2026 Kia Sportage

The compact Sportage crossover continues as a strong entry from Kia Motors America. The five-door body style aligns with the needs and desires of the American market plus its available in a variety of propulsion opportunities. The tester this week features a hybrid-electric powertrain (also known as a HEV, or hybrid electric vehicle) that self-charges, never in need of a 120-volt (or 220 for that matter) wall socket. All HEV vehicles utilize traditional internal combustion engines working in tandem with onboard electrified boosters.  

Sportage’s traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) version underwent a complete next-generation model makeover in the 2023 model year, same time the self-charging gas-electric hybrid arrived. Also debuting that year, the Plug-in Hybrid Electric version (PHEV) with a plug cord and gas-electric hybrid engine generating approximately 32 miles of electric-only driving before turning to gas engine support.  

The Sportage HEV powers from a conventional 1.6-liter, turbocharged inline engine coupled with an electric motor juiced by a sizeable lithium-ion battery pack. This combo provides spunkier acceleration from a standing start than a Sportage sporting an internal combustion engine alone. Also, the back-and-forth between the electric motor and gas engine remains seamless contributing to a welcome smooth experience.  

The 2023 fifth-generation effort grew in length by a substantial 7.1 inches while the wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle) expanded by 3.4 inches from the fourth generation. Over the years, this popular model evolved from a subcompact to a roomier, larger-end compact available with many creature comforts at a competitive price point. It’s also the year when the traditional, block letter, oval Kia logo got updated with a streamlined, stick-like connected version some folks, including myself, still look at with an askew perspective.  

Sportage continues as Kia’s longest-running vehicle on the road for more than 30 years with its first-generation debut back in the 1995 model year. Consider this 2026 effort a mid-cycle update of its fifth-generation version.  

Here in the 2026 model year, a goodly number of gas-electric hybrid HEV trims pepper the lineup including LX, S, EX, X-line and SX-Prestige with the entry LX HEV starting at $30,290. Both the S and X-Line trims debut in 2026. Front wheel or all-wheel drive (an $1,800 bump) offer up depending upon the selected trim with all-wheel drive available in multiple trim selections and front-drive exclusive to the entry LX. The hybrid pricing Sportage promotes stands considerably less than compact rivals such as the Subaru Forester hybrid and Honda CR-V hybrid.  

The front-wheel drive LX offers up the best fuel economy numbers, 41 miles per gallon city and 44 mpg highway. All-wheel drive models average 35 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. The impressive milage numbers reflect Sportage’s classification as a ‘Full’ hybrid electric vehicle (sometimes referred to as a FHEV). 

This system employes a larger battery pack and drives in pure electric mode for short distances. Less expensive ‘mild’ electric vehicles (MHEV) use a smaller electric motor and battery pack to assist the transmission and engine, but don’t directly power the wheels. Both mild and full hybrids take advantage of regenerative braking with mild designs delivering less impressive miles per gallon returns.  

Regenerative braking, an automated technology requiring no driver input, captures kinetic energy created during the mechanical braking process and returns the energy to the onboard lithium-ion battery pack for later use. Hybrid electric vehicles and EVs, both take advantage of this range-extending process. 

Sportage locates the 83-pound, 64-kilowatt, 240-volt lithium-ion battery pack under second-row seating. It helps power the 64-horsepower electric/traction motor situated between the six-speed transmission and 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4 engine. This drive system returns from 2025 adding four more total-system horsepower thanks in part to engine retweaking.  

In the 2024 calendar year, Sportage clocked in as the best-selling Kia here in the states with 161,917 units sold, an impressive 15 percent better than the previous 12-month cycle.  

The higher one travels up the trim level ladder, the more content onboard. Other than exterior color opportunities, factory options remain minimal, speeding along the dealership purchasing process once determining a trim selection. The mid-grade EX exclusively offers up a $1,000 Sunroof package with black roof rails while the top-line SX-Prestige includes a Carmine Red interior package at no extra cost. Other than that, a dozen or so port-installed/dealer options dot the landscape (cargo cover, carpeted floor mats etc.)  

Pricing differences between a Sportage sporting a conventional internal combustion engine and the upgraded hybrid version remain relatively minimal. A conventional Sportage LX starts at $28,690 while an HEV LX checks in at $30,290, a $1,600 difference.  

Our Heritage Blue exterior Sportage SX-Prestige all-wheel drive started at $40,390 with the only listed extra in the form of dealer-installed floor mats. Along with a $1,395 destination charge, the bottom line ended at $41,985. This marks the most opulent Sportage version available circa 2026.  

Round wheel wells trim in black as do door bottoms. The tall standing front grille boasts four vertically arranged LED bulbs at both ends with large outboard framing shaped in the form a question mark shape, or possibly the number 7. This frame doubles as a turn signal indicator and flasher lights. Narrow front A pillars reside at a 45-degree angle, and the roof reaches its apex above the B pillar. Side windows gently narrow together towards the hatch region creating a planted ambiance. The smooth hood includes creases at the far side edges. The SX-Prestige and X-line trims arrive with the largest tire size:19 inches.  

