2026 Kia Sportage gets worthy upgrades
With the debut of its fifth generation four years ago, the Kia Sportage surpassed six-figure sales for the first time in its now 33-year history. It’s remained among the top compact crossover sport utility vehicles in a crowded segment of top choices.
Honda, Toyota and Mazda all have top-sellers, and all present strong reasons why the 2026 Kia Sportage is offered with a “midcycle refresh,” according to the manufacturer.
The lineup includes the LX, EX, SX, SX and new X-Line and X-Pro Prestige trims. The five-seat Sportage is powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on the LX trim; all-wheel drive is standard on the remaining offerings. Kia offers gasoline, hybrid and plug-in choices but not a turbocharged engine.
Fuel economy and acceleration are the Sportage’s only disappointments. The SUV averages 23 miles per gallon in city driving, 26 mpg on the highway. Acceleration from 0-to-60 miles per hour is achieved in a pedestrian 9.1 seconds.
All models, including the reviewed X-Pro Prestige, get numerous key upgrades. Inside and outside, the Sportage is more attractive. Its exterior appearance is more rugged and the interior is more tech-oriented.
Major exterior changes include new grille, headlights, bumper and wheel designs. The interior features a restyled dashboard and steering wheel; the hybrid option is equipped with an additional five horsepower.
The top-level SX Prestige also includes a 10-inch head-up display that projects navigation, speed and driver-assist information onto the windshield.
Dual 12.3-inch displays form the panoramic screen, showcasing the gauge cluster and infotainment system.
The home screen highlights frequently used functions; other features are accessible with a swipe to the left. The system supports over-the-air (OTA) updates. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard with wireless connectivity on all trim levels.
The top-line SX Prestige is also available with Digital Key 2.0 Premium. It allows a smartphone to function as a vehicle key and to share the key via text. With the available Kia Connect subscription services, owners get a Wi-Fi hotspot for five devices and can access vehicle features through the Kia Access phone app.
Kia packs its vehicles with safety equipment. Prestige models include Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2). It combines adaptive cruise control with active lane centering and an automated lane change feature.
Remote Smart Parking Assist allows the vehicle to enter or exit a tight parking space while standing outside the SUV and using only the key fob.
With competitors also improving their lineups, the addition of the S and X-Line trims provides a more pinpointed offering for Kia’s best-selling vehicle.
As a compact crossover SUV, the Sportage can never be mistaken as a performance vehicle or possessing any degree or sportiness.
Rather, it’s at its best as a well-designed, well-equipped, quiet and general-purpose family hauler. Its interior space matches or exceeds many rivals. The Sportage’s comfort and materials quality isn’t luxurious, but it’s far from utilitarian.
With its upgrades, the 2026 Kia Sportage has a $1,500 starting MSRP increase from 2025 models. The review vehicle had a few small options choices included. With its destination fee, the vehicle was priced at $42,055. It’s about $10,000 less than the average price of a new car in the United States, which makes the Sportage a handsome bargain.
James Raia is a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento. He contributes business, lifestyle, sports and travel articles to several print and online publications. Email: james@jamesraia.com.