The 5^th generation Sportage has been on the US markets for around three years, and Kia has decided it is the right time to bring along a facelift – a rather comprehensive one at that. As Kia’s longest running nameplate, the onus is on them to deliver a vehicle befitting that status. Between multiple drivetrain options, new trim levels that cater to customers at distinct price points and the updated styling, it seems that they just might have done so.

The Running Gear

Let’s get to the heart of the 2026 Sportage. The ICE model retains the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, putting out 187 hp.

The Hybrid and PHEV models, however, use a smaller 1.6L turbo-petrol engine mated to an electric motor, to put figures of 231 hp, and 268 hp, respectively. This performance increment in both variants came about with a thorough revision of the hybrid system.

The ICE and Hybrid models are offered with both FWD and AWD, but the PHEV, as the range-topping configuration, gets only AWD.

Out With the Old, in with the New

Being a facelift, the overall dimensions of the 2026 Sportage stay about the same as the current model. The front-end sees a revamp, bringing it more in line with the rest of the models in Kia’s vast portfolio.

Gone are the boomerang-esque DRLs, and in come some upright units that hint to the EV9’s design language. At the rear, the taillamps have been tweaked slightly to keep things fresh, which is all it needs, considering it was originally a tasteful design. New alloy designs have been introduced across the range, and that sums up the visual aspects of the updated Sportage.

The Key is ‘Connectivity’

Inside, you’re greeted with an updated dashboard layout, with a 12.3” infotainment screen coming as standard. Audio and climate controls reside within a capacitive touchpad positioned below the central climate vents.

Connectivity is a recurring theme in this cabin, as Kia have integrated a slew of features by means of Kia Connect. This includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, among others, and also facilitates Digital Key 2.0 Premium – smart devices connected via Kia Connect can be used to lock and unlock the doors, as well as remotely start the vehicle.

Kia Connect also has it hands on some of the driver assist tools, the most significant of them being the 360-degree surround view camera. As is with the Digital Key feature, you can now remotely make use of the camera view. Speaking of driver assists, Kia has updated its suite of ADAS features for 2026, with new additions being auto emergency braking, hands-on detection, forward collision avoidance assist, and parking distance warning including the sides.

A Trim for You, a Trim for Me

Kia intends to have an ideal trim available for every possible customer, and to that extent, there’s two new trim levels for the HEV model – S and X-Line. This joins the LX, EX and SX-Prestige trims for the HEV models, while the ICE lineup has six trim levels, ranging from LX to X-Pro Prestige, and the PHEV model has the X-Line and X-Line Prestige trims. As stated earlier, everyone gets to have a 2026 Kia Sportage.

With an expected launch in mid-2025, Kia has planted a sure foot forward in this competitive segment of crossover SUVs. Understanding the concerns of consumers and critics alike, Kia has done an admirable job evolving the Sportage for 2026, and we’re all here for it. We said it once, and we’ll say it again – there’s a Sportage for every one of us out there.