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Photo of a Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

From urban-SUV pioneer to Kia's global bestseller: over 8 million sold.1

Researched October 25, 2026 from 31 sources

At a glance

0150300
63–268 hpPower
07.515
6.1–11.1 s0–60 mph
0125250
147–205 km/hTop speed
0200400
161–400 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,410–1,771 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.34910111213

Layout
Front engine; Mk1: RWD/4WD; Mk2 onward: FWD/AWD3
Built at
Mk1: Karmann, Germany; Mk2–4: Gwangju, South Korea; Žilina, Slovakia3
Units built
5 million produced by 20183

The story

Launched in 1993 to blend city driving with leisure, the Sportage takes its name from Sports and Portage. Its first generation combined a compact, refined body with four-wheel drive.12

1993: An SUV designed for city life19931995: Karmann builds it in Germany19952004: A unibody replaces the separate frame20042011: 260 hp, inconsistent sprint times20112018: EcoDynamics+ brings 48V diesel power20182021: Europe gets its own Sportage20212022: The first US plug-in Sportage arrives20222023: 7 million sold; 30 Years edition20232026: Hybrid output rises to 232 hp2026 Kia Sportage, first generation (NB): 1993–2005NBKia Sportage, second generation (JE/KM): 2004–2010; Chinese model years to 2015JE/KMKia Sportage, third generation (SL): 2010–2015; China to 2018SLKia Sportage, fourth generation (QL): 2015–2021; Pakistan to 2025QL 1995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsMilestones35142124
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1993–2005Kia Sportage, first generation (NB)
2004–2010; Chinese model years to 2015Kia Sportage, second generation (JE/KM)
2010–2015; China to 2018Kia Sportage, third generation (SL)
2015–2021; Pakistan to 2025Kia Sportage, fourth generation (QL)
1993An SUV designed for city life
1995Karmann builds it in Germany
2004A unibody replaces the separate frame
2011260 hp, inconsistent sprint times
2018EcoDynamics+ brings 48V diesel power
2021Europe gets its own Sportage
2022The first US plug-in Sportage arrives
20237 million sold; 30 Years edition
2026Hybrid output rises to 232 hp
  1. 1993

    An SUV designed for city life

    Asia gets the Sportage in July. Its Sports-plus-Portage name signals a plan to combine everyday driving and leisure.13

  2. 1995

    Karmann builds it in Germany

    Karmann begins assembling the first generation in Osnabrück for European buyers; other markets receive South Korean-built Sportages.3

  3. 2004

    A unibody replaces the separate frame

    The second generation switches to the unibody J platform, developed and sold alongside the Hyundai Tucson.3

  4. 2011

    260 hp, inconsistent sprint times

    The 260 hp SX posts a 6.1-second 0–60 mph time in a 2011 test, versus 7.5 seconds for the 2012 model. Kia cannot explain the variation.4

  5. 2018

    EcoDynamics+ brings 48V diesel power

    Europe's update brings Kia's first 48V diesel mild hybrid; a new 1.6 CRDi replaces the 1.7, with 113 or 134 hp.5

  6. 2021

    Europe gets its own Sportage

    Europe gets a bespoke fifth generation on a wheelbase 75 mm shorter than the global model, plus a 13.8 kWh plug-in hybrid rated for 45 km on electricity.6

  7. 2022

    The first US plug-in Sportage arrives

    The 2023 PHEV brings 261 hp and 55 km of electric range. Its 7.2 kW onboard charger can refill the battery in about 2 hours on Level 2.7

  8. 2023

    7 million sold; 30 Years edition

    Five generations pass 7 million sales. The 30 Years special edition reaches Europe in September, marking 30 years since the 1993 launch.8

  9. 2026

    Hybrid output rises to 232 hp

    The refresh gives the hybrid 232 hp and the plug-in 268 hp, while new S and X-Line trims expand the hybrid lineup.9

Every generation

  • Mazda Bongo
    Mazda Bongo
  • Kia Sportage, first generation
    NB1993–2005
  • Kia Sportage, second generation
    JE/KM2004–2010; Chinese model years to 2015
  • Kia Sportage, third generation
    SL2010–2015; China to 2018
  • Kia Sportage, fourth generation
    QL2015–2021; Pakistan to 2025

Power over the years

From 82 hp to 268 hp in 29 years.

