1997 Kia Sportage I Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Kia Sportage I ranges from 1420 kg to 1540 kg (3130 to 3395 lbs), reflecting the vehicle weight without passengers or cargo. Its maximum permissible weight varies between 1930 kg and 2090 kg (4257 to 4608 lbs) depending on the specific variant and fitted equipment, representing the maximum total load including passengers, cargo, and fuel the SUV can safely carry.

With the rear seats upright, the luggage compartment of the Kia Sportage I offers between 373 liters and 640 liters (13.2 to 22.6 cubic feet) of cargo space. Folding the rear seats significantly expands available storage capacity to between 1510 liters and 2220 liters (53.3 to 78.4 cubic feet), making it quite versatile for carrying larger items or increased cargo loads.

The Kia Sportage I is equipped with 15-inch rims paired with tire sizes of 205/70R15. This combination offers a good balance between ride comfort, road grip, and off-road capability, typical of compact SUVs from its era. These tire dimensions support both daily urban driving and occasional rough terrain.

Yes, the Kia Sportage I is generally suitable for parking in a standard single-car garage. Typical garage widths range from 2400 mm to 3000 mm (7.9 to 9.8 feet), and the Sportage I's width of roughly 1765 mm (69.5 inches) easily fits within this. The length between 4315 mm and 4435 mm (approximately 14.2 to 14.5 feet) also fits comfortably in most standard garage depths, which are usually about 4800 mm (15.7 feet) or more, making day-to-day parking and storage convenient.

The Sportage I’s height varies between 1650 mm and 1695 mm (65.0 to 66.7 inches), placing it comfortably within the typical range for compact SUVs of the late 1990s and early 2000s. This height strikes a balance by providing good ground clearance and a commanding driving position without making entry or exit cumbersome, while still fitting in most parking structures and garages.

As the Kia Sportage I was the inaugural generation debuting in 1997, there is no direct predecessor in the Sportage lineup to compare it with. However, it marked Kia’s entry into the compact SUV market, setting the baseline dimensions and characteristics for future Sportage models, offering a balanced size for both urban and light off-road use compared to contemporaries.

When compared to other compact SUVs of its time like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, the Kia Sportage I is similar in length and width but slightly taller, providing a bit more headroom and ground clearance. Its cargo capacities are competitive, especially with rear seats folded, making it a practical choice in its class. While its dimensions are compact enough for city maneuvering, it offers sufficient interior space for passengers and cargo along with SUV versatility.

The Kia Sportage I was distinctive as one of Kia’s first entries into the SUV segment, offering affordable pricing with a balance of compact dimensions, good interior space, and off-road capability. Its availability with various engine options and trims made it adaptable. It combined Korean manufacturing gains in reliability and design with the practicality demanded by SUV buyers in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Yes, the Kia Sportage I features a flexible seating arrangement that dramatically influences cargo space. With rear seats up, the SUV provides between 373 and 640 liters (13.2 to 22.6 cubic feet) of cargo volume suitable for everyday luggage. Folding the rear seats expands this capacity significantly, up to 1510 to 2220 liters (53.3 to 78.4 cubic feet), which is excellent for transporting larger items, making the Sportage I quite versatile for various passenger and cargo needs.