SPORTAGE JA

About the Sportage JA

The original Sportage launched in 1993 as Kias first proper SUV — a body-on-frame compact with genuine off-road capability and a price tag that made Suzuki Vitara look expensive. The 2.0 DOHC engine was willing enough, and the part-time four-wheel-drive system worked as advertised. Build quality was rough around the edges, and the interior would not win any awards, but the JA Sportage put Kia on the SUV map. Every Sportage that followed owes its existence to this scrappy, affordable original that dared to compete.