The Sportage has become Kia's most popular and recognisable model, with five generations spanning 31 years in the UK (33 globally). The model is Kia's most popular and best-selling in the UK, Europe and globally.

The 500,000th sale was for a new Sportage 'GT-Line' Hybrid in Blue Flame, bought from GWR Kia, in Brentford West London.

Paul Philpott, president and CEO of Kia UK, commented "Reaching half a million Sportage sales in the UK is a landmark moment for Kia. The Sportage has become the UK's favourite family SUV because it consistently provides what people want: a family SUV with quality and reliability they can trust, efficient and flexible powertrains, all housed in a thoughtful and stylish design. Its continued success shows the strengths of our brand and the trust customers place in us".

Since turning 30 in 2023, the Sportage has accelerated 384,778 UK registrations to the half a million mark and the model continues to dominate UK sales charts.

It was the No.1 SUV in both 2014 and 2015, with 47,163 and 47,788 registrations respectively, and ranked as the second best selling car overall in both years. With more that 115,000 Sportage sales over the past three years, the Sportage has never been more popular.

With 21,274 registrations this year so far (year-to-date, end-may), the Sportage continues its momentum as the nation's favourite SUV, and is the second most-registered car in the UK.

2025 updates

Last year, on July 1st, the best-selling SUV received a facelift featuring a redesigned front and rear, an updated interior to bring it in-line with Kia's latest and most advanced models, and a new simplified line-up consisting of 'Pure'. 'GT-Line S', each available with either petrol or HEV powertrains.

Across three decades, the Sportage has become the go-to family SUV in the UK, backed by a long list of awards proving just how well-loved it is. Reinforcing the model as the UK's top choice of family car, award highlights include the Sportage being named What Car's 'Family SUV of the Year' for the last four years in a row. In addition, the model was recently named the 'Best Hybrid Medium SUV' in the 2026 EcoCar Electrified Top 50, coming 4th overall. The Sportage has also been named the 'Best car for caravans up to 1,500kg' by What Car and the camping and caravanning Club at the 2026 What Car Tow Car Awards.

Five generations of Sportage

The Sportage first went on sale globally in 1993, and was introduced in the UK two years later, in 1995.

In Brief

• Kia celebrates 500,000 Sportage sales in the UK marking a major milestone for the brand's most popular model
• Sportage remains the UK's No.1 SUV and second favourite car year-to-date
• Multi award winning family SUV, four time What Car Family SUV of the year
• Refresh in 2025 updated design, advanced interior and simplified 'Pure', 'GT-Line' and 'GT-Line S' grades