0100200300 200020052010201520202025 hp 1997 · 82 hp · 2.0 turbodiesel (83 PS)2005 · 140 hp · LX 2.0 four-cylinder2005 · 173 hp · LX/EX 2.7 V62011 · 260 hp · SX 2.0 turbo2017 · 240 hp · SX Turbo FWD2018 · 134 hp · Europe 1.6 CRDi (136 PS)2023 · 187 hp · 2.5 gasoline2023 · 227 hp · Hybrid2023 · 261 hp · Plug-in hybrid2026 · 232 hp · Hybrid2026 · 268 hp · Plug-in hybrid 268 hp Plug-in hybrid 82 hp 2.0 turbodiesel (83 PS)
345791114151617
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1997822.0 turbodiesel (83 PS)
2005140LX 2.0 four-cylinder
2005173LX/EX 2.7 V6
2011260SX 2.0 turbo
2017240SX Turbo FWD
2018134Europe 1.6 CRDi (136 PS)
20231872.5 gasoline
2023227Hybrid
2023261Plug-in hybrid
2026232Hybrid
2026268Plug-in hybrid

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Five-door / soft-top (first generation)

    Standard

    Five-door / soft-top (first generation)

  • Grand / Grand Wagon (first generation)

    Standard

    Grand / Grand Wagon (first generation)

  • LX to X-Pro (fifth generation)

    Standard

    LX to X-Pro (fifth generation)

  • Standard

    S / X-Line Hybrid

    2026

    232 hp

  • Performance

    SX (third generation)

    2012

    260 hp

  • Special

    Nightfall Edition / Nightfall Edition Premium

    2021

    181 hp

  • Special

    20th Anniversary (Canada)

    2020

  • Special

    30 Years (Europe)

    2023

  • Limited

    Axis (Mk3)

    2015

  • First Edition (UK, fourth generation)

    Limited

    First Edition (UK, fourth generation)

    2016

    181 hp

  • Limited

    JBL Black Edition (UK)

    2021

How to spot one

Look for

  • Third generation: Tiger Nose grille joins sharply drawn headlamps.1
  • Fourth generation: headlamps sit apart from the grille.321
  • 2023 model: boomerang accent lights, low-set headlights and a wide grille.13
  • 2023 model: smooth rear surfaces and EV6-like taillights.13
  • Fifth generation: Europe's short body lacks the rear-quarter window fitted to the longer global version.6

Year by year

  1. 1999 (Germany)

    The original Sportage gains clear-lens lights and two-tone paint in its facelift.311

  2. 2014

    Third-generation facelift: new grille, revised Kia badge, LED taillights and new alloy-wheel designs.3

  3. 2018 (Europe)

    Larger grille and silver front-bumper detailing that links to the license-plate area.522

  4. 2020 (North America)

    Restyled headlights and bumpers introduce a front end influenced by the Stinger.3

  5. 2026 model year

    Rectangular grille, vertical headlamps and inverted-L amber running lights; taillights gain a new LED pattern.9

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Kia Sportage
    Sportage
    Photo of a Hyundai Tucson
    Hyundai Tucson

    Hyundai Tucson

    For the 2005 pair, the Sportage has sharper, chiseled bodywork; the Tucson has a rounder outline.1423

  • Photo of a Kia Sportage
    Sportage
    Photo of a Kia Sorento
    Kia Sorento

    Kia Sorento

    The 2005 Sportage shares its general shape with the Sorento; the Sorento is slightly larger.1423

Against its rivals

  • Sportage vs Ford Escape V6 4WD

    Power

    Sportage173 hp
    Ford Escape V6 4WD200 hp
    23

  • Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD (2022)

    Price as tested lower is better

    Sportage$39,255
    Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD (2022)$37,505
    16
  • Honda CR-V Hybrid

