Sportage 2026: We Test the Market-Leading Kia Hybrid that Adds 239 Combined HP

The restyling of the Korean SUV improves its winning formula. We analyze the HEV version, the most anticipated, with an Eco Label and great efficiency.

Kia has established itself as a key automotive brand, mainly thanks to the Sportage. As proof of its relevance, this model accounted for 25% of the Korean brand’s sales in Spain this year. Therefore, the restyling of this compact SUV was highly anticipated by the press and customers. We have already driven it, and the experience improves upon interesting details of its predecessor. This Sportage 2026 is the fifth-generation facelift.

Renewed Design and Intelligent Adjustments

Following the Opposites United design philosophy, the Sportage 2026 moves closer to the Sorento and the EV electric family. The front part changes significantly. It incorporates the Star Maps lighting signature. In fact, the lower headlights are the most noticeable new feature. The wheel sets change (from 17 to 19 inches). The rear remains the most conservative part. The highlight at the back is the new signature in the tail lights.

Kia worked intelligently on the interior. It updated the cabin perfectly. The two 12.3-inch screens are still combined with physical controls. The dashboard features higher quality materials. Furthermore, they decided to remove the Black Piano inserts. They replaced them with an attractive satin color. The interior space remains genuinely ample. The rear bench is completely flat. The trunk is also large. The hybrid version offers 587 liters and a practical false floor.

239 HP Hybrid Powertrain and Good Dynamics

The Sportage 2026 offers multiple variants. There are two non-electrified gasoline engines with 150 and 180 HP. The 136 HP 1.6 CRDi diesel maintains mild hybridization. The most important version is the hybrid (HEV). This 180 HP 1.6 T-GDI engine now develops 239 combined HP. It uses a 65 HP electric motor. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This transmission includes dual-use paddles: for gear changes and regenerative braking. Finally, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with 288 combined HP will arrive at the end of the year.

In the first drive with the 4×4 hybrid, the performance was very good. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. Additionally, we achieved a real average consumption of 6.5 liters per 100 km on a simple route. Dynamically, the car has high rolling quality. Thus, it achieves perfect roadholding. In corners, the Sportage moves with considerable stability and effectiveness.

Range and Prices: The Hybrid Aims to Dominate Sales

The four available trims (Concept, Drive, Emotion, and GT-line) include improvements. Now, the Drive version adds blind spot control. The GT-line adds the Digital Key 2.0 and the Head-up Display. The hybrid (239 HP) starts at 40,570 euros. This is about 3,000 euros more than the discontinued 150 HP micro-hybrid. Kia seeks to convince customers who want the Eco Label with a truly sensible fuel consumption. As always, the model maintains the official seven-year or 150,000 km warranty.