Five generations of Sportage have introduced cutting-edge safety, performance and design to drivers around the globe
Kia has marked three decades of its popular Sportage compact SUV with the launch of a new 30th Anniversary Special Edition in the Korean market.
Upon its inception in 1993, the Sportage has left an indelible mark on the automotive industry. With over seven million units sold across five generations, the Sportage has solidified its position as Kia’s best-selling model globally since 2015, captivating drivers with its distinctive design and inspiring performance, a press statement indicated.
“The Kia Sportage was a groundbreaking product from day one. Over the 30 years since it has remained true to its revolutionary origins, bringing cutting-edge safety, performance and design to drivers around the world,” commented Tae-Hun (Ted) Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Operations Division.
Generational Evolution
A pioneering compact SUV, the Sportage holds special significance as Kia’s first unique model exported overseas. The first-generation Sportage stood out with its sleek design, spacious interior, and sedan-like driving experience, setting it apart from traditional off-road-focused SUVs.
The fifth generation, introduced in 2021, further prioritized 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 earned it widespread recognition and numerous automotive awards on the global stage.
2024 Sportage
To mark three decades of outstanding success, Kia has equipped a new special edition of 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.
