The Kia Sportage, now in its fifth generation, has received a mid-cycle refresh with significant updates in design, technology, and performance, set to arrive in North America for the 2026 model year.
Sharper Exterior Design
Kia’s revamped Sportage introduces a more dynamic look, starting with a redesigned front fascia featuring vertically stacked headlights, larger bumper intakes, and a sleeker grille for a more confident stance. The exterior updates align with Kia’s growing electric vehicle lineup, creating a unified design language across models.
While the profile remains largely unchanged, new front fenders and alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches bring fresh style. At the rear, updated LED taillight graphics and a subtly redesigned bumper round out the changes. The top-tier X-Line trim stands out with sportier bumpers, black accents, and exclusive 19-inch wheels.
Both the long-wheelbase version for markets like Korea, North America, and Australia, and the shorter European version will feature these design updates.
Modernized Interior and Tech Upgrades
Inside, the 2026 Sportage showcases a more high-tech cabin with a curved digital cockpit housing dual 12.3-inch screens and a new head-up display. The steering wheel has been modernized to a sleek two-spoke design, while mood lighting, slimmer air vents, and updated controls enhance the overall interior feel. Safety has also been upgraded, featuring new driver assistance systems like grip detection, a steering wheel vibration alert, and a driver-facing camera.
Kia offers three interior color options—Lounge Brown, Black, and Navy Gray—and eight exterior color choices, providing more customization for buyers.
Improved Powertrain Options
Under the hood, the 2026 Kia Sportage introduces a new eight-speed automatic transmission paired with the familiar 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, producing 177 hp. This new transmission promises smoother shifts compared to the previous seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The hybrid version has also seen a slight performance boost, gaining 5 hp to bring the total output to 177 hp for the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, plus an additional 64 hp from the electric motor. Kia has enhanced the hybrid system’s regenerative braking, allowing for customizable braking intensity through paddle shifters, while smart regenerative braking adapts automatically based on driving conditions.
The plug-in hybrid variant will continue to be available in markets like Europe and North America, offering further options for eco-conscious drivers.
Refined Ride Quality and Noise Reduction
Kia engineers have made improvements to the Sportage’s ride quality, incorporating a new two-way damper in the front suspension to reduce road noise. Additional sound-deadening materials in the B-pillar, crash pad, and door trim contribute to a quieter cabin, with sound-insulating glass remaining a feature since the 2023 model.
Pricing and Availability
In Korea, the updated Kia Sportage is priced between ₩28.36 million ($20,600) and ₩48.70 million ($35,300), depending on the powertrain and trim. Kia has also partnered with Netflix for a cross-promotion, featuring the Sportage in the second season of the hit show Squid Game.
The US version of the facelifted Sportage is expected to debut in 2025, just ahead of its 2026 model year release.
Source: KIA
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
