LOOKS

The 2026 Sportage hybrid mostly carries over, with the Sportage’s last full redesign coming in 2023. There are some updates in looks, power and tech.

The exterior of the Sportage features a classy look highlighted by an updated grilled and stacked LED lighting design that stands out in class, plus sharp new wheel designs. Though minor changes, I prefer the 2026 Sportage over the 2025 look.

My test vehicle, an SX-Prestige trim level, also featured an eye-catching exterior paint color, called Heritage Blue, and included 19-inch alloy wheels (sizes offered range from 17 to 19 inches), panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, heated outside mirrors with LED turn signals, plus a roof rack and rear spoiler.

Moving inside, the two-row Sportage hybrid seats 5 passengers. It’s comfortable enough for all five passengers in terms of head room and leg room, but the back row can be a bit tight for taller people — a common issue in this segment that’s not unique to the Sportage.

The vehicle uses quality materials compared to others in its price range, SynTex synthetic leather seating is comfortable for passengers, heated front seats are included, and the interior design is highlighted by a sleek dashboard design with large tech screens. 

Cargo space is another highlight of the Sportage hybrid, offering 39.5 cubic feet of space with the second row up, and 73.7 cubic feet with second row down. Those numbers are among the best you’ll find in this class of vehicle.

Other interior features include:
— Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
— Power Driver's Seat w/ Power Lumbar
— 60/40 Split-Folding and Reclining Rear Seats
— Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel

Other available comfort features include: ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats and heated steering wheel.

HOW’S THE RIDE? 

The 2026 Kia Sportage hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged hybrid engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission (and equipped with paddle shifters). Output numbers are 232 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque.

These are among the best numbers in the compact hybrid SUV segment, matched only by the Hyundai Tucson hybrid, and better than other key competitors.

The Sportage hybrid comes in front-wheel drive on base trim, but all other trims feature standard all-wheel drive.

Kia has also been smart to offer a variety of options for powertrains — as the Sportage comes traditional gas/ICE version (187 horsepower), hybrid and plug-in hybrid (268 horsepower) options.

Trim levels on the 2026 Kia Sportage hybrid include LX, S, EX, X-Line, and SX-Prestige.
Towing capacity caps out at 2,000 pounds.

In terms of drive quality with the Sportage hybrid, the numbers are strong enough to provide decent power, but don’t expect a hot rod and be realistic with expectations.

The 0-to-60 times in the Sportage hybrid are in the low to mid 7 second range, which is roughly on par with most rival hybrids in the category. It’s decent acceleration, but won’t blow you away.

What will impress most people driving the Sportage hybrid is the quiet interior, and comfortable and pleasant ride that it offers, plus the fact that it handles very well on twisty roads due to its smaller size and agility. Braking is immediate and reliable, and the overall experience is one you’ll enjoy each day.

Selectable drive modes include Eco, Sport and Smart; while terrain modes offered on some trims include Snow, Mud and Sand.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

The 2026 Kia Sportage hybrid features the strong tech setup that is found across Kia’s SUV lineup.

Voice commands work effectively, with no need to repeat yourself.

The large, 12.3-inch touchscreen is well-designed, and easy to use and customize. The one thing I’m not a fan of is the lower touch control strip that toggles between climate and radio, creating unnecessary work for the driver that can be distracting.

A separate, 12.3-inch digital display can be found directly in front of the driver, and the overall look of the tech setup is attractive and modern looking.

You can opt for a high-quality Harman/Kardon premium audio system that sounds great on both the high and low ends, and through Kia Connect you can use your smartphone as a Digital Key.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay allow you to stream calls and music to the vehicle, and the navigation system works effectively and takes voice commands well.

The vehicle is also equipped with multiple USB ports, and Sirius XM satellite radio, which comes with a 3-month trial.

Moving on to safety technology, the Sportage hybrid features a strong list of helpful safety features to protect passengers on the roadways.

Kia’s Highway Driving Assist, a limited self-driving feature that relies on adaptive cruise control and lane keeping features, worked quite well in my testing and I was never worried about the vehicle not doing what it was supposed to do.

The 360-view surround camera system was also quite helpful when navigating tight spaces and parking situations. And a head-up display proves helpful in keeping the driver’s eyes on the road.

Other safety features include:
— Forward collision warning with automatic braking
— Lane departure warning
— Driver attention warning
— Blind-Spot Collision Warning
— Safe Exit Warning

MPG

The official fuel mileage numbers on the Kia Sportage hybrid with AWD are 35 city/36 highway/35 combined. The base model is FWD, and offers impressive numbers of 41 city/44 highway/42 combined.

These numbers are strong enough for most potential buyers, especially on the FWD models, but even the AWD option is very close to the highest numbers you’ll find in the segment. Another strong rival in fuel economy is the RAV4 hybrid from Toyota.

In my experience driving the Sportage hybrid, I averaged roughly 35 mpg.

There’s also a separate, plug-in hybrid model offered in the Sportage lineup, which delivers 34 electric-only miles before any gas is needed.

PRICE

The 2026 Kia Sportage hybrid that I tested was at the high end of the price range, and roughly $42K. But you can get into the base Sportage hybrid for about $31K, which is relatively affordable in today’s SUV landscape.

Trim levels offered include LX, S, EX, X-Line and SX Prestige. And most people will be happy with the features offered at the mid-range EX level (which features the larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen and other comfort features, and won’t need to make the full leap to the top trims.

The price range of the Sportage hybrid competes very well in its segment, starting lower than rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 hybrid, Hyundai Tucson hybrid, and Honda CR-V hybrid. And despite the lower price, quality of the vehicle is not compromised and high-quality materials are used.

Kia’s industry-leading warranties are another draw, including:

— Overall limited warranty for 5 years/60,000 miles
— Powertrain warranty for 10 years/100,000 miles
— Battery warranty for 10 years/100,000 miles
— Roadside assistance covered for 5 years/60,000 miles

The only thing missing is complimentary scheduled maintenance, which some rivals offer.

BOTTOM LINE

The 2026 Kia Sportage hybrid delivers strong mileage, sleek design, respectable drive quality, and advanced tech features — making it one of the most attractive options among hybrid SUVs.
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