The 2026 Kia Sportage has received a facelift with updated styling and technological enhancements. This fifth-generation compact SUV now features new, more vertical headlights and a rectangular grille, giving it a more conventionally attractive look compared to the previous model. The interior of the Sportage has also been upgraded with a new curved digital display and an optional 10-inch head-up display for turn-by-turn navigation.
In addition to the styling changes, hybrid Sportage models are now offered in two new trims, with slight horsepower increases for the hybrid and plug-in-hybrid variants. The standard Sportage hybrid now produces 231 horsepower, while the PHEV model churns out 268 horsepower. All-wheel-drive Sportages also come with a new Terrain mode for driving in different conditions such as snow, mud, or sand.
The cabin of the Sportage features a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and an optional 10-inch head-up display that integrates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interior also includes a Wi-Fi hotspot that can support up to five devices with a 4G LTE connection. Owners can use the Digital Key feature to remotely lock, unlock, and start their vehicle, as well as customize the infotainment system with their favorite NBA team’s logo and colors.
Kia has introduced new driver-assistance features for the 2026 Sportage, including automated emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and car detection. The optional upgraded highway driving assist system helps maintain a preset speed and distance to the car ahead, and assists with steering-wheel control during lane changes. Another new standard feature is “hands-on detection,” which alerts the driver if they are not holding the wheel.
The 2026 Kia Sportage is expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships in the second quarter of 2025, with pricing details to be announced later. The new Sportage models are likely to see a slight increase in prices compared to the 2025 models, with the pure-gas setup starting at $28,565, the hybrid at $29,965, and the plug-in-hybrid variant at $41,065.
Caleb Miller, an automotive enthusiast and car blogger, shares his excitement for the updated Kia Sportage. With a passion for unique and quirky vehicles, he looks forward to seeing the new features and enhancements in action. As a motorsports fan, Caleb appreciates the blend of style, technology, and performance that the 2026 Kia Sportage has to offer.
