Initially a compact SUV built on a body-on-frame chassis, the second-generation Sportage transitioned to a car-based platform which placed it into the compact crossover SUV class, and was originally developed alongside the Hyundai Tucson and since the fifth-generation model launched in 2021, in two sizes with different wheelbase lengths for different markets, alongside the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento.

It shares many mechanical components such as the engine, transmissions (early versions), and differentials with the Mazda line of vehicles.

This stretched model—mainly sold in Asian markets under the name "Sportage Grand", but also as the "Grand Wagon"—featured a 305 mm (12.0 in) longer body utilizing the same wheelbase, an increase in luggage capacity from 1,570 to 2,220 liters (55.4 to 78.4 cu ft), and the relocation of the spare wheel from the tailgate to underneath the floor.

Diesel-engined models were mostly restricted to European markets, as was the more basic single overhead camshaft (SOHC) version of the 2.0-liter FE gasoline inline-four.

In North America, the 2.0-liter FE DOHC engine produced 130 hp (97 kW) and had optional four-wheel drive.

The 1997 model year Kia Sportage was the world's first production vehicle to be equipped with a knee airbag.

By 2003, most international markets had discontinued the Sportage range, although it remained on sale in some developing countries until its second-generation replacement arrived in 2005.

The Kia Sportage scored the lowest possible result in the Australian ANCAP crash tests – one star out of five.

[8] The second-generation Sportage earned a top rating of five stars in crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it only “acceptable” for frontal and side impact crash protection and “poor” for roof strength.

In China, it was released by Dongfeng Yueda Kia in October 2010 and called the Sportage R, and was to be built and marketed alongside the previous generation rather than as a replacement for it.

In South Africa, it took the 2013 Standard Bank People's Wheels Award for "SUVs and Crossovers – City & Suburban".

[19] Earning the award became tougher in 2010 when IIHS added the rollover crash test, which measures roof strength and is twice as stringent as the federal requirement.

[20] Kia unveiled its newly redesigned Sportage at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015, and brought it to market in 2016 (as a 2017 model in North America).

The changes included redesigned headlights and bumpers, with the front end taking cues from the recently introduced Stinger.

Available from March 2019, the front fascia was completely restyled with headlamps integrated with the grille and the rear end of the KX5 was also slightly redesigned for the Chinese market.

Despite the exclusively restyled exterior, the wheels of the Chinese version are the same as the ones on the international Kia Sportage facelift.

[37] Based on the brand’s latest N3 platform, Kia developed two versions of the Sportage with different body length and wheelbase depending on the market.

[38] The model is equipped with a Terrain Mode that automatically adjusts various settings depending on conditions, including snow, mud, and sand.

The PHEV version features a 1.6-liter four-cylinder T-GDi engine and a 66.9 kW permanent magnet traction electric motor with a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery.

[49] In March 2024, a FWD Hybrid version was added to the range for the SX and GT Line trim levels.

[54] The fifth-generation Sportage in the short-wheelbase version was launched in Brazil on 1 July 2022, with two trim levels: EX and EX Prestige; it is powered by a 1.6 T-GDi 48V turbocharged petrol mild hybrid.

[57] In November 2023, the Sportage range was updated which saw the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) safety package became standard on all variants.