UPDATED 02/08/2026 8:00 a.m.:We’ve updated this article, first published on May 29, 2025 and then updated on June 14, with details about a new entry-level hybrid.
This was done as part of a mid-life facelift 2026 Kia Sportage has received a refreshed design, more hybrid variants, more standard equipment and the introduction of Kia Connect services, accompanied by price increases of up to $4070.
After launching in mid-2025, Kia has further expanded the Sportage hybrid range this year. The electrified powertrain is now available in the base S trim with front- or all-wheel drive.
Like the pre-update model, the Sportage is offered in S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line trim levels, with no fewer than five different powertrain options available. The six-speed manual transmission is dead, and the 1.6T AWD variants swap their dual-clutch automatic transmission for an eight-speed torque converter unit.
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Additionally, hybrid (HEV) versions of the SX and GT-Line are now available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with the new S variants bringing the total number of hybrid options to six.
Thanks to a new electric motor, hybrid vehicles also receive a slight increase in power and torque – now 173 kW/367 Nm. Revised design details, new alloy wheel options and an improved level of technology round off the highlights.
Prices for the Kia Sportage MY26 start at $37,990 before on-road costs, which is $5,000 more than the old base manual and $3,000 more than the previous entry-level automatic S model.
These price increases are somewhat offset by improved specification levels, as detailed below.
Prices
For 2026, prices will rise across the board, by at least $500 and an average of around $3,000, depending on the model variant.
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| 2026 Kia Sportage S 2.0 FWD | $37,990 (+$2995) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage S 2.0D AWD | $43,390 (+$2995) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage S 1.6T HEV FWD | $44,450 (NEW) |
| 2026 Sport Sport Sport 1.6T AWD AWD | $47,450 (NEW) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage SX 2.0 FWD | $40,480 (+$2930) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage SX 2.0D AWD | $45,880 (+$2930) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage SX 1.6T HEV FWD | $46,450 (+$500) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage SX 1.6T HEV AWD | $49,450 (NEW) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage SX+ 2.0 FWD | $45,080 (+$3,030) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage SX+ 1.6T AWD | $47,080 (+$3,030) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage SX+ 2.0D AWD | $50,480 (+$3030) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage GT-Line 1.6T AWD | $53,990 (+$4070) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage GT-Line 2.0D AWD | $56,400 (+$3480) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage GT-Line 1.6T HEV FWD | $57,370 (+$2310) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage GT-Line 1.6T HEV AWD | $60,370 (NEW) |
Drives and efficiency
Four different engine variants are offered, with the turbo hybrid now offering both front and all-wheel drive.
| Specifications | 2.0 FWD | 1.6T AWD | 2.0D AWD | 1.6T HEV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol engine | 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine | 2.0L 4-cylinder turbodiesel | 1.6 liter 4 cylinder turbo petrol HEV |
| Engine performance | 115 kW / 192 Nm | 132 kW / 265 Nm | 137 kW / 416 Nm | 132 kW / 265 Nm |
| Electric motor outputs | – | – | – | 47.7 kW / 264 Nm |
| System outputs | – | – | – | 173 kW / 367 Nm |
| battery | – | – | – | 1.49 kWh Li-ion |
| transmission | 6-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Drive type | FWD | Four-wheel drive | Four-wheel drive | FWD/AWD |
| Weight – curb weight | 1610kg | 1715kg | 1764kg | 1733-1793 kg |
| Fuel consumption (claimed) | 8.1L/100km | 7.5L/100km | 6.3L/100km | 4.9-5.3L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 54L | 54L | 54L | 52L |
| Fuel requirements | 91 octane | 91 octane | Diesel | 91 octane |
| CO2 emissions | 184g/km | 169g/km | 163g/km | 110-121g/km |
| Emissions standard | 5 euros | 5 euros | 5 euros | 5 euros |
| Braked towing capacity | 1650kg | 1650kg | 1900kg | 1900kg |
| Download Towball | 100kg | 100kg | 100kg | 100kg |
The Sportage HEV saw a slight increase in power and torque to 173kW/367Nm (from 169kW/350Nm) thanks to a more powerful electric motor sitting between the gearbox and the turbo petrol engine. The braked towing capacity for hybrid models has also been increased to 1900kg, matching the diesel.
Another significant change comes to the transmission for the 1.6T AWD versions, which replaces the old and unpopular seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with a smoother-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. However, this increases fuel consumption in the combined cycle by almost 0.5 l/100 km.
Dimensions
The Kia Sportage’s mid-life update has resulted in slight growth. It is now 25mm longer.
| Dimensions | Kia Sportage | HEV Sport Kia |
|---|---|---|
| length | 4685mm | 4685mm |
| Width | 1865mm | 1865mm |
| Height | 1660mm | 1680mm |
| wheelbase | 2755mm | 2755mm |
| Trunk (second row above) | 543L | 586L |
| Trunk (second row of seats folded down) | 1829L | 1872L |
| Trailer load (unbraked) | 750kg | 750kg |
| Trailer load (braked) | 1650kg (petrol) 1900kg (diesel) |
1900kg |
Maintenance and warranty
The updated Kia Sportage, like the Korean brand’s other models, comes with a seven-year, unlimited mileage new car warranty.
| Maintenance and warranty | Kia Sportage |
|---|---|
| guarantee | 7 years, unlimited kilometers – vehicle |
| Roadside assistance | Up to 8 years – start of service |
| Service at top prices | 7 years |
Hybrid vehicles also come with a seven-year/150,000 km warranty on high-voltage batteries and components.
