The 2026 Kia Sportage delivers versatility with three powertrains. Explore the standard, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions of this SUV
The new Kia Sportage stands as a testament to versatility in the modern SUV segment. With three distinct powertrain options—standard, hybrid (HEV), and plug-in hybrid (PHEV)—the Sportage lineup adapts to virtually any lifestyle while maintaining the comfort, technology, and capability that have made it the best-selling nameplate in Kia Canada’s history.
Design Philosophy: Sophistication Meets Functionality
The new Kia Sportage shares its premium design aesthetic with its larger siblings, the Sorento and Telluride. Each variant features projection LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and a distinctive silhouette that communicates sophistication and capability.
The interior centerpiece across all models is a panoramic instrument panel featuring available dual 12.3-inch digital displays. This flowing design places every control and system perfectly within the driver’s reach and line of sight, creating an intuitive command center that enhances the driving experience.
Available exterior colour options include Snow White Pearl, Fusion Black, Gravity Grey, Steel Grey, Wolf Grey, and Heritage Blue. The standard Sportage also offers Jungle Green exclusively for X-Line and X-Line Limited trims. Interior options range from cloth seats on base models to synthetic quilted leather in black or distinctive Carmine Red for premium trims.
Three Powertrains for Every Need
Standard Sportage: Balanced Performance
The standard Sportage comes equipped with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine delivering 187 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 178 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. This powertrain pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers both front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive configurations. Fuel efficiency stands at 9.3/7.0/8.3 L/100km (city/highway/combined) for the FWD version and 9.9/7.8/8.9 L/100km for AWD models.
Sportage HEV: Efficiency Meets Capability
The Sportage HEV combines a 1.6L turbocharged gasoline engine with a 64kW lithium-ion battery-powered electric motor. This hybrid system generates a combined 232 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, channelled through a 6-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive. The HEV achieves impressive fuel economy of 6.7/6.6/6.7 L/100km (city/highway/combined).
Sportage PHEV: Dual-Power Flexibility
The Sportage PHEV takes electrification further with a 1.6L turbocharged engine paired with a more powerful electric motor and a 13.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. This combination produces a combined 268 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The PHEV delivers enough all-electric range to handle typical weekday commutes, while the gasoline engine ensures longer trips remain worry-free.
The PHEV offers three selectable drive modes: EV (all-electric), HEV (combined gasoline and electric power), and AUTO (which automatically switches between modes for optimal efficiency).
Technology That Connects and Protects
All Sportage models come equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology features. Standard across the lineup is a 12.3-inch multimedia interface with HD Radio and SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
Kia Connect with over-the-air updates allows all Sportage variants to receive automatic updates to their electronically controlled systems, including the powertrain, without requiring dealership visits.
Available technology upgrades include:
- LCD/TFT heads-up display (HUD) that projects key driving information onto the windshield
- Digital Key functionality that transforms your smartphone into a secure vehicle key
- Wireless phone charging to keep devices powered without cables
- Harman Kardon premium audio system for an exceptional listening experience
- 12.3-inch Supervision LCD/TFT instrument cluster
- Smart power liftgate that opens automatically when you stand behind it
Advanced Safety Systems
The Sportage lineup comes standard with an impressive array of safety features:
- 8 airbags (dual advanced front, dual side curtain, dual front side seat, dual rear side)
- Electronic stability control (ESC)
- 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Hill-assist control (HAC)
- Downhill brake control (DBC)
- Trailer stability assist (TSA)
- Forward collision-avoidance assist
- Parking distance warning
- Lane keeping assist
- Lane following assist
- Rear occupant alert
- Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
Higher trim levels add even more advanced safety technology:
- Blind spot collision avoidance assist
- Rear cross-traffic avoidance assist
- Highway drive assist
- Surround view monitor providing a 360-degree view around the vehicle
- Remote smart parking assist
- Parking collision avoidance assist
- Blind view monitor
Interior Comfort and Versatility
The Sportage accommodates five adults with remarkable roominess and comfort. Standard heated front seats provide warmth during colder months, while available amenities include air-cooled front seats, heated rear seats, and a driver’s seat memory function.
The dual-zone automatic climate control with automatic defog system and rear climate ventilation ensures all passengers remain comfortable regardless of outside conditions.
Cargo capacity for the standard Sportage reaches 1,962/2,098 liters behind the first row (cargo floor raised/lowered) and 1,036/1,121 liters behind the second row. The PHEV offers slightly less at 1,855 liters behind the first row and 977 liters behind the second row.
The 60:40 split-folding rear seats allow for multiple configurations to accommodate passengers and cargo as needed. The available panoramic sunroof brings additional light and airiness to the cabin.
X-Line: Enhanced Rugged Appeal
The standard Sportage offers an X-Line trim that adds distinctive styling elements and capability enhancements:
- 19-inch alloy wheels with Michelin tires
- Black exterior accents
- X-Line specific design elements
- Ladder-type roof rails
- Synthetic leather seats
The X-Line Limited trim builds on these features with additional technology and safety enhancements.
Performance and Capability
All Sportage models feature Drive Mode Select technology, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle’s performance characteristics to their preferences or driving conditions.
Towing capacity ranges from 750 kg to 1,134 kg (1,653 lb to 2,500 lb) for the standard Sportage, while both the HEV and PHEV can tow up to 907 kg (2,000 lb) when properly equipped.
The available all-wheel drive system provides enhanced traction and stability in challenging weather and road conditions.
Warranty and Support
Kia backs the Sportage lineup with an industry-leading warranty package:
- 5-year/100,000 km comprehensive warranty
- 5-year/100,000 km limited powertrain warranty
- 5-year/unlimited km 24-hour roadside assistance
- 8-year/150,000 km limited EV components warranty (for HEV and PHEV models)
Additionally, all models include 3 months of complimentary SiriusXM satellite radio service and three years of Kia Connect services that enhance security, comfort, and confidence.
2026 Kia Sportage: The Most Capable SUV
The Kia Sportage lineup delivers a comprehensive approach to the modern SUV experience. Whether you choose the balanced performance of the standard model, the efficiency of the HEV, or the electric flexibility of the PHEV, the Sportage provides the comfort, technology, safety, and capability to handle daily commutes and weekend adventures with equal aplomb.
With its thoughtful design, advanced features, and multiple powertrain options, the Kia Sportage truly lives up to its reputation as the do-it-all SUV for every lifestyle.
Learn More About 2026 Kia Sportage at Kia.ca