Discover the all-new 2026 Kia Sportage — one of the most comfortable and spacious SUVs in its class. In this review, we put it to the test to see how it stacks up in today’s crowded compact SUV segment. From interior comfort and tech features to driving dynamics and overall value, find out if the Sportage deserves a spot on your shortlist.
What’s new
The 2026 Kia Sportage is roomy, comfortable, and in a crowded segment full of entertaining SUVs. This is Kia’s best-selling vehicle, but there are a lot of changes for 2026.
- Reworked front and rear bumpers
- An updated front fascia with a stacked LED headlight design and amber daytime running lights
- Cube-style projection headlights
- Revised LED taillights with a more geometric shape
- An extra 4 hp
- Dual 12.3-inch displays with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Available 10.0-inch head-up display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- New S and X-Line variants
- Available forward collision avoidance assist with direct oncoming detection
- Available Highway Driving Assist 2
- Updated front, side, and rear parking sensors
- Available Digital Key lets you lock, unlock, and start the car with the mobile app
- Terrain drive mode for X-Line trim
- Restyled dashboard
- New wheel designs
Performance and handling
There are three powertrain choices for the 2026 Kia Sportage.
Gas
- 187-hp four-cylinder gas engine
- 8-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive
- 0-60 MPH – 9.1 sec
- 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway
Hybrid (HEV)
- More powerful 1.6L Hybrid, 232 hp, 271 lb-ft torque
- 44-kW electric traction motor
- 6-speed shiftable automatic
- AWD across the lineup
- 0-60 MPH – 7.4 sec
- 2000 lbs towing
- 42/44 mpg city/highway
Plug-in hybrid
- 1.6-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder, an electric motor, and a larger battery than the hybrid. Output rises by 7 hp
- 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque
- 6-speed automatic transmission
- Electric driving range is 34 miles
- Total range is rated at 430 miles
FWD on LX trim only
AWD drops fuel economy
AWD includes center lick and terrain mode- snow, mud and sand
17‑ to 19‑inch sizes
- Available Terrain Mode (AWD only): Snow, Mud, Sand modes
- Towing capacity of 2,500 pounds if equipped with an aftermarket trailer brake controller
Safety
- 5-Star NHTSA Crash test rating
- Standard Forward Collision Avoidance plus Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Standard Hands-On Detection
- Standard Forward and Reverse Park Distance Warning
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert
- Available highway drive assist and forward driving assist
Seating
- Heated front seats, heated outside mirrors
- Power driver’s seat, faux leather seat upholstery
- Memory drivers seat on top trim
- Adult-friendly rear-seat legroom
- Optional heated rear seats
- New leather steering wheel- flat bottom
Technology and features
- Tech-forward cabin, wireless connectivity with thoughtful details and upmarket conveniences
- Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Available 24” combined pano displays
- Harman/Kardon is available
- 10” head-up display
- Remote parking assist
- Standard Smart Key and Dual Rear USB-C charging
- Kia connect, WiFi, themes for NBA teams and remote technology
Design and quality
Trims: LX, S, EX, SX, X-Line, SX-Prestige
- Dynamic facelifted exterior design features broad, upright grille
- X-Line trim delivers distinctive and rugged style with unique front and rear bumper designs
- New available exterior and interior colors with new two-tone steering wheel designs.
- X-Pro Prestige developed with confidence in mind, standard Active All-Wheel Drive System, All-Terrain Tires & new Terrain Mode and black 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires
- Panoramic sunroof, LED interior lighting, and a power liftgate
- PHEV is found on its front fascia, now with a wider grille and jagged LED running lights
- LED star map lighting, cube style lights and distinctive amber DRLs
Warranty
- Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- EV Battery – 10 year / 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Cargo
- 40 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat
- Dual level cargo space
Pricing
- Gas – $28,690 – $39,590
- Hybrid (HEV) – $30,290 – $40,390
- Plug-In Hybrid – $40,490 – $47,190
Competes with:
- Honda CR-V
- Mazda CX-50
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Toyota RAV-4
- Ford Escape
- Hyundai Tucson
- Nissan Rogue
- Subaru Forester
- Mitsubishi Outlander
Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®, is a nationally recognized automotive expert, analyst, and consumer advocate. You’ve seen her on television, radio, and across digital platforms, breaking down the latest in automotive news and reviews. For more updates and expert insight, follow Lauren at The Car Coach Reports.
