This week we are taking a look at the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid, a very popular 2-row SUV that packs a lot of punch for the money. For 2026, Kia has given the Sportage a makeover that whispers "premium-compact-SUV" without asking $50,000 for it. The SX-Prestige AWD that I am reviewing has fresh styling, an updated grille, and a cockpit that’s gone all-in on screens, including dual 12.3-inch displays. Under the outer skin it’s mostly the same hybrid architecture but it gains a terrain mode for AWD versions like this one, and adds smarter safety/tech features, giving buyers more reason to upgrade than just the new paint colors.
Exterior
The exterior looks of the Sportage are beautiful all the way around. I love the updated tiger grill that has become a mainstay on newer Kias, the 19” alloy wheels look good, it has bold lines, and a spoiler that covers the rear wiper, a feature usually found on way more expensive SUVs and a feature I like a lot, especially when going to a car wash.
LED headlights greet you, and you find some chrome along the bottom of the SUV between the front and rear wheels, black trim around the windows, black wheel arches, and black roof rails.
This is the Heritage Blue color on the outside and all-in-all, this is a very sharp-looking ride.
Performance
Under the hood is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 44-kilowatt electric motor, working together through a six-speed conventional automatic transmission with paddle shifters to produce 232-horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The system is designed as a traditional hybrid, not a plug-in, so there’s no need to charge it. Instead, the compact lithium-ion battery stores energy recovered through regenerative braking and engine operation, seamlessly assisting the gas engine during acceleration and low-speed driving. The result is smooth, confident performance with instant electric torque off the line, efficient highway cruising, and no interruption in power delivery when switching between gas and electric modes. For 2026, Kia’s hybrid setup continues to strike an appealing balance between real-world efficiency, SUV versatility, and the all-weather confidence of all-wheel drive.
From the steering wheel, you can choose from three drive modes: Eco, Sport, and My Drive (which you can configure)and three Terrain modes: Snow, Mud, Sand for choosing the all-wheel setting that best fits your situation at the time.
Interior
As I opened the door for the first time, I was thrilled to see a light colored interior, not black like most these days. The immediate vibe presents a clean, modern, light-gray finish that balances sophistication with practicality.
The seats feature Kia’s SynTex premium leatherette with the lighter gray lending the cabin an airy, upscale ambiance without drifting into “showroom stark white” territory. The material has a soft-touch surface with subtle texture. Contrast stitching accents outline the bolsters and seat backs, adding a visual layer of refinement and reinforcing the sense of tailored craftsmanship. In the SX-Prestige model, the seats are generously contoured, with defined side bolsters that subtly wrap the thighs and shoulders that offer comfort and support. Both front seats are heated and cooled, and the driver gets a power seat and power lumbar support.
Hit the pushbutton start and the amazing 12.3” digital driver gauge cluster comes to life, welcoming you with a colorful and configurable info center in the middle. You can change it drastically from the settings on the heated, leather-wrapped, oval-shaped, tilt steering wheel. This is half of a new screen setup for 2026 that appears as one large screen and it is slightly curved for a better view for the driver. You can’t help but notice it when you enter the cabin.
The center console is terrific with 3-USB ports and a wireless phone charger. There are two cupholders there and an extra cubby for your toll tag or phone if needed. The round shift dial is there, and you go to Park by pushing a button in the middle. This is also where you activate the Auto Hold, and turn on the heated steering wheel, set the emergency brake, the parking assist, camera views, and hill descent control.
There are switches to turn on the heated and air-conditioned seats I love that there are dedicated knobs to set the automatic temperature-controlled air conditioning and radio volume and tuning, but the display that operates both have to be switched. In other words, you have to hit an arrow to change the screen. If it is on the A/C screen, the knob to adjust the temperature is the same one as the radio volume so you have to look to see which one is on. It is not a deal killer, but an annoyance that could be avoided.
Center dash is the other half of the 12.3” screen and it operates the Harmon Kardon Premium sound system, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, the terrific front and rear cameras, SiriusXM, HD radio, Wi-Fi Hotspot, and Bluetooth. From the screen, you can scroll through more pages to operate phone projection, watch YouTube videos, record voice memos, get real-time weather and sports updates, get service reminders, and something cool called Connected Garage.
It lets you open or close your home garage door from anywhere through the infotainment screen or Kia Access app, adding a touch of convenience that makes leaving the driveway feel a little more high-tech than it used to. I have a garage door app on my phone, and it is wonderful for when you get far from home and wonder if you put the garage door down, and when you need to accept a delivery and you are away. Everything on the center screen is super easy to navigate through and it is lightning fast.
Moving to the second-row bench seat, you will find an unexpectedly roomy and comfortable space for a compact SUV. The rear seats offer generous legroom and headroom, thanks to the Sportage’s stretched wheelbase, and the seatbacks recline to improve long-trip comfort. The light-gray SynTex upholstery and rear air vents give the cabin a premium feel, while heated seats are standard on this SX-Prestige trim. Two USB-C charging ports are built-into the back of the front seats, and a fold-down center armrest with cupholders add convenience. Wide door openings make getting in and out easy.
