Performance
Both the hybrid (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) drivetrains utilize a 1.6-liter turbocharged direct-injection inline-4 engine. HEV models include a 47.7 kW motor, resulting in a total system horsepower of 232 (a 5-hp increase over the 2025 model) and 271 lb-ft of torque. Power is transmitted via a 6-speed automatic transmission, and the available all-wheel drive system is mechanical—unlike systems driven by a second motor. EPA estimated city/highway/combined mpg, the primary reason for having a hybrid drivetrain, is 41/44/42 for FWD models and 35/36/35 for AWD models.
The main advantage of the PHEV is that when fully charged, it can provide 33 miles of electric-only driving, which is enough to cover most or all of the daily commute for many people. If 33 miles suffices and it is charged overnight at home (a standard 110V household outlet can fully charge it overnight), the PHEV might go weeks without using any gasoline. However, for longer trips, it can function as a regular hybrid and doesn’t need recharging. It features a more powerful 72 kW motor, resulting in a total system output of 268 horsepower (a 7-hp increase over the 2025 model) and 271 lb-ft of torque. It uses the same 6-speed automatic transmission as the HEV but delivers power to all four wheels, as all-wheel drive is standard. The combined mpg remains at 36, the same as the AWD hybrid.
The suspension is fully independent with McPherson struts up front and Multi-link geometry in the rear. All models can tow up to 2,000 pounds with trailer brakes or 1.653 pounds without.
Exterior
The Sportage showcases an upgrade to Kia’s “Opposites United” design language with a new, confident front-end look, featuring a low, wide grille flanked by headlights with vertical LED components and striking signature DRLs. You will also find LED lighting in the turn repeaters on the side mirrors, fog lights (when available), and taillights on higher trim levels. The side profile maintains clean lines with a sporty upward sweep of the window line, complemented by standard privacy glass for the rear part of the cabin.
Interior
Your first impression of the interior may be the sheer space of the cabin. I measure 178.1 cubic feet in total, and you will instantly notice that there is plenty of room for adults in the rear seat and cargo space behind them. Specifically, rear seat passengers enjoy 41.4 inches of rear legroom, which is over 3.5 inches more than the 2005 RAV4 hybrid and slightly greater than the Honda CR-V hybrid. Behind the second row is 39.5 cubic feet of space, which also exceeds that of both the RAV4 and CR-V hybrids.
At the front, the Sportage features an attractive dashboard with a single housing for the center touchscreen and the driver’s gauge cluster. Vents for the standard dual-zone climate control system extend from a wall-to-wall center trim section, and below this is a full set of physical controls for the climate system. The center console contains additional controls, including the start button and a convenient transmission selector knob that is easy to operate and creates a more spacious feel than a traditional upright shifter.
The driver has a complete set of controls within easy reach on the steering wheel, including rollers for volume adjustment and the selection of various information displays. Seating starts with cloth surfaces and can be upgraded to two levels of SynTex artificial leather, which is durable and easy to clean. The base model offers 6-way manual adjustment for the driver’s seat. This can be upgraded to a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support and an 8-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat. Heated and ventilated front seats are available, as are heated second-row seats.
Technology
The Sportage highlights its tech-savviness with a 12.3-inch center touchscreen and an available 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, both neatly housed in a single unit. The center screen can wirelessly display Apple CarPlay or Android Auto interfaces, and the vehicle is capable of receiving Over-the-Air updates. For 2026, available features include a 10-inch Head-Up Display, a surround-view camera system to help you park perfectly every time and avoid unseen nearby obstacles when leaving, wireless charging, and a Harmon Kardon audio system. Additionally, higher trims offer the Digital Key system, allowing you to use your smartphone as a vehicle key and extend that capability to trusted family and friends.
Safety
The Plug-in Hybrid model has not yet been tested. However, the 2026 Sportage Hybrid has an overall 5-star rating from the NHTSA, and the model earned the IIHS’s highest Top Safety Pick+ designation. Standard on all models is a full array of driver assistance and safety technologies, including:
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go
- Forward collision warning and avoidance
- Lane Following Assist
- Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning
- High beam assist
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Safe exit assist
- Rear occupant alert
- Downhill brake control
- Hill-Start Assist Control
- Impact Sensing Auto Door Unlock
Upper-level models feature a Blind Spot Warning, an additional Blind Spot Collision Avoidance system, advanced Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision Avoidance systems, and a system that enables the Smart Cruise Control to communicate with the navigation app to automatically slow the vehicle on curves.
