2026 Kia Sportage to be available in gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions

The next generation of the compact SUV is launching with new technology, design and comfort features.

2026 Kia Sportage trio — *The 2026 Kia Sportage lineup features ICE, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. – Kia America photo*

The fifth generation of Kia’s popular compact SUV, launching as a 2026 model, is gaining new technology and convenience features all wrapped up in a new vehicle design.

The 2026 Kia Sportage will also be available as a traditional gas (internal combustion engine) model, turbo hybrid or turbo plug-in hybrid.

Three powertrains

The 2026 Sportage will be available with the following powertrains:

ICE – 2.5-litre inline-four cylinder engine with an estimated 187 hp and 3,500-pound towing capacity mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options
HEV – 1.6-litre turbo gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine and 47.7-kW motor with an estimated 231 hp and 2,000-pound towing capacity mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options
PHEV – 1.6-litre GDI engine and 72-kW motor with an estimated 268 hp and 2,000-pound towing capacity mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive

2026 Kia Sportage exterior — *The 2026 Kia Sportage gets a modern design. – Kia America phtoo*

Design

For the design, Kia says the vehicle features the company’s “Opposites United” design philosophy. It features new clean lines and rugged, sheer forms to offer a modern design.

Wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches.

Rear-seat room is emphasized in this compact SUV with 41.3 inches of legroom in the rear.

The Sportage also gets a dual-level cargo floor for flexible cargo use. This feature is not available on the PHEV model.

Tech

The Sportage gets dual 12.3-inch driver-centric panoramic displays with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard on all models. There’s an available 10-inch head-up display.

Driver assistance systems include technology such as forward collision avoidance assist with direct oncoming detection and avoidance, front/side/rear parking distance warning and Highway Driving Assist 2.

A 360-degree surround-view monitor with 3D view provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings.

There are also new digital features and services through Kia Connect. There is a Wi-Fi hotspot that connects up to five devices to 4G LTE internet, stolen vehicle tracking with immobilization capability and more.

The digital key can do things such as remote lock, unlock and start via a smart device. You can also share the digital key with family and friends.

There are now optional heated rear seats and optional power folding side-view mirrors.

Trims

2026 Kia Sportage interior — *This is the interior of the gas-only Sportage SUV. – Kia America photo*

The ICE model will be available in LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, and X-Pro Prestige trims, with the X-Pro Prestige model coming with off-road-ready features.

2026 Kia Sportage HEV interior — *This is the interior of the Sportage HEV model. – Kia America photo*

The hybrid will come in the LX, S (new), EX, X-Line (new), and SX-Prestige.

2026 Kia Sportage PHEV interior — *This is the interior of the Sportage PHEV model. – Kia America photo*

The plug-in hybrid will have the X-Line and X-Line Prestige trims available.

The new Sportage is expected to arrive in the second-quarter of 2025. Pricing will be announced at a future date.