a replacement for it.
The Sportage won the 2011 Car of the Year (originally "Auto roku 2011 na Slovensku") in Slovakia and "Truck of the Year" nomination of International Car of the Year. It was top of the JD Power Survey for 2012, the only car in the survey to score five stars across all categories, from mechanical reliability to ownership costs and the dealer experience. In South Africa, it took the 2013 Standard Bank People's Wheels Award for "SUVs and Crossovers – City & Suburban".
The third generation received a facelift for the 2014 model year that included a new grille with a redesigned Kia logo, LED tail lights and redesigned alloy wheels.
The Sportage in its standard European market configuration received 5 stars from Euro NCAP in 2010.
The third-generation Sportage received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the United States. Earning the award became tougher in 2010 when IIHS added the rollover crash test, which measures roof strength and is twice as stringent as the federal requirement. To pass this test, a vehicle's roof must be able to withstand the force of three times the vehicle's weight (acceptable rating). The federal standard requires a roof to hold 1.5 times the vehicle's weight.
Kia unveiled its newly redesigned Sportage at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015, and brought it to market in 2016 (as a 2017 model in North America). The company said the contrasting sharp edges and smooth surfaces were inspired by modern fighter jets.
There are three gasoline engines, as well as one diesel engine in the line-up. The gasoline options are a 1.6-liter, 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter, offering 97 kW (132 PS) and 161 N⋅m (119 lb⋅ft), 120 kW (163 PS) and 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft), and 138 kW (188 PS) and 241 N⋅m (178 lb⋅ft) respectively, while the diesel is a 2.0-liter, R-series turbo producing 135 kW (184 PS) and 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft). A 130 kW (177 PS) and 265 N⋅m (195 lb⋅ft) 1.6 T-GDi turbo-gasoline with an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is also available. Front- (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations are available.
In North America, the fourth generation Sportage was offered with three trim levels (LX, EX, and SX). Much like the previous model, it is available with two inline-four engine choices, a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter and a turbocharged 2.0-liter. The 2.4-liter produces 181 hp (135 kW) and 175 lb⋅ft (237 N⋅m), while the turbocharged engine makes 240 hp (179 kW) and 260 lb⋅ft (353 N⋅m), with small variations in performance dependent on whether FWD or AWD is configured. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
In North America, the facelift model was introduced mid-2019 as an early 2020 model year. The changes included redesigned headlights and bumpers, with the front end taking cues from the recently introduced Stinger. Equipment levels were raised somewhat across the board, while a new, somewhat sporty model called "S" was introduced, priced between the LX and EX models.
The Latin American Sportage has ventilated front disc brakes and solid ones in the rear.
The Sportage in its standard European market configuration received 5 stars from Euro NCAP in 2015.
The Korean-made Sportage in its most basic Latin American market configuration with 2 airbags and no ESC received 0 stars from Latin NCAP in 2021 (similar to Euro NCAP 2014).
The 2017 Sportage received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The 2022 Sportage was tested by the IIHS and its top trim received a Top Safety Pick award:
The Sportage won the 2016 Red Dot Award for Car Design.
In China, the fourth generation Sportage was sold as the Kia KX5, the third generation model was sold alongside as the Sportage R, while the Kia Sportage name was used on a separate model developed from the second generation Hyundai ix35 chassis and also sold alongside.
The Kia KX5 received a facelift in 2019 conducted by Dongfeng Yueda Kia that would exclusively be sold in China only.
Available from March 2019, the front fascia was completely restyled with headlamps integrated with the grille and the rear end of the KX5 was also slightly redesigned for the Chinese market. Despite the exclusively restyled exterior, the wheels of the Chinese version are the same as the ones on the international Kia Sportage facelift.
The fifth-generation Sportage was unveiled on 8 June 2021, with specifications revealed in July 2021. Based on the brand’s latest N3 platform, Kia developed two versions of the Sportage with different body length and wheelbase depending on the market.
The model is equipped with a Terrain Mode that automatically adjusts various settings depending on conditions, including snow, mud, and sand. It also features electric control suspension (ECS) on some models that provides continuous damping control in real-time. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will also feature an E-Handling system. lt is also equipped with a more compact shift-by-wire transmission dial for the automatic model.
The vehicle has also been equipped with updated safety systems such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), navigation-augmented adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist and advanced blind-spot collision-avoidance assistance system.
For the long-wheelbase model, Kia claims the fifth-generation Sportage received an increased 80 mm (3.1 in) of legroom and 7 mm (0.3 in) of headroom, with overall dimensions at 1,050 mm (41.3 in) and 1,000 mm (39.4 in) respectively.
