LA Auto Show 2024: 2026 Kia Sportage Debuts with Enhanced Features and Powerful Powertrains

The 2026 Kia Sportage compact SUV made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, showcasing an array of updates in design and technology. As Kia’s longest-running nameplate, the Sportage has received its most significant overhaul since the launch of the fifth-generation model in 2022. It is designed to cater to a wide spectrum of customers, offering three distinct powertrain options—Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Turbo Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), and Turbo Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)—alongside an extensive range of trims. The 2026 Sportage is set to hit showrooms in Q2 2024, with pricing to be announced closer to its release date. 

The updated Sportage embraces Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, emphasising a blend of modern aesthetics and rugged functionality. Key exterior updates include redesigned front and rear bumpers, new lighting elements such as stacked LED headlights and amber “Star Map” daytime running lights, and a transparent design for LED taillights. A variety of 17-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch alloy wheel options are also available. 

The X-Line trim features distinctive styling with gloss-black accents, while the off-road-focused X-Pro Prestige boasts unique elements like BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres and 17-inch matte black wheels. Both trims include Kia’s Active All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system and Terrain Mode with Snow, Mud, and Sand settings for enhanced capability.

Inside, the 2026 Sportage boasts significant enhancements aimed at connectivity and comfort. A 12.3-inch touchscreen comes standard on most trims, featuring Kia’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system with over-the-air updates and wireless compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional 10-inch head-up display (HUD) provides critical driving information, including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) alerts and navigation directions. Additional cabin highlights include an available 360-degree Surround-View Monitor, Harman Kardon premium audio system, and wireless charging capabilities

The Sportage retains its interior space, offering 1049 mm of rear legroom and up to 1121 litres of cargo space, supported by a dual-level cargo floor for added flexibility.

The 2026 Sportage offers three powertrain options: A 2.5-litre inline-4 engine that produces an estimated 184 bhp, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive (FWD), is standard and optional AWD. Then there is a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol direct injection (GDI) engine combined with a 47.7 kW electric motor that delivers an estimated 228 bhp—an increase of 4 bhp from the previous model. It is available in FWD and AWD configurations. The most powerful variant features a 1.6-litre GDI engine and a 72 kW motor, offering 264 bhp—up 7 bhp from its predecessor. AWD is standard for this model. 

Kia introduces new trims for 2026, including the S and X-Line for the HEV variant. The S Hybrid trim has features like 18-inch dark alloy wheels, heated front seats, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies. The X-Line Hybrid builds on this with additional premium touches, including a panoramic sunroof and a smart power liftgate. Two new optional packages—LX Convenience and X-Line Technology—offer conveniences like power driver’s seats, blind view monitors, and upgraded audio systems. 

The 2026 Sportage includes an array of standard and optional ADAS features like Standard Auto Emergency Braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle detection, Optional Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Direct Oncoming Detection and Highway Driving Assist 2, Hands-on Detection (HOD), and Parking Distance Warning (PDW).