Our Opinion - 2026 Kia Sportage Review Since it was redesigned in 2023, the Kia Sportage has had a stronger look to make it stand out among other small SUVs that can be used for many things. A few changes are made to the 2026 Sportage’s looks to smooth its front end. The Sportage has been improved with a focus on technology and looks. It is still competitive thanks to its large cabin, long list of standard features, and high value. The Sportage has accurate steering and a smooth ride, but it’s not fun to drive, which goes against the name of the model. The powertrains in the Sportage Hybrid are much more fuel-efficient than the 187-hp four-cylinder gas engine in the non-hybrid car. On higher trims, all-wheel drive is normal. On all trims except the SX, it’s an option, but front-wheel drive is standard. The new Sportage’s interior is simple and clean, and the old model’s weird vertical air vents have been replaced with a new panorama display. The non-hybrid Sportage meets the basic needs of the small SUV market in terms of portability and space, but it doesn’t have the competitive spirit of cars like the Mazda CX-50 and Honda CRV. What's New? The 2026 Kia Sportage has a new look that is less controversial. The controversial boomerang-shaped accent lights and low-mounted headlights of the 2025 model have been replaced with more standard front-end features that make the Sportage look more like other Kia cars. A new steering wheel, an updated interior, and two 12.3-inch panoramic screens are part of the Sportage’s mid-cycle makeover. Some of the cool tech features that come with the Sportage are a head-up display, remote parking help, and a better version of Kia’s Highway Driving Assist driving aid. Pros and Cons Pros Stylish and refreshed design. A variety of versatile configurations available. Generously spacious passenger compartment. Cons The gasoline type doesn’t accelerate very well. Neither the media nor the HVAC systems are separate from one screen. It is not possible that PHEVs will have a long range of electricity alone. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The Sportage is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower. It has an eight-speed automatic transmission, and you can choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. There is also a hybrid version that is more powerful, but we will talk about that model individually. The Sportage has never been good at performance, and it still puts a comfortable ride and predictable behavior on the road ahead of exciting driving traits, which it does very well. The Sportage isn’t the most thrilling small SUV to drive, but it’s fun to speed around in because it has tight steering and a strong chassis. The X-Pro grade includes some off-road gear, but the small SUV appears more rugged in tougher trims like the X-Line. It comes with black 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Safety There are a number of basic and optional driver-assistance technologies that come with the 2017 Sportage. On the long list are adaptive cruise control based on navigation and a remote parking feature that works a lot like Hyundai’s Smart Park system. The following are important safety features: Automated emergency braking and conventional forward collision warning. Normal lane-keeping assistance and lane departure warning. There are blind-spot monitors and rear-cross-traffic alerts. Internal and External Cargo Capacity The inside of the Sportage has been changed. The vertical air vents have been replaced with a new panoramic display. A new turning wheel with flat edges replaced the old model’s spherical three-spoke tiller. The Sportage feels more high-end because the inside is more stylish and sleek. You can also choose an all-black cabin, but the inside has a stylish two-tone color scheme. You can push the “start” button and turn the shift knob on the center panel. There are also a number of other controls that blend into the piano-black edge. It takes up 40 cubic feet of space behind the back seat of the Sportage, and there is plenty of legroom for people. You can do even more with a two-tiered storage floor. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG The EPA has not yet tested the 2026 Sportage’s gas mileage, but the 2025 model with the same engine gets 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive and 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive Sportage X-Pro Prestige achieved 31 mpg on our route while traveling at 75 mph. Infotainment and Connectivity There is new entertainment software from Kia on the Sportage’s new 12.3-inch panoramic display. This software includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as over-the-air updates. The model from 2026 has a head-up display, a fingerprint authentication system, Highway Driving Assist 2 (which can change lanes), and remote parking help. You can switch between the sound and the climate control by touching the controls below the infotainment screen. A newer Harman/Kardon device is now available, along with a wireless phone charger and a Wi-Fi hotspot that you can subscribe to. Range, Charging, and Battery Life During our first test drive, we tried both the hybrid and the base four-cylinder engines. The hybrid engine was better for us. On our test track, the non-hybrid Sportage progressed at a slow pace. It took 9.1 seconds for it to hit 60 mph, while only 7.4 seconds for the hybrid. Towing and Payload Capacity A third-party trailer brake controller must be added for the Kia Sportage to be able to pull up to 2,500 pounds. If you need a vehicle that can pull something, there are better choices. Price and How to Choose The 2026 Kia Sportage could cost anywhere from $30,000 to $41,000, depending on the choices and specs. The mid-range EX is the best deal in this case. It has features like wireless charging for smartphones, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats that are all very desired. The Premium package is also a great choice. It comes with a panoramic sunroof, a motorized liftgate, and LED internal lighting.
