Kia Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Sportage with Special Edition SUV
Kia is commemorating the 30th anniversary of its popular Sportage SUV with a special edition model. The Kia Sportage 30th Anniversary Edition was unveiled alongside the 2024 model year updates in South Korea. This limited edition version is based on the flagship Signature Gravity trim, with added visual touches to make it stand out.
The exterior of the Sportage 30th Anniversary Edition features a glossy black finish on the grille, front and rear bumpers, lower doors, and 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels. The roof rack and mirror caps also match this sleek black theme. These design elements give the SUV a more aggressive and stylish appearance.
Inside the cabin, buyers have the option to choose between green and black shades for the quilted leather and suede upholstery. The standard equipment on this special edition model is quite generous, with only a few optional features available such as the KRELL premium sound system, the Monitoring package, and the Panoramic Sunroof.
In terms of safety, all 2024 Kia Sportage trims now come standard with new second-row side airbags. Additionally, the SUV gains sound-insulating glass on the front windows as standard, with the Signature trim extending this feature to the rear windows as well. These enhancements contribute to a quieter and more comfortable driving experience.
The powertrain lineup for the Sportage in the Korean market includes various options to suit different preferences. Buyers can choose from the 2.0-liter diesel, 2.0-liter LPG, turbocharged 1.6-liter petrol, and the more powerful 1.6 Turbo Hybrid. Each engine offers a unique combination of performance and efficiency.
Pricing for the 2024 Sportage starts at ₩25,370,000 ($19,925), while the 30th Anniversary Edition is priced between ₩34,810,000 ($27,399) and ₩41,970,000 ($33,031) depending on the chosen powertrain. As of now, it is unclear whether Kia plans to bring this special edition to other markets in the near future.
To celebrate the launch of the 30th Anniversary Edition, Kia released a short film featuring the 1993 song “Hyoga” by Korean artist Seo Taiji. The film showcases the evolution of the Sportage over the past three decades, with the 1993 model being exhibited alongside the 2024 version in the Kia 360 complex. The complex features old TV screens playing vintage commercials and LED displays showcasing the different generations of the SUV.
The first generation of the Kia Sportage was introduced in 1993 and was known as the “world’s first urban SUV.” It was based on the ladder-frame underpinnings of the Mazda Bongo LCV, giving it impressive off-road capabilities. Subsequent generations of the Sportage, introduced in 2004, 2010, 2015, and 2021 respectively, adopted more road-focused characteristics and offered greater refinement thanks to their unibody architectures and Hyundai genes.
Overall, the Kia Sportage 30th Anniversary Edition is a fitting tribute to a successful and enduring SUV. With its stylish design elements, generous features, and range of powertrain options, this special edition model offers a unique and exciting choice for Kia enthusiasts. Whether it will be available in other markets remains to be seen, but for now, Kia fans in South Korea have something special to look forward to.