2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid Options
Kia’s Sportage compact SUV is its longest-running model. When the brand first launched in North America, it launched with the Sportage, and over the years it has grown in both size and sophistication to accommodate changing needs.
Now, with the introduction of the 2026 Sportage, Kia is adding even more sophistication to the Sportage, with new design and tech elements to improve the driving experience and customer convenience. Kia is also diversifying the latest Sportage lineup with a choice of three distinct powertrain options – fuel-efficient gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid – available in a wide range of trim options.
Kia Sportage Powertrain Options: From Gas to PHEV
Kia now offers pure gas, self-charging hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions of the 2026 Sportage, covering the gamut of use cases from urban commuting, off-pavement exploring, or long highway drives. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models come with even more power than before, thanks to a turbocharged gasoline engine.
If you are looking for the lowest purchase cost, and the most familiar driving experience, the gasoline Sportage may be for you. Its 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine produces 187 horsepower and is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive versions, the ICE (internal combustion engine) Sportage has an impressive 3,500-lb towing capacity.
One step up in power, performance, and also efficiency is the Sportage Hybrid, which has a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine, coupled with a revised electric motor. Power output is up 4 hp from before, with a total of 231 hp, and there’s a six-speed automatic transmission and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Towing capacity is slightly lower for the hybrid, but is still 2,000 lb.
Finally, there’s the Sportage Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV). It too has a 1.6-liter gasoline direct injection engine with a turbocharger, but with a more powerful electric motor, this time producing a total of 268 hp, an increase of 7 hp from before.
For drivers that choose all-wheel drive, Kia’s active system uses an electro-hydraulic coupling with a center locking differential to distribute power between the front and rear wheels depending on road conditions and what the driver needs. There’s also the ability to select snow, mud, or sand modes.
Kia Sportage Design and Interior
The 2026 Sportage is bolder and more confident than before, with a fresh new face and a choice of trims, each with its own distinct personality. LX, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige trim levels look refined and sophisticated in the city, while X-Line and X-Pro Prestige trims have a rugged, off-road ready look.
Inside, the interior has been upgraded with new trim that creates the feeling, says Kia, of a “premium living space.” That living space is packed with new tech and connectivity features for driver and passengers alike:
- A 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is now capable of over-the-air updates and incorporates wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The built-in Kia Connect app lets you start the Sportage remotely with a phone app, pre-condition the cabin to your desired temperature, check the vehicle’s lock status, schedule maintenance, plan your route, and more.
- There’s an all-new 10-inch head-up display available as an option that displays driving information, turn-by-turn directions, and integrates CarPlay and Android Auto information.
- Digital key technology lets you use a smart device to lock, unlock, and start the car without needing to carry a key fob – and also lets you share a code with family and friends, who can use their phones to access and drive the car.
- A 360-degree camera with 3D view provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings when parking.
There’s more than just tech, though; the Sportage’s interior has plenty of space and practicality as well. Rear cargo capacity with the seats folded down is an impressive 39.6 cubic feet, plenty for taking gear along for journeys or for weekend projects. There’s also a dual-level cargo floor on gasoline and hybrid models, which provides flexible cargo carrying ability. The back seats have a generous 41.3 inches of rear legroom, plenty of space for adults to be comfortable. Rear heated seats are available as an option, as are power-folding outside mirrors for parking in tight spaces.
Conclusion: 2026 Kia Sportage
With over a quarter-century of success, the compact Sportage SUV has been a winner for Kia, a key component of the brand’s growth in North America. The latest 2026 Sportage offers a great mix of features, style, and tech with a choice of drivetrains that should suit every need and lifestyle.
We also like the fact that many Sportage models are assembled in the U.S., alongside the electric EV6 and EV9 as well as the Telluride and Sorento SUVs, at Kia’s plant in West Point, Georgia.
Kia has yet to announce final pricing for the 2026 Sportage, which will arrive in showrooms in the second quarter of 2025.
