History of Kia Sportage in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 12, 2025

The Kia Sportage, produced by Kia since 1993, has evolved through five generations. The initial model was a compact SUV with a body-on-frame chassis. The second generation shifted to a car-based platform, becoming a compact crossover SUV, co-developed with the Hyundai Tucson. The fifth generation, launched in 2021, offers two sizes with varying wheelbase lengths for different markets and shares its platform with the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.

2016: Sportage best selling Kia model

In 2016, the Sportage was Kia's best selling model worldwide, overtaking the Rio.

November 2021: Sportage released in New Zealand

In November 2021, the fifth-generation Sportage was released in New Zealand. Four trim levels were available at launch: LX, LX+, Deluxe and X-Line.

January 2022: Sportage sales commenced in New Zealand

In January 2022, sales of the fifth-generation Sportage commenced in New Zealand. 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).

September 2022: Sportage launched in South Africa

On 15 September 2022, the short-wheelbase version of the fifth-generation Sportage was launched in South Africa, 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.

2022: Sportage wins Scottish Car of the Year Awards

In 2022, the Sportage won the 'Family SUV' and 'Full Hybrid' categories in the Scottish Car of the Year Awards.

May 2023: 1.6-litre CRDi turbo-diesel engine added

In May 2023, the 1.6-litre CRDi turbo-diesel engine was added for the LX, EX and GT Line Plus trim levels of the Sportage.

November 2023: Sportage range updated

In November 2023, the Sportage range was updated. The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) safety package became standard on all variants, and the 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol option was dropped for the LX and EX trim levels.