The 2026 Kia Sportage was just unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show with a mid-cycle refresh. The updated Sportage employs what Kia calls an “Opposites United” design philosophy with a bold new front end, updated tech inside, and a bigger hybrid lineup. The Kia Sportage continues to be the Korean brand’s top competitor to the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain in a crowded segment of compact crossovers.
Kia says the “2026 Sportage delivers more of everything for today’s savvy, adventurous, and eco-conscious consumers.” The Sportage boasts new front and rear fascias with angular amber “Star Map” running lights, similar to those of other Kia models like the Sorento and Carnival. Naturally, X-Line variants get their own rugged aesthetics.
Inside the 2026 Kia Sportage, a curved display with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment system now comes standard. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also standard. The Sportage moves upmarket with optional features, including a head-up display, power-folding mirrors, Harman Kardon audio, and heated rear seats in the hybrids.
Speaking of hybrid models, the Sportage continues to offer a conventional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. Both eke out a little more power than the outgoing model: an extra 4 hp for the HEV (231 hp) and a 7 hp boost for the PHEV (268 hp). The Sportage HEV gets an expanded model range with two new trims: S and X-Line. Assuming it will follow the formula of other Kia models, the S trim should slot between the base LX and mid-range EX trims.
The X-Line is the off-roader with features like more aggressive styling, SynTex seating, standard AWD, and raised roof rack rails. Meanwhile, the X-Pro Prestige is exclusive to the regular ICE Sportage and comes with BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, an active AWD system with Terrain Mode, LED fog lights and projector lights, a heated windshield and washer nozzles, and a two-tone roof design.
Kia says “certain Sportage trims are assembled in the U.S.” at its new West Point, Georgia plant, but it doesn’t specify which ones. Pricing for the 2026 Kia Sportage will be announced closer to its launch in the second quarter of 2025. If it’s priced like the 2025 model, it should remain slightly more affordable than the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain.
Comments
I don’t think GM is worried.
Well… seems just about everyone except GM has HEV’s and PHEV’s. And, GM’s newest ICE vehicles are going backwards in MPG’s.
True. Seems like the platform could have a hybrid option, based on the Chinese version.
I remember hearing the hybrid set-up would be US-developed so it’s not a carry over from the Chinese version.
Looks are an improvement. HEV and PHEV powertrains are something the GM twins don’t have unfortunately. The interior while not being in either yet, previously the Koreans were quite a bit more luxurious and better styled (though the GM twins is more utilitarian which I prefer). They also were quieter and drover better in earlier comparisons, hopefully the redesign GM twins upped their game as a nice ride and quiet interior are preferred. Finally they have a significantly longer warranty.
So yeah, I think they will have something to worry about. Oh, and they tend to be a little cheaper. I would check out top specs of these personally.
a lot of Koreans compliment about fassionated front design… And Sportage lead a segment in Korea dut to the various options. So I expect Americans also like this car too. Equinox need a HEV powertrain..!
Instead of an HEV, get the Equinox EV. There are dozens of videos at YouTube giving it excellent reviews. Kia is not as good as it seems, since they are made cheaper, and more problematic (see my post below).
A family friend bought a 2019 Kia Sportage, after seeing my 2009 Chevy Equinox. Five years later, she is trying to sell off that Sportage since it gave her many problems while I still have my Equinox as good as new. Kia cars may look better, but are worse under the hood, like a good looking woman with evil attitude! Never buy a Kia!
Traded my daughter’s 2015 Hyundai Sonata with 95k miles in perfect condition for a Cadillac XT4. Cars “usually” last if you take care of them. And a little luck. Hybrid/PHEV will get you between 500-600 miles. EV’s 300 miles. GM’s loss no hybrids in USA.
OOOFF! That face looks like an angry kid who just got braces.