2026 Kia Sportage Redesign | Gas, PHEV, and Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sportage recently made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This SUV got a sleek redesign and offers new trim levels, features, and more on each of their options: gas, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid. Kia continues to impress and lead the game with its design excellence and advanced technology, which makes the 2026 Sportage more dynamic and versatile than ever before. 

Refreshed Design 

In 2026, the Sportage will get a mid-cycle refresh. The biggest update to the exterior design that you’ll see is the headlight refresh. After completing redesigning this SUV in 2023, there have been no major changes until now. From 2023 to 2025, the headlights have had an evident arrow shape. With the 2026 model year, you’ll still see bold lines, but in a new shape. It also changes from white to amber lights. These headlights frame a more rectangular shaped grille than previous model years. The taillights receive a slight refresh, and the front and rear bumpers are restyled. Also new for 2026 are the wheel offerings – now you can get 17-, 18-, or 19-inch wheel designs. 

On the inside, there won’t be a ton of noticeable changes – most of the changes are related to the technology that you’ll see. The biggest change is the new curved digital display complete with two 12.3-inch display screens. The steering wheel is also redesigned with two spokes. There are new accent trims that are designed to reduce fingerprint smudges, which you’ll see on the center console instrument panel, and door panels. In the HEV and PHEV, there will be optional heated seats. Throughout the model lineup, there are optional folding outside mirrors for tight parking spaces. 

New Trim Levels and Options 

On the 2026 Sportage, the ICE models will keep the same trim levels: LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, X-Pro Prestige. The PHEV will also retain the same X-Line and X-Line Prestige trims it has. The updates come on the standard hybrid model. Previously, we saw the LX, EX, and SX-Prestige trim levels. New this year are the S and X-Line trims. As we see hybrids become more and more popular in the market, having these additional trim levels for more flexibility and customization is extremely important. On the X-Line, X-Pro Prestiage, and all AWD trim levels, there is a new terrain mode so that drivers can switch between Snow, Mud, and Sand modes. 

There are also two new options packages that you can add on if you want. The LX Convenience Package comes with a power driver’s seat and heated outside mirrors with an LED indicator. The X-Line Technology Package comes with the 12.3-inch Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, Harmon Karson premium audio system, two-position driver’s seat and outside mirror memory, power folding outside mirrors, and LED fog lights. 

Sportage Inventory

Engine and Performance 

The Turbo HEV and Turbo PHEV both have an updated powertrain with more power. Let’s break down the power and performance of each model. 

Sportage HEV 

• 1.6-liter turbo gasoline direct injection and 47.7-kilowatt motor 

• FWD/AWD 

• 231 horsepower (4 HP increase from 2025MY) 

• 2000 lb. towing capacity 

Sportage PHEV 

• 1.6-liter turbo gasoline direct injection and 72-kilowatt motor 

• AWD 

• 238 horsepower (7 HP increase from 2025MY) 

• 2000 lb. towing capacity 

Sportage ICE (Gas) 

• 2.5-liter I-4 

• FWD/AWD 

• 187 horsepower 

• 3500 lb. towing capacity 

Upgraded Technology 

In the 2026 Sportage, the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit is now integrated, which gives you over the air updates, Kia Connect with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and more. With Kia Connect, you’ll get a Wi-Fi Hotspot, Connected Routing, and Smart Speaker Integration, which lets you use Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. With the Kia Access app, you can access locking/unlocking your doors, and climate control. You can also customize your infotainment center with your favorite NBA team’s colors. The 2026 Sportage also comes with the Digital Key 2.0, which allows you to lock, unlock, and start your vehicle with your phone instead of having your key fob on your person. New on the Sportage is the available 10-inch Heads-up Display, which integrates with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and turn-by-turn directions on the HEV and PHEV. 

Advanced Safety 

The 2026 Sportage comes with the Advanced Driver Assist System. New on this suite of features include: 

• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Direct Oncoming Detection & Avoidance: warns driver if collision is predicted and will assist with evasive steering assist, changing lanes, and keeping a predetermined distance away from the vehicle in front of you 

• Front/Side/Rear Parking Distance Warning: warns driver to avoid collision with objects surrouning vehicle or pedestrians 

• Auto Emergency Braking: automatically applies brakes when a potential collision is detected 

• Hands on Detection: monitors whether the driver is holding the steering wheel and warns driver if necessary if hands are not on wheel 

The 2026 Kia Sportage features a design refresh, updated trim levels and options, and additional technology and safety features. Kia continues to do a great job in making there vehicles visually appealing with all of the standard features you could want in an SUV. At this time, we do not have updates on pricing, but we’re expecting to welcome the 2026 model year into the showrooms in late Q2 this year. Do you want to be notified when they arrive? Contact Jeff Belzer’s Kia in Lakeville, MN or take a look at our current Kia Sportage Inventory and special offers. We’re excited to answer any questions you have on this new model year!