Kia's compact SUV keeps gaining ground despite fierce competition
Roseville, Calif.- In the extremely competitive compact crossover SUV class, the Kia Sportage has managed to continually climb the ladder and be recognized among the leaders.
The list of premiere compact SUVs is sizable. It includes longtime heavyweights – Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V – plus several highly regarded models like the Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-50, Mazda CX-5, and Volkswagen Tiguan. And that's just the short list; there are more that could be included.
Despite the competition, this year the Sportage is on track to exceed its record 2024 sales of 161,917. And with improvements added to the 2026 Kia Sportage, it's likely sales could be on the rise once again, giving the SUV sales of 124,000 or more for five straight years.
Enhancements
Enhancements to the latest Sportage include a larger standard touchscreen and instrument displays, updated front-end design, and additional driver assistance features. The improvements come on the heels of a major upgrade in 2023.
This year's exterior changes include a new front grille design, which some suggest looks like gear teeth (pointed protrusions that make up the grille's pattern). Also new are amber running lights and revised headlights.
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. The lineup additions added to the Sportage's overall appeal.
Performance
While many improvements have been implemented, the gas-powered Sportage hasn't addressed its major weakness – performance. It still trails many of its competitors in this department. We will add that switching to "sport mode" gives the Sportage more power when needed.
The front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is an option) Sportage has one engine – a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder that delivers 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it goes 0-60 in a sluggish 9.3 seconds and gets 25-33 mpg.
If the performance doesn't meet your standards, the hybrid and plug-hybrid may. The turbocharged hybrid is a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder that generates 232 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The plug-in hybrid combines an electric motor with a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder that produces 268 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. It travels 34 miles in electric vehicle mode.
Although not a sporty SUV, we found the Sportage ride quality smooth with good handling, steering and braking, making it easy to maneuver in tight parking areas.
It comes with the following standard driver safety assistance – forward collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, driver attention and blind spot collision warning, rear cross traffic collision avoidance, safe exit warning, high beam assist, parking distance warning, and smart cruise control.
AT A GLANCE – 2026 KIA SPORTAGE
- Performance: 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 187 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 25-33 mpg
- Price estimate: $28,700 to $39,600
- Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles; drivetrain: 10 years/100,000 miles; roadside assistance: 5 years/60,000; corrosion: 5 years/100,000
Interior
This year's Sportage adds a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, an upgrade from the previous 8-inch display. 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.
One somewhat annoying interior issue has been added. When not in use, the climate control knob also doubles for audio controls. The dual functionality can be confounding and 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 cargo area – 39.6 cubic feet of space behind the second row that expands to 74.1 cubic feet with that row folded down.
Key improvements make the 2026 Kia Sportage more appealing that ever as it continues to rise in stature among all compact crossover SUVs.