The Kia Sportage () is a compact SUV manufactured by the South Korean manufacturer Kia through five generations. At its launch in 1993, the nameplate was used for a vehicle produced under a joint venture with Mazda, and shared its platform with the Mazda Bongo.
In 2004, the second-generation Sportage was released as a crossover SUV based on the unibody J platform, moving away from the body-on-frame chassis format. At the time of its release, it was originally developed and sold alongside the Hyundai Tucson and later with the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento, from model year 2022 onwards.
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. , the Sportage is positioned between the Seltos or Niro and the three-row Sorento in Kia's global SUV lineup with the latter sharing platform with the Sportage.
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First generation (NB; 1993)
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 longer body utilizing the same wheelbase, an increase in luggage capacity from , 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-litre FE DOHC inline-four petrol unit producing and the 2.0-litre RF inline-four diesel rated at . Diesel-engined models were mostly restricted to European markets, as was the more basic single overhead camshaft (SOHC) version of the 2.0-litre FE petrol inline-four. Delivering , this petrol engine was available from 2000 onwards. In North America, the 2.0-litre FE DOHC engine produced 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.
Facelift
Engines Model namePowerCapacityFuelYear of construction2.0 TD 4WD (RF)83 HP1,998 ccDiesel1997–20032.0 (FE 8V)95 HP1,998 ccPetrol1994–19952.0 4WD118 HP1,998 ccPetrol2000–20032.0 ( FED ) 128–140 HP1,998 ccPetrol1994–20062.2 D 4WD63 HP2,184 ccDiesel1994–19982.2 D 4WD71 HP2,184 ccDiesel1994–1999
Second generation (JE/KM; 2004)
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 V6, with . 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.Consumer Reports' 2009 Annual Car Reliability Survey 27 October 2009. Reuters and ranked second in the "20 least expensive 2009 vehicles to insure" list by Insure.com.The Most Expensive Cars to Insure 3 June 2009, U.S. News Rankings & Reviews
First facelift
Second facelift
Safety
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.IIHS/HLDI: Kia Sportage IIHS
+IIHS scoresTestRatingOverall: Moderate overlap front Acceptable Side Acceptable Roof strength Poor Head restraints and seats Poor
Engines +Model namePowerCapacityFuelYear of construction2.0 ( G4GC ) 141 HP1,975 ccPetrol2004–20102.7 ( G6BA ) 175 HP2,656 ccPetrol2004–20102.0 ( D4EA ) 113 HP1,991 ccDiesel2005–20102.0 CRDi150 HP1,991 ccDiesel2008–20102.0 CRDi 4WD140 HP1,991 ccDiesel2006–2010
Third generation (SL; 2010)
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-litre Hyundai R diesel engine with , and a 2.0-litre Theta T-GDi petrol 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".
Facelift 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.
Safety Euro NCAP The Sportage in its standard European market configuration received 5 stars from Euro NCAP in 2010.
IIHS The third-generation Sportage received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the United States.2011 Kia Sportage Named '2010 Top Safety Pick' By Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 19 August 2010. PR Newswire 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.2011 Kia Sportage Named IIHS Top Safety Pick 19 August 2010. Cars.com
+IIHS scoresTestRatingOverall Small overlap front (Driver) Poor Moderate overlap front Good SideGood Roof strength Good Head restraints and seats Good
ANCAP
Engines +Model namePowerCapacityFuelYear of construction1.6 ( G4FD ) 135 HP1,591 ccPetrol2011–present2.0 ( G4KD ) 163 HP1,998 ccPetrol2010–present2.0 ( G4NC ) 166 HP1,998 ccPetrol2014–present2.4 ( G4KE ) 177 HP2,359 ccPetrol2010–present2.0 ( D4HA ) 136–184 HP1,995 ccDiesel2010–present
Fourth generation (QL; 2015)
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 petrol engines, as well as one diesel engine in the line-up. The petrol options are a 1.6-litre, 2.0-litre or 2.4-litre, offering and , and , and and respectively, while the diesel is a 2.0-litre, R-series turbo producing and . A and 1.6 T-GDi turbo-petrol 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-litre and a turbocharged 2.0-litre. The 2.4-litre produces and , while the turbocharged engine makes and , with small variations in performance dependent on whether FWD or AWD is configured. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Facelift 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.
Safety The Latin American Sportage has ventilated front disc brakes and solid ones in the rear.
Euro NCAP The Sportage in its standard European market configuration received 5 stars from Euro NCAP in 2015.
Latin NCAP The Korean-made Sportage in its most basic Latin American market configuration with 2 airbags and no ESC received 0 stars from Latin NCAP 3.0 in 2021 (similar to Euro NCAP 2014).
IIHS 2017 The 2017 Sportage received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
+IIHS scoresTestRatingOverall: Small overlap front (Driver) Good Small overlap front (Passenger) Good Moderate overlap front Good Side (original test) Good Side (updated test) Marginal Roof strength Good Head restraints and seats Good Headlights Poor Front crash prevention (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) Superior optional Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use Acceptable
2022 The 2022 Sportage was tested by the IIHS and its top trim received a Top Safety Pick award:
+IIHS scores Small overlap front (Driver) Good Small overlap front (Passenger) Good Moderate overlap front Good Side (original test) Good Side (updated test) Marginal Roof strength Good Head restraints and seats Good HeadlightsAcceptable Poor varies by trim/option Front crash prevention (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) Superior optional Front crash prevention (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) Superior standard Front crash prevention (Vehicle-to-Pedestrian, day) Advanced optional Seat belt reminders Acceptable Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use Acceptable
ANCAP
Awards The Sportage won the 2016 Red Dot Award for Car Design.
Kia KX5 (Chinese version) 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.