New features for the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid SUV
Kia’s popular hybrid models get the latest lights and screen as they hit slightly fuel economy.
- Prices for the 2026 Kia Sportage Compact SUV start at $30,290.
- Kia sold 161,917 sports in the US in 2024. Here is the longest running Nameplate in Kia.
Kia updated the looks and interior of the 2026 Sportage Compact SUV, but the fuel economy of the popular hybrid model has been reduced slightly.
Sportage competes with some of the best-selling cars sold in the US: Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Jeep Compass, Mazda CX-50, Nissan Rogue.
Kia sold 161,917 sports in the US in 2024. Here is the longest running Nameplate in Kia.
How big is it? How much power does it have?
Sportage Seats 5. Available as front or all-wheel drive, gasoline engine, hybrid power, or plug-in hybrid.
Kia is building an internal combustion engine in West Point, Georgia. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models come from Gwangju, Korea.
Hybrids are available on the front or AWD. It produces 232 horsepower (7 more times than the ’25) and 271 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid has a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The petrol version develops 187 horsepower and features an 8-speed automatic.
KIA has made it possible to test hybrids. Hybrid and internal combustion engine sports are currently on sale. The plug-in hybrid should arrive in the second half of 2025.
I drove a loaded SX Prestige AWD across a load of traffic on Rolling Riverside roads, small towns, major state roads and Interstate 65 from downtown Louisville.
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid Trim Levels and Prices
- LX: $30,290
- S: $32,590
- Example: $33,590
- X-Line: $35,490
- SX Prestige: $40,390
Source: Edmunds
Prices exclude the $1,445 placement fee.
What I love
The 2026 Sportage Hybrid has a wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which up until now only available at the Sportage trim level.
A large, clear 12.3-inch touchscreen is also standard. A 10-inch color head-up display is available for driver assistance and navigation information. A wide range of rear legroom. On the back of the front seat is a convenient hook for a wallet, jacket, etc.
The exterior design features stacked headlights and unique daytime running lights in what Kia calls the “Star Map” design.
Main Features: 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
- Color head up display
- 12.3 inch touch screen
- 10 inch color head-up display
- AWD model’s snow, mud, sand drive mode
- The difference between the lock centers of AWD models
- Wireless Car Play and Android Auto
- Wireless charging
- Dual rear USB-C charging port
Two things that should be better
The Sportage Hybrid’s fuel economy in 2026 was slightly lower compared to last year. Currently, the most fuel efficient model combines city/highway driving to get 42 mpg, with additional functional register 35 reducing the top trim.
Its downside could be expanded if the Toyota RAV4, a top-selling compact SUV, is on sale in an all-new hybrid later this year.
Kia held up the grumpy flat panel HVAC/audio controls, which required pressing a fan or a small triangle icon to switch the adjacent set of flat touchpoints from climate to audio functionality.
Why a triangle? Your guess is as good as mine. The same can be said about why Kia didn’t replace the annoying setup with physical buttons in Finicky, just like Kia did with the Ioniq 5 Compact SUV earlier this year.
Drive impressions
The Sportage Hybrid accelerates well from a stop. Passing the highway requires some advance planning. The passenger compartment of the SUV is spacious, comfortable, extremely quiet and over rough roads.
The ride was a bit offensive with the broken pavement in downtown Louisville, but the sport was well handled on a long, scenic drive along the Ohio River through the hills of southern Indiana. The sport was quiet, competent and enjoyable, rewinded the small town along the Kentucky side and down I-65 to Bardstown on the Bourbon Trail.
The Harman/Kardon Premium Sound System made the fantastic sound of playing everything from the Great American Songbook to High Woman.
Why buy the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid?
The Sportage Hybrid is the lowest-priced hybrid compact SUV. Fuel economy has been reduced, but it’s much better than you get with a non-hybrid.
The new 2026 lights loosen the look, and updates like a crisp HUD and a 12.3-inch touchscreen add to the charming and kind cabin appeal. The cargo space is good.
KIA vehicles are the most attractive and attractive of any mass market brand.
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Front or all-wheel drive compact hybrid SUV
5 seats 5
Base Price: All prices at $30,290 exclude $1,445 destination charges
Now on sale
Model Test: Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige AWD
Price as tested: $40,590
Power: 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and electric motor
Output: 232 HP; 271 pound-feet of torque
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Manufacturer’s fuel economy: 35 mpg City/36 Highway/35 total.
Wheelbase: 108.5 inches
Length: 184.4 inches
Width: 73.4 inches
Height: 66.3 inches (including roof rails)
Ground clearance: 8.3 inches
Passenger volume: 94.4 cubic feet
Cargo volume: 39.5 cubic feet behind the rear sea. 65.4 Behind the front seats
Curb weight: 3,994 lbs
Towing ability: 2,000 pounds
It was assembled in Gwangju, Korea
Please contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Please read more Auto And sign up for us Automotive Newsletter. Become a subscriber.
