VIDEO: 2026 Kia Sportage Hands-On First Look Live From LA
Kia has unveiled updates to the 2026 Kia Sportage, now in its fifth generation, bringing refreshed design, new trims, and enhanced technology.
The SUV adopts Kia's "Opposites United" design language with updated front and rear bumpers, Cube LED headlights, and tail lights featuring the Star Map theme. Buyers can choose from refreshed 17-, 18-, or 19-inch alloy wheels, while interior upgrades include a Dual 12.3-inch curved display, fingerprint-resistant materials, and new accent trims.
Mike Schlee was on hand at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show to get first impressions of Kia's popular SUV.
The 2026 Sportage will offer three powertrain options. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 187 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and offers towing capability up to 3,500 pounds. The hybrid variant combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with a revised electric motor, now generating 231 horsepower and towing up to 2,000 pounds. The plug-in hybrid ups the power to 268 horsepower, thanks to its 72 kW motor, with all-wheel drive as standard.
2026 Kia Sportage: All The Details
Rugged variants like the X-Line and X-Pro Prestige cater to adventure seekers, featuring unique styling, all-terrain tires, and enhanced terrain modes. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking and driver hands-on detection, with advanced options like forward collision avoidance and highway driving assist.
The 2026 Kia Sportage lineup includes multiple trims across gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid configurations, with more details and pricing expected closer to launch.
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Why is the Kia Logo off center on the steering wheel? That would drive me nuts