Kia Sportage NB-7
The rugged, body-on-frame pioneer that launched Kia's global SUV legacy.
- Power
- 83 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 19.5 s
- Top speed
- 90 mph
- Est. value
- $600–$4k
About the Kia Sportage NB-7
The first-generation Kia Sportage was a significant milestone for the South Korean brand, developed during a technical partnership with Mazda and Ford. Unlike modern crossovers, the original Sportage utilised a rugged body-on-frame chassis derived from the Mazda Bongo, offering genuine off-road capability with a dual-range transfer case. The 2.0 TD variant featured the Mazda-sourced 'RF' turbo-diesel engine, which prioritised low-end torque over outright pace. While early models faced criticism for build quality and safety, the Sportage's affordability and versatility laid the groundwork for it to eventually become Kia's best-selling global model.
Kia Sportage NB-7 specs
The Kia Sportage NB-7 produces 83 bhp (62 kW) and 195 Nm (144 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 19.5 seconds and has a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h).
| Make | Kia |
|---|---|
| Model | Sportage |
| Generation | NB-7 |
| Trim | 2.0 TD |
| Years | 1993–2004 |
| Type | SUV |
| Body style | SUV |
| Country | South Korea |
| Engine | 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 diesel |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc (2.0 litres) |
| Induction | Turbocharged |
| Power | 83 bhp (62 kW) at 4,000 rpm |
| Torque | 195 Nm (144 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 4,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 19.5 s |
| Top speed | 90 mph (145 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Four-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,470 kg (3,241 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 56 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Kia Sportage NB-7 worth?
A typical Kia Sportage NB-7 is estimated to be worth $600 – $3,500 (about £447 – £2,600).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Kia Sportage NB-7 rarity in CarSpot
The Kia Sportage NB-7 is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 0 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Kia Sportage NB-7 fun facts
- The first-generation Sportage was the first production vehicle in the world to be equipped with a knee airbag, introduced for the 1997 model year.
- Between 1995 and 1998, European-market Sportages were actually manufactured in Germany by the renowned coachbuilder Karmann.
- The Sportage proved its durability early on by becoming the first vehicle ever to complete both the Paris-Dakar Rally (1993) and the Baja 1000 (1995).
