Kia releases latest Sportage to mark model's 30th anniversary

Kia Corp. on Tuesday launched the sale of the 2024 Sportage, South Korea's bestselling mid-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV).

Launched in 1993 as "the world’s first urban SUV," the Sportage marks its 30th anniversary this year.

Its latest edition offers more customer-preferred specifications for higher convenience and safety. The new special trim 30th anniversary edition features top-quality design to mark the milestone.

To reduce noise from wind and other sources, double-paned glass to keep sound out in the front row was newly installed on all trims, Kia said, and the application of the top trim signature was expanded to the back row for a more quiet interior.

In a first for its class, the latest Sportage has rear-seat side airbags standard on all trims.

The design of the 30th anniversary model highlights strong emotion through a glossy black color on the roof rack and exterior mirror cover of the signature gravity trim on top of the radiator grill, lower garnish of the front and rear bumpers, door garnish and wheels measuring 18-19 inches (45.7-48.2 cm).

"Through our 30th anniversary model, we will raise the Sportage's innovative and refined image and strengthen the model's brand value that we've built up over the years to solidify its rank as the No. 1 brand on the mid-size SUV market," a Kia source said.

Write to Nan-Sae Bin at binthere@hankyung.com