Kia Sportage Tire Sizes by Year – Complete Guide

In this comprehensive resource, we present a year-by-year breakdown of tire sizes for the Kia Sportage across all generations. We cover OEM (original equipment) sizes, highlight how they’ve evolved, and provide guidance to ensure you select the correct tire size for your specific vehicle year and trim.
We structure the data clearly and use a mermaid diagram to illustrate the generational timeline for your reference.

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Year-by-Year Tire Size Reference

1st Generation (1993-2006)

Although comprehensive size lists are more limited for early models, the 1990s Sportage typically used smaller wheel-and-tire combinations, such as 15″ or 16″ rims. For example:

  • 1995: 205/75 R15.
  • 1996: 205/75 R15.
  • 1997: 205/75 R15.

2nd Generation (2004-2008)

Departmenting into more modern sizes:

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  • 2007: LX I4 2WD → 215/65 R16.
  • 2007: EX V6 2WD or 4WD → 235/60 R16.

3rd Generation (2010-2016)

The sizes become more varied with trims and wheel diameter options. For example:

  • Many models in this period used 215/70 R16 and up to 235/55 R18.
  • Forums note: “LX standard = 235/65-17, EX standard = 235/60-18, S/SX standard = 235/55-19” for later years of this gen.

4th Generation (2016-2021)

This generation introduced even larger wheels and lower profile tires:

  • Many models used 225/60 R17, 225/55 R18, 245/45 R19.
  • For example: 2022 (which overlaps this gen in some markets): LX → 225/60 R17; EX → 225/55 R18; SX Turbo → 245/45 R19.

5th Generation (2021-present)

This most recent generation has well-documented sizes across trims and regions:

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  • 2021 (USA/Canada): LX → 225/60 R17; EX → 225/55 R18; SX Turbo → 245/45 R19.
  • 2023: 215/65 R17; 235/55 R18; 235/50 R19.
  • 2025 global: Example sizes include 235/60 R18; 235/55 R19; 235/65 R17 depending on trim.
  • 2026 (pre-release data): LX → 235/65 R17; EX → 235/60 R18; SX-Prestige → 235/55 R19.

Example Size Table (Key Years)

YearTypical OEM Sizes*
2007215/65 R16 • 235/60 R16
2011215/70 R16 • 235/55 R18
2018225/60 R17 • 225/55 R18 • 245/45 R19
2022225/60 R17 • 225/55 R18 • 245/45 R19
2023215/65 R17 • 235/55 R18 • 235/50 R19
2025235/65 R17 • 235/60 R18 • 235/55 R19

* These sizes are representative of common trims; always verify the exact tire size for your vehicle’s specific trim, market, and options.


Why Tire Sizes Change by Year & Trim

We observe multiple factors that cause tire sizes to vary across model years and trims of the Sportage:

  • Wheel diameter upgrades: Higher trims often offer larger rims (18″, 19″, or more) resulting in lower profile tires (e.g., 245/45 R19 instead of 225/60 R17).
  • Regional market variations: Tire sizing differs by country/region even for the same model year due to local regulations, options and manufacturer allocations.
  • Trim-specific packages: Sport, Turbo, or Hybrid trims may come with different wheel/tire combinations tailored for performance or aesthetics.
  • Generational redesigns: With each new generation, vehicle dimensions, suspension, axle load, and wheel wells may change — prompting new standard tire sizes.

How to Verify Your Correct Tire Size

To ensure you select the proper tire size for your Kia Sportage, follow these steps:

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  1. Locate the tire sidewall on your existing tire — the size will appear in the form 225/55 R18.
  2. Check the placard/sticker found on the driver's door jamb or inside the fuel filler door; it specifies OEM tire size and recommended pressure.
  3. Use trusted fitment resources (for example wheel-size.com or tiresize.com) to cross-check the size for your exact model year, trim and market.
  4. When changing tire size (e.g., upsizing or switching aspect ratio), ensure diameter variation remains within ±3 % to avoid speedometer or suspension issues.

Summary

We have collated a detailed, year-specific reference of tire sizes for the Kia Sportage spanning all generations. Whether your vehicle is a 2007 model with 215/65 R16 tires or a 2025 version equipped with 235/55 R19, this guide helps you confirm the correct size. Always verify your specific trim and regional variation before purchasing tires.

For any specific year not covered here, or for alternative/upgrade sizes, we can look them up — just let us know the year and trim of your vehicle.

If you want to know other articles similar to Kia Sportage Tire Sizes by Year – Complete Guide you can visit the category Service and Parts.

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