Every gas-powered 2026 Kia Sportage uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available across most trims for added traction in changing weather conditions, and drive modes including Normal, Smart, and Sport let drivers tailor the SUV's responses to road conditions.

The Sportage Hybrid pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor for a combined 232 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, a noticeable step up in responsiveness over the standard engine. EPA-estimated fuel economy reaches up to 41 mpg city and 44 mpg highway on the front-wheel-drive Hybrid LX, while gas models are rated up to 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway in front-wheel-drive form.

• 2.5-liter four-cylinder: 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque
• Sportage Hybrid: combined 232 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque
• Eight-speed automatic transmission on gas models
• EPA-estimated 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway on FWD gas models
• EPA-estimated up to 41 mpg city and 44 mpg highway on Hybrid LX FWD
• Up to 2,500 pounds of towing capacity
• Six trims: LX, EX, SX, SX Prestige, X-Line, and X-Pro Prestige

The 2026 Kia Sportage was recognized as a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+, backed by a comprehensive standard driver-assistance suite that helps the Sportage compete with pricier compact SUVs.

• 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+
• Standard driver-assist suite including forward collision warning
• Available Blind-Spot Collision Warning
• Multi-Terrain drive modes available on Hybrid and PHEV AWD models
• X-Pro Prestige adds enhanced off-road capability with a factory-installed lift and 19-inch wheels

The 2026 Kia Sportage refresh brings a reworked dashboard with dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays on upper trims, giving the cabin a noticeably more modern, integrated feel than the outgoing model. A 12.3-inch touchscreen and matching instrument display work together to keep navigation, media, and driving information clearly organized for the driver.

Premium trims add genuinely useful conveniences, including wireless phone charging, Digital Key 2.0 for keyless access, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system that noticeably improves audio quality over the standard setup.

• Dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays on upper trims
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard
• Available wireless phone charging
• Available Digital Key 2.0 keyless access
• Available eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system

The 2026 Kia Sportage cabin remains one of the most spacious in its class, with cargo and rear-seat room that compares favorably to compact SUVs a size class up. The combination control panel that toggles between climate and audio controls carries over from the previous generation, along with the easy-to-use rotary gear selector.

• Generous rear legroom and cargo space for the compact SUV class
• Available HALOsonic active noise cancellation
• Remote start through the Kia Access App
• Available factory-installed lift and 19-inch wheels on X-Pro Prestige
• Rotary gear selector with retractable cupholders