All HEV trims now conveniently include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard in all trims including the entry LX. A flat, one-slot wireless charger resides in a cove under the center dash and includes a sliding cover for additional phone privacy.  

A handy safety feature exclusive to the SX-Prestige trim; a blind spot view monitor camera feed broadcast within the highly animated Instrument Panel. This visual assists drivers in determining what’s up along the sides. When engaging the turn signal stalk, real-time full color video feeds of side activities pump directly into the digital instrument panel within circular parameters temporarily overriding the left-side speedometer and right-side power/charge/eco hybrid system information. Once the turn or lane change completes, the instrument panel returns to its regularly scheduled programing.  

Other SX-Prestige safety exclusives include: a center screen surround-view monitor, navigation radar cruise control, blind-spot collision warning, side parking distance warning and reverse parking assist warning. In addition, SX-Prestige exclusively adds a heated steering wheel, Premium audio system with center speaker, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, gloss black bumper garnish and LED fog lights. Rear-folding side view mirrors also rate as an SX-Prestige exclusive 

The manually-operated tilt-and-telescoping steering column includes a left sidewheel face drive mode select button in all trims (Eco, My Drive and Sport). All-wheel drive editions (all trims except LX) offer up an additional right-side face button boasting Mud, Sand and Snow modes.  

Interiors visually center upon a wide, rectangular 12.3-inch upper-region ‘Supervision’ flat center screen swallowing up the left-side digital instrument panel and right-side multi-function touch screen into one continuous panel. The top-dog SX-Prestige remains the sole choice with a slight built-in curve while other lower trims arrive relatively straight across.  

Below the IMAX-like narrow screen on its west side, a long, narrow press-sensitive rectangular sector providing double duty with two backlit menus flanked by two mechanical twist dials. In one mode/version the knobs control dual front temperature controls with fan direction and speed selected via a simple icon push. Switch to option B and these outside knobs serve as on/off/volume control and station select with icons between monitoring, search, seek and track.  

The overall screen design and nesting remains relatively user friendly. When changing the digital clock back one hour in early November, the task got completed in record time with no logging onto instructional tutorials simply by selecting ‘Set Up’ then touching the time bar within the upper right-hand corner of the screen until a simplistic menu option popped up allowing a quick update of the hour format. Screen options also includes a panel displaying power usage between the battery, engine and electric motor.  

The two-tone interior includes a black and cream white combo along with brushed-aluminum highlights. The center console houses the electronic transmission shifter built within a dial format. Twist to the left or right to summon reverse, neutral and drive. Park summons with a push of top-side ‘P.’ Also nearby, the electronic push-button start, an easier find than a dashboard local where many rivals place the start/stop.  

To the right of the transmission dial within our SX Prestige trim, five push buttons summoning heated/cooled front bucket seats and heated steering wheel. Dual inline cupholders accommodate a variety of sizeable cups, cans and Big Gulps thanks to a spring-loaded button summoning an interior curved framing cradling smaller cans. The small armrest, hinged at the back, flips open from the front, opening up to more storage.  

The second row’s seat bottoms remain static and non-moveable since the sizeable battery pack stows underneath. Seatbacks, however, manually fold down within a 60/40 split with the release of an outboard side lever and also recline back. Even though the battery pack stows underneath, Sportage boasts second-row leg room few rivals achieve in the compact segment. A compact spare tire stows under the hatch area flat floor of upper-trim models (EX, X-Line and SX Prestige).  

The fuel tank accepts regular, 87-octane fuel when refilling the 13.7-gallon tank. A height-adjustable power liftgate arrives standard in EX, X-line and SX-Prestige upper trims.  

Kia Motors continues as part of the South-Korean-based Hyundai Motor Group (Hyundai Motor Co, its Genesis luxury sub brand and Kia Motors). Upon Kia’s messy bankruptcy in 1997 and Hyundai took a controlling stake in 1998 and now controls a 33.7 percent stake. Our Kia Sportage tester and Hyundai’s compact Tucson five-door crossover share several underbody similarities.  

Kia generates miles of positive press from its 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty coverage, the industries longest-duration plan of this sorts. As an added perk, Kia includes basic maintenance coverage that once was privy to high-end automakers. Plus, Kia offers five years of (or 60,000 miles, whichever arrives first) emergency roadside assistance plan. Many rivals cover roadside assistance for three years or less, another reason to consider Sportage.  

A majority of Sportage HEVs sold in the U.S. assemble at the company’s sole U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia although our tester was built in South Korea. Volume sales has Kia importing some Portage builds from its home base.  

2026 Kia Sportage HEV 
Price as tested: $41,985.  
Engine: 1.6-liter turbo four cylinder.  
Combined Horsepower: 227 
Hybrid battery: Lithium-ion pouch style 
Electric motor rating: 64 horsepower  
Wheelbase: 108.5 inches 
Overall Length: 184.4inches  
Overall Height: 66.3 inches 
Overall Width: 73.4 inches 
Fuel Economy: 35 mpg city/ 36 mpg highway 
Curb weight: 3,803 pounds 
Powertrain Warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles  
Assembly: Gwangju, South Korea