1995-2002 Kia Sportage: Year-to-Year Changes

1996 Kia Sportage: A driver's airbag went into 1996 models at midseason, but little else was changed. In addition to the conventional airbag, mid-year models gained the industry's first knee airbag, which inflated simultaneously to keep the driver from sliding under the dashboard. Base and better-equipped EX models were available, the latter offered only with 4-wheel drive.

1997 Kia Sportage: Not much was new for 1997, with the exception of a fresh grille. EX models could now have either 2-wheel drive or 4WD. All Sportages now had power door locks, a theft-deterrent system, and a full-size outside spare-tire carrier. Newly optional was an AM/FM stereo system with built-in CD player. A 4-speed automatic transmission could now be installed in 2WD models as well as 4x4s. All Sportages used a 130-horsepower, dual-overhead-cam engine.

1998 Kia Sportage: Sportage wagons got a mild facelift, and a 2-door convertible model was added. Both were available with either rear-drive or on-demand 4-wheel drive. Wagons and convertibles shared front sheetmetal and the 2.0-liter engine, but the convertible was shorter both in wheelbase and overall. In addition, the soft-top Sportage seated four, to the wagon's five. Like Isuzu's larger Amigo (resurrected in 1998), the convertible had a manual-folding soft top over the back seat and a metal roof up front. Wagons came in either base or EX trim. By now, rivals included the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4, as well as the Chevrolet Tracker.

1999 Kia Sportage: No change was evident on Kia's best-selling product in the U.S. market.

2000 Kia Sportage: Changes for 2000 were limited to a bolder-sounding horn, driver's left footrest, and newly optional remote keyless-entry system.

2001 Kia Sportage: Changes for 2001 were limited to an added luxury trim option and longer warranties. EX wagons got an optional Limited trim/equipment package that included premium 6-speaker audio, remote keyless entry, unique alloy wheels, color-keyed bumpers and cladding, chrome roof rack, and hard-shell spare-tire cover. Basic warranty coverage was extended to 5 years/60,000 miles, powertrain coverage to 10 years/100,000 miles, and roadside assistance to 5 years/unlimited miles. Corrosion was warranted for 5 years/100,000 miles.

2002 Kia Sportage: New for 2002 was an optional exterior-trim package that includes 2-tone body cladding and a hard-face spare-tire cover. Sportage discontinued at the end of the year.