Kia Sportage Set to Break Records in 2024, Competing Closely with Mazda CX-5

Kia’s Sportage family SUV is on track to shatter its sales records in Australia for 2024, potentially overtaking the long-standing favorite, Mazda CX-5. With a record-breaking month in October 2024 and robust year-to-date numbers, the Sportage has become one of the standout players in Australia’s competitive SUV market.

According to the latest VFACTS sales data, Kia sold an impressive 2,136 Sportages in October, edging out its previous monthly record of 2,114 sales in March 2024. This puts the Sportage in sixth place overall for October, ranking just below heavyweights like the Toyota RAV4, Ford Ranger, and Toyota HiLux, while outpacing rivals like the Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5, and Hyundai Tucson.

This growth trend has seen Sportage sales increase by 44% over the same period in 2023, with Kia reporting a year-to-date total of 18,231 units. With two months left in the year, the Sportage is only 561 sales away from breaking its full-year record set in 2022. Kia Australia is optimistic about closing in on or surpassing Mazda CX-5’s sales, potentially hitting around 23,000 Sportages sold by year-end if the current growth rate holds.

A Kia Australia spokesperson credits the SUV’s broad appeal for this surge in demand: "The Sportage range provides new car buyers with a choice of petrol, diesel, and now hybrid powertrain options – a Sportage to suit every medium SUV customer." The introduction of the Sportage Hybrid earlier in 2024 has attracted eco-conscious buyers, positioning it as a strong contender against the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which has held a dominant share in the medium SUV market since its 2019 release.

Despite its impressive track record, the Mazda CX-5 has faced increased competition, especially with the popularity of hybrid models like the RAV4 and the Mitsubishi Outlander. This year, the CX-5 has seen modest growth of 0.5%, with year-to-date sales totaling 19,510. However, if trends continue, both the Sportage and CX-5 could end 2024 with sales in the 23,000 range, making for a highly competitive year in Australia’s SUV segment.

Looking ahead, the Sportage’s success story is far from over. The current generation, which debuted in late 2021, is due for a mid-life facelift, expected to reach Australian showrooms by mid-2025. While the facelift is likely to retain the popular hybrid option, it remains uncertain whether Kia will follow its sibling, the Hyundai Tucson, in phasing out diesel engines in Australia.

As 2024 draws to a close, Kia Sportage stands as a compelling choice for Australians, blending versatile powertrain options, modern design, and competitive pricing. With its record-breaking sales and plans for a facelift, the Sportage’s future in the Australian market looks brighter than ever.