2026 Kia Sportage Review

Opposites United is the theme for the Kia Sportage design. This year the brand engineers and designers crafted a new look through enhancements to the front and rear. 

Adding subtle color contrast, Kia utilizes distinctive amber Star Map daytime running lights. Making the nighttime light signature more exciting, the brand employs unique LED star map lighting, a stacked headlight design, and an available cube-style projection. Sportage exterior wheel options add to the SUV’s distinctive look.

The new body is bigger, and that means the interior gains passenger space and cargo room.  All of these changes build on the 2025 Kia Sportage, adding even more value to the package.

The Kia Sportage interior is a refined environment with a high-tech cockpit. The panoramic display includes two 12.3-inch screens. Called the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, one screen is your digital instrumentation and the other is your media touchscreen. 

Kia Connect adds more capabilities, such as smart speaker integration and Wi-Fi. Other Sportage technology includes an available Head-up Display and a Digital Key with remote control.  You can use your infotainment system to keep track of the electric charge on the plug-in hybrid and other relevant driving data.

Top toys include a Harmon Kardon audio system and a wireless charging pad. The available Surround-View Monitor upgrades the rearview camera with 360-degree cameras and bird’s eye 3D View. In fact, Kia Connect allows you to see this view remotely.

Even without the many different trim levels, Kia Sportage performance choices ensure you get plenty of options. The standard Sportage is a good choice, and the Sportage HEV and Sportage PHEV are ready to kick things up a notch. 

With up to 187 horses under the hood, the ICE engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, it can achieve a 3,500-lb towing capacity.

With 231 horses, the Sportage hybrid powertrain has been refined with a few extra horses this model year. Sportage plug in hybrids have increased their horsepower as well, now producing as much as 268 horsepower.

Active all-wheel drive adds electro-hydraulic coupling. A center-locking differential moves torque between the front and rear wheels. Terrain Mode covers adventures where you encounter mud, sand and snow.

What do you want from your new SUV? The Kia Sportage trim levels offer a broad array of choices. If you want the most affordable package -- complete with essential modern technologies -- you can go for the Sportage LX. Drivers love the 24.6-inch panoramic display. 

The LX Convenience Package is another great value. This adds a power driver’s seat, a blind spot monitoring system, and a rear cross traffic assist.

The Sportage EX and the Sportage Hybrid S add these amenities and more while the Sportage SX kicks design up another notch. For the most fun, the X-Line, X-Line Hybrid, and X-Pro Prestige add the best Sportage features for adventure driving. The X-Line Technology Package helps you enjoy the maximum connectivity toys and driver assist tools.

Why not get pre approved? You may be eligible for 2026 Kia Sportage leases and loans.

Kia Sportage safety is built into its structure and reinforced by its many special features. Keeping you out of trouble is the best approach, and Sportage driver assistance is on board to help with just that.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems include a comprehensive range of devices to keep your vehicle out of common scenarios. These can help the driver avoid trouble ahead, to the side and even to the rear. 

New features help detect direct oncoming vehicles as part of the forward crash avoidance system. Kia is offering the more advanced Highway Driving Assist 2 and special Hands on Detection.

New standards include:

1. Forward Collision Avoidance plus Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go

2. Hands-On Detection

3. Forward and Reverse Park Distance Warning

We think you’ll agree that -- with its attractive design and wealth of features -- the new Sportage will maintain its leadership in the compact SUV segment. 

Now that you’ve read this 2026 Kia Sportage review, we invite you to check out this  excellent family SUV in person. Schedule a test drive at our Phoenix metro Kia dealership.

With multiple powertrains and trim levels to cater to a wide range of buyers, we’re sure you can find a perfect fit. You’ll find the Sportage at Earnhardt Peoria Kia.