Coming before the Summer of 2025, the 2026 Kia Sportage gets updated styling, new trims, modern technology, and even a bit more hybrid power. Price is TBD.
Kia updated the fifth generation compact Sportage crossover SUV for 2026, which was new for the 2023 model year. The update includes new styling, updated technology inside, new trims, and even a touch more hybrid power.
NEW SPORTAGE FRONT END
Styling wise, most of the change comes up front. Kia calls the latest design language “Opposites United,” but think of it as “Telluride-esque.” Afterall, it follows the Telluride trend with vertically stacked headlights and strong looking grille. But the new Sportage also gets its own version of star map lighting, which includes amber colored beams for daytime running lights. By the way, Kia describes Opposites United as smooth soft surfaces offset by rugged, sheer forms.
The Kia made much subtler changes to the rear end, but you can see tweaks to the taillights and bumper. It’s simpler and, in my opinion, better.
MODERNIZING THE INSIDE
Inside, Kia continues to offer a panoramic display, consisting of two 12.3-in screens, one for the instrument cluster and another for the center display. They are now powered by a system Kia calls Connect Car Navigation Cockpit. It also includes Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Kia will also offer a 10-in HUD on the Sportage, whether you get it depends on the trim you choose, and there are several.
ALL THE TRIMS
First, the Sportage will continue to offer three engine options an ICE, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. If you go with the ICE you choose from six trims: LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, and X-Pro Prestige. Hybrids offer two new trims for five in total: LX, the new S, EX, the new X-Line, and SX-Prestige. Deciding to go plug-in hybrid means you choose between X-Line and X-Line Prestige trims.
THREE POWERTRAINS
The internal combustion option is a 2.5-liter inline-four engine that makes 187 horsepower, just as it did before. It bolts up to an eight-speed automatic transmission and will power either the front or all-four wheels.
It largely stays the same for the hybrid as well, a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and 64 horsepower electric motor. But the electric motor delivers a touch more power to help the system produce a combined to 231 horsepower, four more than before. That makes this powertrain very similar to the 2025 Sorento hybrid. As it also uses a six-speed automatic transmission and also sends power to either the front or all-four wheels.
If you get the Plug-in hybrid, you get a bigger battery pack, and more powerful electric motor, but otherwise the same setup as the hybrid. Power combines to 268, which is up seven compared to before. And the PHEV is all-wheel-drive only.
OFF-ROAD PROWESS?
Speaking of the Sorento, The Sportage X-Pro takes a similar tack, offering 17-inch wheels with BF Goodrich all-terrain tires and all the goodies of X-Line. X-Line changes the front and rear bumper design slightly, with skid-plate shaped molding. You also get a nice roof rack with a few other bits and bobs. But you roll on 19-inch wheels with all-season tires. And both get a new Terrain mode driving mode, as do all AWD Sportage trims.
WHEN TO LOOK FOR ONE
Expect the 2026 Kia Sportage to arrive at dealers on or before June of 2025. How much they cost will be announced closer to that date. But I expect Kia not to drift too far from the current $28,500 base price. My gut tells me you will still be able to get one for under 30K.
Regardless, Kia made enough changes here to pique my curiosity. I will work hard to schedule one to review as soon as it’s available.
Another compact crossover SUV with inherent off-road prowess is the Subaru Crosstrek.
