What's New for the 2026 Kia Sportage?

First launched in the early 1990s, the Kia Sportage is one of the longest-running compact crossovers in the industry. Today, it's among the segment's most appealing options thanks to its well-rounded mix of comfort, safety, practicality, and drivability. The Sportage entered its fifth generation in 2023. Heading into the 2026 model year, Kia's top-selling nameplate gets even better courtesy of a mid-cycle refresh. Here's a quick look at what's new.

• Design: The 2026 Sportage wears a bolder, more refined exterior aesthetic based on the automaker's Opposites United design philosophy. It features a more muscular look with more prominent fender flares, sculpted bumpers, and more squared-off front fascia. The redesigned lighting clusters include stacked LED headlamps with optional cube-style projection, "Star Map" daytime running lamps, shared LED headlamps, and narrowed angular turn signals. It also gets new 17-, 18-, and 19-inch wheel designs.


• Interior and Infotainment: The 2026 Sportage now comes standard with Smart Key proximity entry and available Digital Key 2.0, which lets you use your smartphone to lock/unlock the doors, start the engine, and more without needing a traditional key fob. The standard 12.3-inch touchscreen includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration without cable clutter. Other tech features include 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotpost connectivity for up to five devices, Smart Speaker integration, and Kia Access compatibility for Apple and Android-based smartwatches.


• New Hybrid Trims: The Sportage Hybrid adds a new S trim level and a new X-Line variant with rugged styling details.


• New LX Convenience Package: The optional equipment group bolsters the base trim with a power driver's seat, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Alert, and heated mirrors with integrated LED turn indicators.


• New X-Line Technology Package: The package adds drive memory settings, LED fog lamps, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, Harman Kardon premium audio, and Surround View and Blind View Monitor camera systems.


• New Terrain mode (Snow, Mud, Sand): Standard for X-Line, X-Pro Prestige, and all AWD models.


• More powerful hybrid models: The Sportage Hybrid now makes 231 horsepower (+4 hp), while the Sportage PHEV generates 268 horsepower (+7 hp).

Shop the Latest Kia Models in Schenectady, NY

Reach out to Matthews Kia of Schenectady to learn more about the refreshed Kia Sportage, including its available features, financing offers, and reservation opportunities. If you'd like a closer look at any of the models in our new Kia inventory, we welcome you to visit us for a test drive. We'll be happy to show you around.