Kia’s Sportage L continues to build on the legacy of the model that introduced Pakistan’s first locally assembled C-segment SUV, as the company expands its hybrid lineup in line with growing demand for electrified mobility.
A Legacy That Redefined the SUV Segment
When Lucky Motor Corporation (LMC) introduced the Kia Sportage in 2019, Pakistan’s passenger vehicle market was largely dominated by conventional sedans. As the country’s first locally assembled C-segment SUV, the Sportage did more than launch a new model, it established an entirely new category, combining premium comfort, advanced technology and everyday practicality to reshape consumer expectations.
Over the following years, the Sportage emerged as a benchmark for Pakistan’s growing crossover SUV market, influencing both consumer preferences and industry competition. As the market now shifts towards electrification and greater fuel efficiency, the refreshed Sportage L represents the next stage in that evolution, building on an established legacy rather than entering as a new contender.
Strong Global Credentials
The nameplate also enjoys strong global credentials. With more than eight million cumulative sales worldwide, the Sportage is Kia’s highest-selling model globally. It was also the company’s best-selling vehicle in the United States during 2025, while the 2026 model earned the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award for vehicles manufactured after May 2025, alongside a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Expanded Hybrid Lineup
Recognizing changing market dynamics and growing demand for electrified mobility, Kia Pakistan introduced the fifth-generation Sportage L with hybrid-electric technology in February 2025. The lineup was further refreshed in July 2026 with updated styling and an expanded hybrid portfolio, reinforcing the company’s focus on more efficient mobility solutions.
Performance and Capability
The Sportage L hybrid pairs a turbocharged 1.6-litre Smart Stream GDI petrol engine with an electric motor and a 1.49kWh lithium-ion battery, ix-speed automatic transmission with electronic Shift-by-Wire controls. The lineup now includes both Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) HEV and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) HEV variants, catering to a wider range of customer requirements.
The FWD HEV has been positioned for urban commuting and family use, offering improved fuel economy and lower emissions during city driving. The AWD HEV, meanwhile, targets customers seeking greater capability by combining electronic all-wheel drive with dedicated terrain modes for snow, mud and sand, enabling improved traction across varying road conditions.
Technology and Safety Features
Beyond its hybrid powertrain, the Sportage L introduces a longer wheelbase that enhances passenger space and cargo capacity. The cabin features dual 12.3-inch displays integrating the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, ventilated & heated seats, memory seats for driver, while Kia’s Drive Wise advanced driver assistance system includes technologies such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control and a Surround View Monitor.
Seven years after introducing Pakistan’s first locally assembled C-segment SUV, the Sportage continues to evolve alongside the market it helped create. With its expanded hybrid lineup, advanced safety technologies and continued investment in local manufacturing, the Sportage L reflects Kia’s strategy of combining global innovation with the changing mobility needs of Pakistani consumers.