Kia Australia offers seven years of top-price servicing across its entire range.
The 2.0-litre petrol and turbo diesel models in the range have service intervals of 12 months and 15,000km respectively, while the turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol and HEV versions have shorter service intervals of 10,000km.
| service | 2.0 FWD | 1.6T AWD | 2.0D AWD | 1.6T HEV FWD | 1.6T HEV AWD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $345 | $353 | $371 | $353 | $353 |
| Year 2 | $553 | $578 | $597 | $561 | $578 |
| Year 3 | $430 | $438 | $458 | $422 | $422 |
| Year 4 | $751 | $796 | $864 | $880 | $916 |
| Year 5 | $388 | $397 | $418 | $397 | $397 |
| Year 6 | $711 | $739 | $742 | $703 | $703 |
| Year 7 | $412 | $716 | $444 | $716 | $716 |
Security
The updated Kia Sportage is expected to retain its five-star ANCAP safety rating based on the 2022 Euro NCAP tests.
| category | Kia Sportage |
|---|---|
| Protection for adults | 87 percent |
| Passenger protection for children | 87 percent |
| Protection of vulnerable road users | 66 percent |
| Security assistant | 74 percent |
As part of the facelift, all Sportages now have an emergency assist function for adaptive cruise control if the driver does not respond, while SX+ and above have Highway Driving Assist (HDA).
Standard safety equipment includes:
- 7 airbags including front center
- Intelligent cruise control 2 – SCC 2 (NEW)
- including emergency aid (NEW)
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Intersection assistant
- Blind Spot Assist
- eCall with SOS button (NEW)
- Intelligent speed limit assistant
- Lane keeping assistant (centering)
- Lane keeping assistant
- Multi-collision brake
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Parking sensors – front (NEW), rear
- Rear view camera
- Tire pressure monitoring
SX+ adds:
- Highway driving assistant (NEW)
- Navigation-based semi-autonomous highway mode
- Adaptive cruise control + lane departure warning
GT Line adds:
- AEB – backwards
- Blind spot monitor
- Surround View Monitor – 360 cameras
Standard equipment
The previous range expansion is retained – i.e. S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line – although there is more equipment across the entire product range.
Equipment highlights of the Kia Sportage S 2025:
- 17-inch alloy wheels – milled design (NEW)
- Full-size spare wheel made of light alloy
- 3 cell LED headlight – reflector type
- LED daytime running lights
- Electrically folding mirrors
- Roof rails
- Rear spoiler including high-mounted brake light
- 12.3-inch infotainment system (NEW)
- Kia Connect Services (NEW)
- Over-the-air updates (NEW)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- “Basic” digital instrument cluster.
- including 4.2-inch multifunctional display
- Fabric seats
- Premium steering wheel trim
- PVC shift lever
- 60:40 split-folding rear seats
- Rear center armrest
- Extendable cargo area cover
- Smart key with push button start (NEW)
- Remote engine start (NEW)
- Single zone air conditioning
- Audio with 6 speakers
- 12V socket – cargo area
- USB-C charger in front console
- Rear vents
Sportage SX adds:
- 18-inch alloy wheels – milled design (NEW)
- 12.3-inch navigation system – ccNC (NEW)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay – (NEW)
- Wireless Android Auto – (NEW)
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Windshield wipers with rain sensors
- 2-way lumbar support – driver
- Premium shifter – petrol, diesel
- Selector switch with dial – HEV
- Remote-folding second-row seats
- Dual zone climate control
- Emergency wheel – HEV
Above: GT Line 1.6T AWD
Sportage SX+ adds:
- Wireless phone charger (NEW)
- Heated steering wheel (NEW)
- 19-inch alloy wheels – petrol, diesel
- Electrically adjustable driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Premium audio from Harman Kardon
- Electric tailgate
- Rear privacy glass
- Faux leather upholstery
Sportage GT-Line adds:
- 19-inch light alloy wheels in black – milled design (NEW for petrol, diesel)
- 18-inch alloy wheels – milled design (NEW for HEV)
- 4-Cube LED Headlight – Projector Type (NEW)
- Dynamic welcome light – front, back (NEW)
- Head-up display (NEW)
- Heated steering wheel (NEW for petrol, diesel)
- Selector lever with rotary knob – all variants (NEW excl. HEV)
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Memory function – driver’s seat
- Electrically adjustable passenger seat
- Ventilated front seats
- Ambient mood lighting
- Panoramic sunroof
- LED interior lighting
- Alloy sports pedals
Colors
Two new paint finishes join the Sportage’s range, while the previous model’s Dawning Red color has been discontinued.
Default: $NCO
Premium Paint: $TBC
- Heritage Blue (NEW)
- Wolf Gray (NEW)
- Steel gray
- Gravity gray
- Fusion Black
- Vesta Blue
- Snow White Pearl – SX+, GT-Line only
- Jungle Wood Green – SX+, GT-Line only
MORE: Explore the Kia Sportage showroom
