Plug-in hybrid adds to Kia Sportage's appeal
Roseville, Calif.- Despite the strong competition in its class, the Kia Sportage had record sales a year ago. And with the increased popularity of its plug-in model and rising gas prices a factor as well, it would come as no surprise if the Sportage enjoys another record-setting year.
We've enjoyed driving the gas-powered Sportage in the past and sampled the 2026 Kia Sportage plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and liked it even more. Overall, the Sportage is considered among the best in its SUV class, due to its great value, spacious, well-designed cabin, and strong performance.
In this extremely competitive group, the Kia Sportage has managed to continually climb the ladder and be recognized among the leaders like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-50, and Mazda CX-5. And that's just the short list – more small SUVs could be included.
Enhancements
Enhancements to the latest Sportage include a larger standard touchscreen and instrument display, updated front-end design, and additional driver assistance features. The improvements come on the heels of a major upgrade in 2023.
Previously, the Sportage created major news in 2023 with the debut of a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, giving the SUV options that some of its competitors had already implemented to go along with their traditional gas-powered models. There's no mistaking the lineup additions added to the Sportage's overall appeal.
While many improvements have been implemented, the gas-powered Sportage hasn't addressed its major weakness – performance. That's not the case with the PHEV version. The power is there, especially when one clicks on the "sport" option.
All-wheel drive standard
Unlike the gas-powered version, the PHEV comes with standard all-wheel drive in all trim models. It's equipped with an electric motor that combines with a turbocharged 1.6-liter, four-cylinder to produce 268 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The Sportage gas model engine is a 2.5-liter with 187 horsepower.
The PHEV travels 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds, nearly 2 seconds faster than the gas model. Available in two trim models – Line and X-Line Prestige – the PHEV also has superior fuel economy (35-36 mpg).
Although not a sporty SUV, we found the Sportage ride quiet and smooth with good handling. The steering and braking make it easy to maneuver in traffic and tight parking areas.
Standard driver safety features include blind spot monitoring; lane keeping assist; automatic emergency braking; tire pressure warning; automatic high beams; rear cross traffic alert; adaptive cruise control; and pre-collision safety system.
AT A GLANCE – 2026 KIA SPORTAGE PHEV
- Performance: electric motor, turbocharged 1.6-liter, four-cylinder, 268 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 35-36 mpg
- Price estimate: $40,500 to $47,200
- Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles; drivetrain: 10 years/100,000 miles; roadside assistance: 5 years/60,000; corrosion: 5 years/100,000; Battery: 10 years/100,000
Interior
This year's Sportage adds a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, an upgrade from the previous 8-inch one. There's also a digital instrument display that's the same size as the new touchscreen. There are two USB-C ports in both rows for charging, plus a wireless charging pad on most trim models.
There was one new interior feature that we found annoying. When not in use, the climate control temperature knob also doubles as audio volume. The dual functionality can be confounding and can take away from the driver's attention to the road.
The Sportage is considered one of the most spacious vehicles in its class. The interior is roomy with comfortable seating for all five passengers. There's also lots of room in the PHEV cargo area – 34.5 cubic feet of space behind the second row that expands to 65.5 cubic feet with that row folded down. Note the regular Sportage has 39.6 cubic feet of space that maxes out at 74.1 cubes.
As mentioned, we applaud the gas-powered Sportage, but are even more impressed with the 2026 Kia Sportage plug-in hybrid. It travels further on a tank of gas, has superior performance and features all the interior and exterior improvements across the board that Kia added this year.
