The 2026 Kia Sportage: What We Know So Far
Here's what we know so far about the 2026 Kia Sportage based on recent spy photos and industry speculation.
This image depicts the 2025 Kia Sportage.
Over the years, the Kia Sportage has established itself as a key player in the compact SUV market, consistently ranking among top sellers. As Kia’s best-selling model, it plays a crucial role in the automaker’s lineup. Despite the current generation’s introduction for the 2023 model year, Kia is already planning updates to keep the Sportage competitive in a fast-evolving market.
Recent spy photos and industry reports have provided insights into what we can expect from the 2026 Kia Sportage. This mid-cycle refresh aims to update the SUV’s styling, enhance its technology, and refine its overall package. The goal is clear: maintain the Sportage’s strong position in the fiercely competitive compact crossover segment.
Let’s see what the 2026 Sportage has in store for us.
2026 Kia Sportage Release Date
While Kia has not officially announced a release date for the 2026 Sportage, industry insiders and automotive experts anticipate its debut in early 2025. The refreshed model is expected to hit showrooms in the second half of 2025 as a 2026 model-year vehicle. This timeline aligns with typical mid-cycle refresh schedules for popular models like the Sportage.
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What’s New?
Exterior Updates:
The 2026 Kia Sportage will feature a significant exterior update, starting with new vertical headlights that echo the design of the 2024 Sorento. The front fascia and grille have been redesigned, sporting a more angular and contemporary appearance.
At the rear, new taillight graphics showcase a more rigid design, while the potential addition of orange daytime running lights further emphasizes Kia’s current design language. These changes are complemented by revised bumpers and subtle adjustments to the overall bodywork.
These changes aim to bring the Sportage in line with Kia’s evolving design language, which should bring a more unified look across the brand’s SUV lineup.
Interior Enhancements:
While spy shots haven’t provided a clear view of the interior, expectations based on Kia’s recent models include:
- A more streamlined dashboard design
- Introduction of a panoramic display combining the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen
- Repositioned air vents to accommodate the new screen layout
- Potential updates to materials and trim options
These interior updates are likely to mirror recent changes seen in other Kia models like the Sorento and EV9 with a cleaner, more modern aesthetic.
Pricing and Trims
Kia has not released official pricing for the 2026 Sportage. However, based on current models and industry trends, we can make some educated guesses:
- The 2025 Sportage starts at $28,565 for the base model and ranges up to $45,565 for top trims.
- Given the updates and potential new features, a slight price increase is likely for the 2026 model.
- Estimated price range: $29,000 to $47,000, depending on trim level and powertrain options.
Exact trim levels for the 2026 model have not been announced, but Kia is likely to maintain a similar structure to the current lineup, which includes LX, EX, SX, and X-Line variants, along with hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
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Performance
The 2026 Kia Sportage is expected to carry over most of its current powertrain options, with potential minor tweaks for efficiency:
Standard Gas Engine:
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
- Output: 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations
Hybrid Powertrain:
- 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with electric motor
- Combined output: 227 horsepower
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV):
- Similar 1.6-liter turbo engine with a larger battery pack
- Total system output: 261 horsepower
- Standard all-wheel drive
While specific performance figures like 0-60 mph times haven’t been released for the 2026 model, they are likely to be similar to or slightly improved over the current generation. Kia may focus on refining these powertrains for better efficiency and responsiveness rather than significant power increases.
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EV Range
As of now, there’s no indication that Kia plans to introduce a fully electric version of the Sportage for the 2026 model year. The plug-in hybrid variant will continue to offer electric-only driving capability, though the exact range for the updated model has not been disclosed.
The current PHEV Sportage provides around 32 miles of electric-only range, and Kia may aim to improve this figure slightly for the 2026 model.
Interior
The 2026 Kia Sportage’s interior is set to receive notable updates likely centered on technology integration and user experience:
Cabin Features:
- New panoramic display combining instrument cluster and infotainment screen
- Redesigned dashboard with a cleaner, more modern layout
- Updated steering wheel design
- Expanded ambient lighting options
- Potential improvements in material quality and trim options
Passenger and Cargo Space:
While exact dimensions haven’t been released, the 2026 Sportage is expected to maintain similar interior space to the current model, which offers:
- Comfortable seating for five passengers
- Generous rear legroom
- Cargo capacity likely to remain competitive in the segment (current model offers up to 74.1 cubic feet with rear seats folded)
The refresh aims to enhance the premium feel of the interior while maintaining the practicality that Sportage buyers appreciate.
Tech and Safety Features
Kia is likely to update the Sportage’s technology offerings to keep pace with competitors and meet evolving consumer expectations:
Infotainment:
- Larger touchscreen interface (potentially up to 12.3 inches)
- Updated software with improved graphics and responsiveness
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Enhanced voice recognition capabilities
- Expanded connected services
Safety and Driver Assistance:
No surprises here, the 2026 Sportage is expected to build upon Kia’s comprehensive suite of safety features, potentially including:
- Advanced driver attention monitoring
- Enhanced autonomous emergency braking with improved pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Updated lane-keeping and lane-following assist systems
- Improved adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality
- Potential introduction of more advanced semi-autonomous driving features
Kia may also introduce new features or improvements to existing systems based on technological advancements and consumer feedback.
2026 Kia Sportage: What to Expect?
The 2026 Kia Sportage refresh aims to refine an already successful formula. With its updated exterior styling, enhanced interior technology, and potential powertrain refinements, the new Sportage seeks to reinforce its position in the competitive compact SUV market. As Kia’s best-selling vehicle, the 2026 Sportage promises to offer a more modern and tech-forward experience for buyers in this crucial segment.
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