The first-generation Kia Sportage came out in 1993, and after three decades in which more than six million units have been sold, the compact crossover gets 30th Edition version to mark important milestones. Introduced at home in South Korea, the company-categorized “semi-midsize” model is now a bit more eye-catching for the 2024 model year. It boasts double glazing for all door windows, which should make the cabin feel quieter.
It’s also safer than ever as side airbags for second-row passengers come standard across the range. Sports 30th The Edition is based on the local Gravity version but with glossy black accents applied to the roof rails, side mirror caps and door trim. The front grille and bumper section also have a dark look, as do the 18 and 19-inch alloy wheels that are available for this special edition.
Step into the two-tone cabin and you’ll notice an unusual green and black combination exclusive to the Sportage 30th Edition. The leather seats themselves differ from the regular model by having a new quilting pattern and suede inserts. To highlight the importance of the special edition, Kia has also embroidered the number 30th logo on the headrests for the front seats.
In addition to introducing the Sportage 30th Edition – which is already on sale in its domestic market – Kia has also made a video (attached below) displays the original model and the current model. In addition, the Kia 360 center in Seoul is temporarily displaying the 1993 and 2021 model years side-by-side alongside the transitional-generation digital exhibit launched in 2004, 2010, and 2015.
It should be mentioned that the current Sportage (codenamed NQ5) comes in two sizes, depending on where you live. Europeans had the short wheelbase model while countries like the United States, Canada and Australia got the elongated versions. It has been the company’s best-selling model since 2016 after surpassing the Rio subcompact hatchback/sedan.
