Kia has given its popular compact SUV, the Sportage, a serious makeover for 2026. It's updated with eye-catching style changes inside and out, featuring a new headlight design, a squared-off grille, fresh wheel choices, a new steering wheel, and updated technology. The 2026 Kia Sportage comes as either a gas or hybrid SUV, and its updates position it well against rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V Hybrid. At Huffines Kia Corinth, we stock a wide variety of new Kia Sportages for sale.
2026 Kia Sportage Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2026 Sportage lineup has something for every driver and budget. There are six traditional gasoline-powered trims to choose from:
- LX: $28,690 MSRP
- EX: $30,490 MSRP
- X-Line: $32,990 MSRP
- SX: $34,290 MSRP
- SX Prestige: $36,290 MSRP
- X-Pro Prestige: $39,590 MSRP
There are also five hybrid models available, which cost a bit more upfront but will save you money at the pump. These include the following:
- LX: $30,290 MSRP
- S: $32,590 MSRP
- EX: $33,590 MSRP
- X-Line: $35,490 MSRP
- SX Prestige: $40,390 MSRP
Two of these hybrid trims are new for 2026: the S Trim, featuring a blacked-out grille, window trim, and 18-inch dark wheels, and the X-Line Trim, which offers enhanced off-road capability, heated seats with SynTex surfaces, a large sunroof, and stylish black accents.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
The 2026 Sportage prioritizes comfort over sportiness, delivering a reliably smooth, quiet ride that daily commuters will appreciate. Its soft suspension soaks up bumps, potholes, and rough pavement well, especially at city speeds. If you prefer more spirited driving, consider one of the hybrid setups, which offer improved power and fuel economy compared to last year's hybrids and this year's gas-powered models. Hybrid Sportages switch seamlessly between electric and gas power with just a slight seat rumble. Here's a comparison of the powertrain and fuel economy you can expect from each model:
- 2026 Sportage with front-wheel drive (FWD): The gas-powered model is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, plus an eight-speed automatic transmission. It achieves 25 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined.
- 2026 Sportage with all-wheel drive (AWD): This version uses the same powertrain as the FWD Sportage, but its expected fuel efficiency is 24 city/30 highway/26 combined. AWD models are also equipped with extra terrain modes for easy handling in snow, mud, and sand.
- 2026 Sportage Hybrid with FWD: The standard hybrid model pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a 44-kW electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission, generating 232 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, and achieving 41 city/44 highway/42 combined mpg.
- 2026 Sportage Hybrid with AWD: If you equip your hybrid with AWD, you can expect 35 city/36 highway/35 combined.
- 2026 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid: This model utilizes the same 1.6-liter turbocharged engine as the regular hybrid model, paired with a single electric motor. It produces 268 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, achieving 36 mpg when using gasoline, 83 MPGe, and a 34-mile all-electric range.
Interior Design, Comfort, and Cargo Space
The 2026 Kia Sportage's interior features a new two-spoke steering wheel with flattened edges, along with fingerprint-resistant finishes on the center console and door panels. The cabin comfortably seats five, with 41.4 inches of front-seat legroom and 41.3 inches in the rear. It offers plenty of room for storage, with just under 40 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and approximately 74 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The Kia Sportage surpasses competitors such as the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4 in both rear passenger legroom and total cargo space.
Technology Features and Infotainment
Every 2026 Kia Sportage comes with a 12.3-inch touch-screen display, and select trims upgrade from the standard 4.2-inch instrument cluster to a 12.3-inch instrument display (for over 24 inches of total screen space for maps, car settings, and media). Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on all trims, and the infotainment system now features over-the-air updates, ensuring your software stays current without requiring extra trips to the dealership. Select trims include advanced features such as built-in navigation and a head-up display, allowing you to view key driving information directly in your line of sight.
Safety Features and Driver-Assistance Technology
The 2026 Kia Sportage is equipped with standard safety gear, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors, auto high beams, and driver attention monitoring. It also features state-of-the-art technology, including adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist 2, and enhanced parking sensors. While many SUVs now come with forward collision-avoidance systems, the Kia Sportage's system is especially comprehensive, including pedestrian, cyclist, junction turning, and oncoming traffic detection.
Experience the 2026 Kia Sportage at Huffines Kia Corinth
The 2026 Kia Sportage's comfortable interior, spacious cabin, and ample cargo space, along with its competitive pricing, make it the perfect choice for North Texas families. Our team at Huffines Kia Corinth understands what local drivers need and can help you find the perfect Sportage for your lifestyle and budget. Stop by today or get in touch with us to set up a test-drive, and see for yourself why the 2026 Sportage is one of the best deals going in compact SUVs.
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Kia Sportage