Available powertrains include gasser, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid
What’s new in the 2026 Kia Sportage?
For the 2026 model year, it receives a raft of updates including new fascias, more digital real estate in the cabin, better driver assist systems, and – of interest to this publication – more power.
Styling takes cues from the lighting signatures currently spreading their way across the Kia line, bringing amber DRLs and optional cube-style projection to the party. The off-road(ish) X-Line trim now gets distinct styling with cladding shaped like skid plates and gloss black details, while the X-Pro gets BFGoodrich all-terrain tires and matte black wheels.
A newly integrated layout of digital displays make good use of the 12.3-inch screen, playing well with the new 10-inch head-up display which is optional on tonier trims. Wireless smartphone mirroring is widely available. A so-called premium digital key permits owners to start their 2026 Sportage with an appropriately connected smart device and share this digital key with others.
New driver assists will include standard auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, using sensors and a camera to scan the road ahead. A forward collision avoidance assist with direct oncoming detection and avoidance will be available as well. In an effort to keep drivers accountable whilst using these advanced helpers, a hands-on detection system is added to determine whether the driver is holding the wheel; it will admonish when necessary.
A new Terrain mode makes the most out of the all-wheel drive system on models equipped with power being sent to all four corners. There are changes in the engine compartment as well, but we’ll save those for the next section of this post.
What is under the hood of the 2026 Kia Sportage?
Customers looking at this year’s Sportage have a trio of powertrains from which to choose, starting with a traditional gasoline-powered 2.5L four-cylinder making 187 horsepower. Mated to an 8-speed automatic, it can haul a maximum of 3,500 pounds.
- 2026 Kia Sportage ICE: 2.5L four cylinder, 187 hp
- 2026 Kia Sportage HEV: 1.6L turbo, 47.7 kW electric motor, 231 hp
- 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV: 1.6L turbo, 72.0 kW electric motor, 268 hp
Moving to the electrified options, the hybrid uses a 1.6L turbocharged four banger as its base which tag teams an electric motor to make 231 ponies (4 more than last year). Finally, the plug-in hybrid also uses the 1.6L turbo mill but is paired with stronger electric motors to produce 268 hp, which is 7 extra compared to 2025. Both the HEV and PHEV use a six-speed automatic and towing is capped at 2,000 pounds.
What competes with the 2026 Kia Sportage?
Will the 2026 Kia Sportage be sold in Canada?
Without a doubt. Kia counts on the Sportage to comprise a good percentage of its monthly sales and showroom traffic; in fact, the Sportage regularly counts itself as one of the top three Kia models in terms of deliveries in this country. Expect dealers to be clamoring for this updated 2026 model when production begins next year.
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