2026 Kia Sportage: A Fresh Look for North America
A New Design for the Sportage
Kia will unveil its refreshed Sportage at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show. While the updated model has already been released in South Korea, this is the version specifically tailored for North America. The new design features Kia's innovative "opposites united" design language, with cleaner lines and a more upright appearance. The grille and headlights showcase straighter vertical lines, replacing the previous boomerang-shaped running lights. The tailights have been revamped internally, and the bumpers have received minor trim changes. Additionally, the Sportage offers a range of new wheel options.
Exciting Interior Upgrades
Inside the Sportage, you'll find some major updates. The dashboard has been refined to create a sleeker look, featuring dual 12.3-inch digital displays. These displays are integrated into a curved panel that subtly leans towards the driver. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, now wireless, come standard across all trim levels. The Sportage is also equipped with Smart Key with remote start, as well as Digital Key 2.0 which turns your phone into the key. A new 10-inch head-up display is available, offering integration with Apple and Android devices for music and navigation prompts. The Sportage also introduces Kia Connect, a service that provides various streaming and connected features. Through this service, drivers can access the Remote 360 View, allowing them to use their smartphones to access the SUV's 360-degree camera.
Power and Performance
While the powertrain options remain unchanged, the hybrids have received some adjustments. The Sportage Hybrid now delivers 231 horsepower, a 4-hp increase from the previous model. It comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a 47.7 kW motor in a mild-hybrid configuration. The Sportage PHEV features the same engine with a 72kW motor, producing a combined 268 hp. The combustion Sportage retains its naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 187 hp. The higher trim levels and all-wheel-drive models offer the Terrain Mode, which allows drivers to choose between snow, sand, or mud settings based on the current road conditions.
Variant Options
The Sportage Hybrid introduces two new trim levels. The S trim includes standard 18-inch wheels and features black grille and window trims. It also includes heated seats and blindspot collision warning. The X-Line trim adds 19-inch wheels, LED driving lamps, additional charging ports, premium interior materials, and luxury items like a power liftgate. Both trims come with the standard safety features found across all Sportage models.
Enhanced Safety Features
All Sportage trims are equipped with standard automatic emergency braking, which includes car, bicycle, and pedestrian detection. A new hands-on detection system ensures that the driver is actively engaged with the assist systems. Optional safety features include Forward Collision Avoidance and parking assistance, which monitors the surroundings of the SUV and alerts the driver if there are any obstructions.
Availability and Pricing
The 2026 Kia Sportage will be available at dealerships in late spring 2025 as a 2026 model. Pricing details will be disclosed closer to its on-sale date.
