All About Kia Sportage - Generations and Features

The Kia Sportage first hit the market in 1995 and has built a legacy on versatility and affordability. It has appealing convenience and practical features which continually evolve throughout the years. 

First generation (NB7)

The Kia Sportage was available in a 3-door soft-top convertible or a 5-door SUV, which was manufactured from 1993 – 2003. The 1993 – 2003 Kia Sportage is fitted with 2.0L FE I4 with 128 hp, 2.0L FE DOHC I4 petrol engine with 117 hp, and 2.0L RF I4 rated at 82 hp diesel engine, paired to a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual.

Second generation (JE/KM)

The second generation Sportage returned after a 2-year pause in model-year 2005. The 2nd generation engine model was available in V6 129 kW (173 hp), with 241 Nm. In May 2008, a facelift model was introduced with 2.0L Beta II I4, 2.7L Delta V6 petrol engines, and 2.0L D CRDI I4 diesel engines. These engines are mated to a 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, or 6-speed manual.

Third generation (SL)

The 3rd generation Sportage was introduced in 2015 with LED taillights, redesigned alloy wheels, and a new grille. The Sportage comes equipped with a 2.0L Theta T-GDI gasoline engine and a 2.0L Hyundai R diesel engine generating 184 hp. Other petrol engines available are 1.6L Gamma GDI, 2.0L Theta II MPi, 2.0L Theta II T-GDi, 2.4L Theta II MPi, and 2.4L Theta II GDI petrol engines. Diesel engines include 1.7L U CRDi and 2.0L R CRDi. All engines are mated to a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, or 6-speed automatic. In October 2010, Dongfeng Yueda Kia released the Sportage R in China.

Standard features come with air-conditioning, 12-volt power ports, power seats, power windows, a tilt steering wheel, and satellite radio. Safety features include airbags, four-wheel ABS, electronic brake distribution, stability control, hill start assist, brake assist, tire-pressure monitoring, and downhill brake control.

Fourth generation (QL)

In September 2015, the 4th generation Kia Sportage was revealed and was brought to market in 2016 as a 2017 model in North America. The Sportage crossover SUV features unique styling with a handsome appearance and an attractive furnished interior with a sporty flavor cockpit.

The Sportage comes with 3 gasoline engines: 1.6L with 97 kW/161 Nm, 2.0L with 120 kW/200 N⋅m, or 2.4L with 138 kW/241 Nm. And a 2.0L turbo diesel engine producing 135 kW/400 Nm with front (FWD) and AWD (all-wheel drive) configurations.

Standard features include air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows, locks and mirrors, Bluetooth, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, USB/iPod connectivity, and 17-inch wheels. Safety features come with standard airbags, stability control hill-start assist, anti-lock brakes, and downhill brake assist.

Fifth generation (NQ5) – Present

The 5th generation Sportage was unveiled on June 8, 2021, with 2 versions based on the brand’s latest N3 platform architecture. The model comes with a Terrain Mode that automatically adjusts settings depending on conditions and an electric control suspension (ECS). Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are powered by an E-Handling system and a more compact shift-by-wire transmission dial for the automatic model.

The PHEV version comes with a 1.6L 4-cylinder T-GDi engine and a 66.9 kW electric motor with a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery producing 261 hp. The hybrid model with a 44.2 kW electric motor coupled with a 1.49 kWh battery rated 226 hp. The mild-hybrid model is equipped with a 1.6L T-GDI engine producing 147 hp or 177 hp. The 1.6L 4-cylinder diesel engine is rated at 113 hp or 134 hp with a 7-speed dual-clutch and a standard 6-speed manual transmission.

Finally

The Kia Sportage is a versatile, reliable, and affordable SUV that is a perfect choice for a family. You can visit the Kia Sportage stocklist to get your own now.