Kia released the facelift model of the fifth-generation Sportage on 5 November 2024 for the 2026 model year. Changes includes an updated front fascia with new headlights and updated front bumper design, new LED graphics for the taillights, new exterior colours and new alloy wheel designs. Inside, there is a new 2-spoke design steering wheel, a new curved digital cockpit houses the digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, new air-con vents and new interior features. Other changes are an improved dampening system on the front axle, additional sound-absorbing materials, and the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic used for 1.6 T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine was replaced with the 8-speed automatic.
The short-wheelbase, European-spec fifth-generation Sportage was announced in September 2021. It is shorter in length by 135 mm (5.3 in), and shorter in wheelbase by 75 mm (3.0 in) compared to the international model. Other differences include the deletion of a window on the rear quarter panel, and a modified front fascia.
For the European market, Kia offers several range of drivetrains that includes plug-in hybrid, hybrid, mild hybrid, and diesel engine. The PHEV version features a 1.6-liter four-cylinder T-GDi engine and a 66.9 kW permanent magnet traction electric motor with a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery. The whole system produces 261 hp (265 PS; 195 kW). The hybrid model with same T-GDi engine and a 44.2 kW electric motor paired with a 1.49 kWh battery and produces 226 hp (229 PS; 169 kW).
The mild-hybrid model also uses the 1.6-liter T-GDi engine, which produces either 147 hp (149 PS; 110 kW) or 177 hp (179 PS; 132 kW). The 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine is available with an option of 113 hp (115 PS; 84 kW) or 134 hp (136 PS; 100 kW) of power output. A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is available for the 1.6-liter while a 6-speed manual transmission is standard for all variants. All European models are equipped with Stop-and-Go technology.
The long-wheelbase, fifth-generation Sportage for United States and Canada was revealed in October 2021 as a 2023 model year. It is locally produced in West Point, Georgia instead of imported from South Korea. The hybrid version is equipped with the T-GDi engine and a 44.2 kW electric motor combined with a 1.49 kWh battery that also delivers 226 hp (229 PS; 169 kW). It has an estimated range of 500 mi (800 km) and can be optioned with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with central differential lock.
The fifth-generation Sportage was launched in Australia on 4 November 2021, with four trim levels: S, SX, SX+ and GT Line. Three powertrains were available: a 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol (AWD), a 2.0-litre MPi petrol (FWD) and a 2.0-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel (AWD).
In March 2024, a FWD Hybrid version was added to the range for the SX and GT Line trim levels.
The fifth-generation Sportage was released in New Zealand on 4 November 2021 with sales commenced in January 2022. At launch, four trim levels were available: LX, LX+, Deluxe and X-Line. Three powertrains were available: a 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol (AWD), a 2.0-litre MPi petrol (FWD) marketed as the 'Urban' and a 2.0-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel (AWD).
In January 2024, the Hybrid version was added to the range with two variants available.
The fifth-generation Sportage was launched in Vietnam on 10 June 2022, in four trim levels: Luxury, Premium, Signature and Signature X-Line. Three powertrains were available: a 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol, a 2.0-litre MPi petrol and a 2.0-litre CRDi turbocharged petrol; the former comes with AWD and the latter two comes with front wheel drive.
The fifth-generation Sportage in the short-wheelbase version was launched in Brazil on 1 July 2022, with two trim levels: EX and EX Prestige; it is powered by a 1.6 T-GDi 48V turbocharged petrol mild hybrid.
The fifth-generation Sportage in the short-wheelbase version was launched in South Africa on 15 September 2022, with five trim levels: LX, EX, GT Line, GT Line Plus and GT Line S. All variants are powered by a 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
In May 2023, the 1.6-litre CRDi turbocharged petrol was added for the LX, EX and GT Line Plus trim levels.
In November 2023, the Sportage range was updated which saw the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) safety package became standard on all variants. The 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol option was dropped for the LX and EX trim levels.
The fifth-generation Sportage was launched in Mexico on 14 March 2023, in three trim levels: EX, EX Pack and SXL. Two powertrains are available: 2.0-litre MPi petrol and a 2.5-litre GDi petrol.
In February 2024, a Hybrid version based on the SXL trim was added to the range.
In 2022, the Sportage won the 'Family SUV' and 'Full Hybrid' categories in the Scottish Car of the Year Awards. In 2023, the Sportage was chosen as Car of the Year in Morocco.
The Sportage was Kia's best selling model worldwide in 2016, overtaking the Rio.