Kia has revealed the 2026 Sportage with significant updates to both its design and performance. The refreshed model features a new front-end design, with vertically oriented headlights, a revised grille, and updated bumpers, giving it a more modern and aggressive stance. Inside, the cabin is upgraded with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen running Kia’s new ccNC operating system, paired with a digital instrument cluster. Interior options now include two-tone color schemes, enhancing its premium appeal.
Under the hood, the Sportage offers a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, now paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. This engine continues to produce 132 kW and 265 Nm, with improved shift smoothness and responsiveness. The hybrid powertrain also gets a 3.7 kW increase in electric motor power, along with a new “infant driving mode” for smoother acceleration. The suspension has been refined with a two-way damper on the front strut, and additional soundproofing materials in the B-pillars and door trims reduce road noise.
Tech upgrades include Kia’s Digital Key 2, allowing for keyless entry and ignition via a smartphone, and an augmented reality navigation system that overlays directional information on the display. The vehicle also comes with Highway Driving Assist 2, which integrates adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and automatic lane changes. Active safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse collision avoidance.
The 2026 Kia Sportage is set to launch in mid-2025, bringing a blend of updated design, advanced technology, and refined driving dynamics to the mid-size SUV segment.
