Kia Unveils the Updated 2026 Sportage Crossover

Kia will offer three powertrain options in the new Sportage, including the two new hybrid trims: S and X-Line turbo. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 187 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic and either front- or all-wheel drive. The Sportage hybrid gets a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and a 47.7kW motor with a combined 231 horsepower, while the Sportage PHEV gets the same engine and a 72kW motor making 268 horsepower. Both hybrids get a six-speed automatic transmission, and AWD is standard for the PHEV.

The new crossover features an updated design, with revised bumpers, new headlight units with amber LED daytime running lights, and new wheel choices ranging in size from 17 to 19 inches. The two new hybrid trims get unique exterior styling elements, including gloss-black trim for the S Hybrid and exclusive 19-inch black wheels for the X-Line Hybrid.

Kia refreshed the interior with a new 12.3-inch infotainment display, which brings OTA updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected app features, and more. A 10-inch head-up display is available, and the new Sportage offers Kia’s smart key system, which allows owners to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle remotely from a smartphone.

Several driver assistance features come standard, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and car detection. The Sportage also comes standard with hands-on detection, which warns the diver if they remove their hands from the wheel.

[Images: Kia]

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