Automotive
By Kimatni D. Rawlins
Kia is passionate about creating fun, efficient, and creative vehicles. They give consumers what they desire, plus a little more in extra credit points. To hone in on this philosophy, I joined the Kia communications team in Louisville, Kentucky—home of Muhammad Ali—to experience the ins and outs of the all-new imaginative 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid.
The compact crossover vehicle is the longest-running nameplate in Kia’s US history and its best seller. Therefore, the Sportage’s impact on the roster is pertinent to the Korean automaker’s overall strategy. Thus, with the current generation, company product planners devised a plan to present the Sportage with revamped design cues, a refreshed interior, adventurous amenities, and added electrification. For example, the 5th-gen Sportage, launched in 2022, introduced a hybrid model representing 15% of sales. Today, the electrified models are making up more of the mix with a 25% chunk of sales.
My test car for the day came in an energy-uplifting Heritage Blue exterior hue and gray interior. Snazzy two-tone 19″ alloy rims, an enormous panoramic sunroof with a sunshade, a Smart Power Liftgate, LED projector headlights, roof rails, and a rear spoiler enhance the prominence of the vehicle. Black and brushed silver trimmings bring out the bold and confident profile of the Sportage, which is, in fact, sporty.
Hybrid efficiency and performance were introduced in the 2023 Sportage. For the 2026 model, Kia elevated the package with a 1.6-liter gasoline turbo hybrid powertrain (232-horsepower) including a 47.7kW motor and a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. As a result, acceleration in the Sportage Hybrid SX-Prestige AWD (FWD is standard) was self-assuring as I enjoyed the electric motor’s smooth get-up and hyper sound. Feeling light on its feet and well-balanced, Michelin Primacy all-season tires provided excellent on-road traction and reduced noise. The little guy can also tow 2,000 pounds. More importantly, highway fuel economy is 36 mpg, perfect for extended road trips. Moreover, a Terrain Mode exists for individuals with active lifestyles like mine.
Inside, the Sportage is clean and refreshing with an array of tech features and thoughtful design schemes. Its curved display integrates dual 12.3” infotainment and 12.3” cluster screens. My reggae rhythms sounded terrific from the Harman Kardon premium audio system and Apple CarPlay worked seamlessly. The Surround-View Monitor with a 3D view is cool, and there is always a need for a Wi-Fi Hotspot. A quirky touchpad bar below the screen doubles as the climate and audio controller. Extra USB-c ports are located on the side of the front seats for rear passengers to access, and SynTex animal-free leather represents the seats. Still, natural animal skin is used in other parts of the cabin, such as the leather on the flat-top and flat-bottom steering wheel. Also, the ambient lights change color on the circular gear selector when you switch drive modes.
Safety is always at the forefront of a Kia, and the Sportage extends the formula. Advanced driver assistance systems include Driver Attention Warning, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Warning, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go. Half of my extended family members own a Kia and speak highly of their rides during holiday gatherings. But, of course, styling and safety are always at the top of the conversation. Kia also offers a 10-year powertrain warranty, a 10-year limited battery warranty, a 5-year limited basic warranty, and five years of roadside assistance. Outstanding!
Ranging from $30,290 to $40,390 (excluding the $1,445 destination fee), the 2026 Kia Sportage HEV lineup consists of five diverse trims: LX, S Turbo-Hybrid, EX, X-Line Turbo-Hybrid, and the SX-Prestige that I evaluated. The compact SUV is a stylistic gem with a boatload of utility, capability, and offerings for practitioners looking for a different type of value vehicle.
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