    Sportage vs Honda CR-V Hybrid

    Highway fuel economy

    Sportage31 mpg
    Honda CR-V Hybrid31 mpg
    13

Prices

Value today $13.9K–$18.7K18

Price when newValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K$40K 20052010201520202025 Value today: $13,900–$18,700 2005 · $16,490 · US base, four-cylinder FWD manual2011 · $27,990 · US SX AWD, base2012 · $29,200 · US SX AWD, base2017 · $23,885 · US LX, base2021 · $25,265 · US LX, starting MSRP2023 · $27,615 · US LX, base2023 · $28,545 · US Hybrid LX FWD, base2023 · $38,490 · US X-Line PHEV AWD, +$1,295 dest.2026 · $30,135 · US LX FWD, base2026 · $31,735 · US Hybrid LX FWD, base
479131415171823
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2005Price when new$16,490US base, four-cylinder FWD manual
2011Price when new$27,990US SX AWD, base
2012Price when new$29,200US SX AWD, base
2017Price when new$23,885US LX, base
2021Price when new$25,265US LX, starting MSRP
2023Price when new$27,615US LX, base
2023Price when new$28,545US Hybrid LX FWD, base
2023Price when new$38,490US X-Line PHEV AWD, +$1,295 dest.
2026Price when new$30,135US LX FWD, base
2026Price when new$31,735US Hybrid LX FWD, base
2026Value today$13,900–$18,700

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “8,877 km to a Korean Dakar first”
    • “5 wins from 7 races, against V6s and V8s”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 31 sources
  1. Shaping the Sportage | The Evolution of an Urban SUV | Kia Global Brand Site worldwide.kia.com
  2. Sportage | The World's First Urban SUV, 1993 | Kia Heritage Archive worldwide.kia.com
  3. Kia Sportage - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. 2012 Kia Sportage SX AWD Long-Term Road Test caranddriver.com
  5. Schöner, besser, sparsamer press.kia.com
  6. 2022 Kia Sportage debuts in Europe: first Euro-specific model with bespoke chassis tuning, shorter wheelbase - paultan.org paultan.org
  7. KIA AMERICA ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR THE BRAND'S FIRST SPORTAGE PLUG-IN HYBRID (PHEV) prnewswire.com
  8. Kia Sportage célèbre son 30e anniversaire avec une édition spéciale 30 Years press.kia.com
  9. 2026 Kia Sportage Plays It Safe with Milder Looks and Fresh Tech caranddriver.com
  10. New Kia Sportage First Impressions – Wheels Alive wheels-alive.co.uk
  11. Gebrauchtwagen-Test: Kia Sportage (1994-2002) - AUTO BILD autobild.de
  12. 2021 Kia Sportage JBL Black Edition debuts in the UK - paultan.org paultan.org
  13. Tested: 2023 Kia Sportage Leads with Bold Styling caranddriver.com
  14. 2005-10 Kia Sportage | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  15. First Drive: 2017 Kia Sportage caranddriver.com
  16. 2023 Kia Sportage vs. Hyundai Tucson Small SUV Showdown: Spoiled for Choice motortrend.com
  17. 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid First Test: Good Power, Good MPG motortrend.com
  18. 2021 Kia Sportage Price, Value, Depreciation & Reviews | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  19. Kia Sportage - Automobile Protection Association apa.ca
  20. Used Kia Sportage (Mk3, 2010-2016) buyer’s guide: join the SUV crowd for less than you'd think | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  21. All-New Sportage | A Bolder Reinterpretation of Kia's SUV, 2015 | Kia Heritage Archive worldwide.kia.com
  22. Kia Sportage SUV | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  23. Kia Sportage EX 4WD caranddriver.com
  24. 'I want Kia to go global' - Sportage designer iol.co.za
  25. Kia Sportage Wins Off-Road Racing Championship theautochannel.com
  26. Curt LeDuc sells Dakar Kia Sportage – 131 Off-Road 131offroad.com
  27. Sportage R | Urban SUV with Kia's Family Look, 2010 | Kia Heritage Archive worldwide.kia.com
  28. Wonder Woman's new ride | Fox News foxnews.com
  29. Kia Sportage sports "X-Men: Apocalypse" styling paultan.org
  30. KIA SPORTAGE, BOLD DESIGN - Auto&Design autodesignmagazine.com
  31. Kia Sportage Resale Value and Depreciation - iSeeCars.com iseecars.com
  • worldwide.kia.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • caranddriver.com
  • press.kia.com
  • paultan.org
  • prnewswire.com
  • wheels-alive.co.uk
  • autobild.de
  • consumerguide.com
  • motortrend.com
  • kbb.com
  • apa.ca
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • carbuyer.co.uk

Photo credits

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