Kia Sportage History and Evolution

Kia Sportage manufacturing began in 1993 in South Korea, and the first models were gaining traction in the Asia market. Two years later, Kia started building the Sportage in Germany, marketing to European drivers who were interested in Kia’s mini SUV series. As time went on, Kia started designing a large Sportage. By 2004, the Sportage was redesigned to be safer, which got praise from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2010, the third generation of Kia Sportages was released. Some of them came with a 2.0L diesel engine or a 2.0L 4-cylinder system. This generation of rides was built until 2015, but by then, the next round of Kia Sportage automobiles was already in production in facilities worldwide. They were larger than the preceding models and contained multiple safety features that weren’t in the previous generation.

One of the noticeable transformations of the Kia Sportage is its size. The models in the 90s were much smaller than what they’ve turned out to be. Another change Kia manufacturers have implemented better traction. Kia has remained consistent when it comes to providing versatility. For example, Sportage has introduced FWD and AWD editions, giving drivers many alternatives. This trend started around the third generation when Kia teamed up with Hyundai to create a unique ride for consumers. The automotive industry is becoming more efficient, and multiple companies are structuring rides to be safer. As of 2022, Kia appears to have mastered technological advancements, allowing them to compete with various rivals and offer reliable options.

Did you know Kia is a Sino-Korean word that means "arise from Asia?" Kia was originally founded in 1944 and went by the name Kyungsung Precision Industry. It was a company that made steel tubes that were used for bicycles. Eight years after the organization was established, it became Kia Industries. After it changed its name, the company began making motorcycles for Mazda. By 1973, Kia started focusing on making passenger cars for Brisa. But it was short-lived. Soon after, Kia halted production of small cars and focused on small trucks, which Fiat and Peugeot contracted. This later caught the attention of the Ford Motor Company, and in 1982, these two companies became partners. However, Kia suffered bankruptcy in 1997. After a bidding war between Ford and Hyundai, Kia was rescued by Hyundai, another Korean automotive company that owns Kia to this day.
The Kia Sportage's history and evolution have gone through multiple changes since it started. To see how the Sportage has turned out, you should look at the 2023 Kia Sportage. For more information about this ride, visit us at Ken Ganley Kia New Port Richey or contact us online.