Face-Lifted 2026 Kia Sportage Gets More Standard Tech, Hybrid Gets (Slightly) More Power and Trims
Competes with: Ford Bronco Sport, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4
Looks like: A 2025 Sportage with new bumpers
Powertrains: 187-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder (gas), 231-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder (hybrid) or 268-hp, turbo 1.6-liter four-cylinder (plug-in hybrid); six- or eight-speed automatic transmission; front- or all-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Second quarter of 2025
The Sportage is Kia’s bestseller, so the brand doesn’t mess with it lightly — at least it doesn’t in terms of the consideration that goes into messing with the compact SUV. The extent of the messing, on the other hand, is exceedingly light. Three years after the current generation debuted for 2023, a refresh for the Sportage lineup will arrive for the 2026 model year.
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Nip, Tuck and Dollop
Visually, the face-lift is minor: new front and rear bumpers with straighter lines, the signature daytime running lights moved from inboard of the headlights to outboard, and updated headlights and taillights. Inside the 2026 Sportage, though, is more standard and available tech, with dual 12.3-inch displays for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen curved and angled toward the driver. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and a 10-inch head-up display and Kia’s Digital Key (which allows owners to use a smartphone as their vehicle key and gives them remote monitoring capabilities) are optional.
There’s new available safety tech, too, such as the next-generation Highway Driving Assist 2 (which allows for hands-on semi-autonomous driving) and side parking sensors. Away from pavement and traffic, a Terrain mode is newly standard on all-wheel-drive Sportages to help drivers manage traction in snow, mud and sand.
A Little Boost for the Hybrids
Both the Sportage Hybrid and Sportage Plug-in Hybrid see a slight boost in output, the regular hybrid up 4 horses to 231 hp and the plug-in gaining 7 hp for a total of 268 hp. The regular hybrid, previously only available in the LX, EX and SX-Prestige trim levels, can now be had in two more. As it does on the Sorento, the S trim slots between the entry-level LX and EX, adding dark exterior trim and basic luxury features such as a power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats. Filling the space between the EX and SX-Prestige, the new Sorento Hybrid X-Line includes similar blackout elements as well as a panoramic moonroof, synthetic leather seating and more.
Availability and Pricing
The face-lifted 2026 Kia Sportage will go on sale in the second quarter of 2025. Pricing will be available closer to the start of sales.
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