Overall, the second row feels thoughtfully designed for adults as well as kids—quiet, comfortable, and well-insulated from road noise, with a nearly flat floor that makes the middle seat more usable than most in this class.
Utility
Going to the cargo area using the power liftgate, it offers a very versatile cargo area. Behind the rear seats, there’s 39.5 cubic feet of space—plenty for luggage, strollers, or a full grocery haul.
Fold the second row flat and capacity expands to 73.7 cubic feet, creating a nearly level load floor that makes it easy to slide in bulkier items. A dual-level cargo floor lets owners adjust between maximum depth or a flat surface for easier loading, and the wide tailgate opening accommodates larger boxes or sports gear. There is some storage underneath, but much to my surprise, there is a real compact spare there instead of an inflator kit. How refreshing!
Standard Features and Options
The Sportage SX-Prestige comes completely loaded. In fact, the only option on this one is dealer installed all-weather floor mats for $200. Standard on this model is the 19-inch alloy wheels and the upscale SynTex premium leatherette upholstery (with heated and ventilated front bucket seats plus a heated steering wheel). Inside you’ll find the dual-12.3-inch screen set-up—one for the digital instrument cluster and one for the infotainment display—along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head-up display with sign recognition, built-in navigation with over-the-air map updates, and a Wi-Fi hotspot via Kia Connect.
Other niceties include a manual tilt/telescoping steering column, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear-seat vents, a Smart Power Liftgate with proximity access, ambient interior LED lighting, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. Connectivity and convenience are further heightened with keyless entry, push-button start, surround view rear mirror, power folding outside mirrors, and front and rear USB-C ports.
Safety
Safety-wise, my tester includes forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian, cyclist, and intersection detection, plus lane-keeping and lane-following assist to help the driver stay centered. Blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance come standard as well, providing extra eyes where drivers need them most. The SX-Prestige also adds parking distance sensors, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor that projects live video into the gauge cluster when signaling. Highway Driving Assist 2 combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering and can even help with gentle steering inputs on the highway for semi-self-driving capability. The Sportage includes eight airbags and side-impact beams throughout the cabin, offering solid peace of mind to match its everyday practicality. It has a rear seat alert and safe exit warning system. Bottom line, this is a super safe SUV for the driver and all passenger
MSRP and MPG
Fuel economy with this hybrid is just outstanding at 35 city and 36 highway, and 35 combined. Total MSRP as you see it here is $41,985 and frankly, it’s amazing you can get this much in an all-wheel drive hybrid SUV at that price.
Ride and Drive
I have to note the quietness inside the Sportage, it is clear this is something Kia has really worked on, and it is noticeable. If you want to venture off the pavement, the All-Wheel system in this SUV will certainly do the job, but it is also very pleasurable in town, it is easy to park, and the visibility all-around is great. Acceleration in Sport mode isn’t going to give you a whiplash when you floor it, but the turbocharger will get you up to highway speeds quickly and smoothly.
Verdict
For me, it’s the little things that make a vehicle. Two such things that you wouldn’t expect on any vehicle in this price range is the remote start. That in itself isn’t unusual, but with most vehicles, you hit the remote start and once you get inside, you have to put your foot on the brake and push the start button. With this Sportage, just enter the cabin with the key on you, and it comes to life. You are ready to go. Second, I love head-up displays, they allow you to keep your eyes ahead on the road. This head-up will show you if there is anything in your blind spot. You don’t have to look at the mirrors or down at the dash to know it is safe to make a lane change. Two small things, but they make your life just a little easier and a little safer.
Kia killed it with this Sportage, it has been a runaway hit since it came out. It is an outstanding value and of course you get the 10-year/100,000 mile warranty with it. Remember too, if this one is too loaded for your budget, Sportage starts at an MSRP of $28,690.
2026 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige Hybrid
- What I liked most: The interior, standard features, exterior looks and color, and interior quietness.
- What I would change: I’d like the climate controls and media separated instead of having to switch screens.
- MSRP: Base price $40,390, as equipped $41,985 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: Rated at 35 city/36 highway/35 combined.
- Official Color: Heritage Blue.
- Odometer reading when tested: 2,100 miles.
- Weight: 3,994 pounds/5,092 pound GVWR
- Spare Tire: Compact spare.
- Length-Width-Height: 184.4” long/73.4” wide/66.3” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.7 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side.
- Towing Capacity: 2,000 pounds.
- 2026 Sportage in a few words: Another outstanding SUV from Kia with a great warranty and a compelling value proposition.
- Warranty: 5-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance, 10-year/100,000 mile power train warranty
- Final Assembly Location: Gwangju, Korea.
- Manufacturer’s website: Kia
Visit CarPro.com for more photos.
Click On Right Arrow To Scroll
.jpg?width=150&name=jerry-headshot.jpg%20(1).jpg)