The 2026 Kia Sportage compact SUV debuted today at the Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS) with an extensive list of enhancements in design, innovation, technology and convenience. As Kia’s longest running nameplate, the Sportage undergoes its most significant change since the fifth-generation model launched almost three years ago. The 2026 Sportage delivers more of everything for today’s savvy, adventurous and eco-conscious consumers across three distinct powertrain variants – ICE, Turbo Hybrid (HEV), and Turbo Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) – with an expansive trim range that includes the rugged and capable X-Line and X-Pro Prestige trims.
Exuding the brand’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, the Sportage takes on a more confident look with front and rear design enhancements. Inside, the Sportage brings more technology upgrades than ever, from Kia’s innovative Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) with a standard curved 12.3-inch touchscreen display to an all-new available 10-inch head-up display (HUD) that communicates pertinent information including ADAS functions and turn-by-turn directions. There’s also a roster of Digital Key features for remote lock/unlock/start capabilities via compatible smart devices.
The 2026 Sportage offers something for everyone, with an expansive lineup that includes a new sporty S and capable X-Line trim for the Sportage HEV. Sportage models with the turbo hybrid powertrain also get an uptick in horsepower, while X-Line, X-Pro and all AWD models gain more confidence with standard Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand).
The robust Sportage ICE lineup includes the LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, and X-Pro Prestige trims. The Sportage X-Pro Prestige allows drivers to venture further into nature with off-road ready features. The Sportage HEV comes in LX, S (new), EX, X-Line (new), and SX-Prestige, while the Sportage PHEV comes in X-Line and X-Line Prestige.
Certain Sportage trims are assembled in the U.S., alongside the award-winning Telluride, Sorento, and all-electric EV6 and EV9 at Kia’s manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia. The 2026 Sportage is expected to arrive in Kia showrooms in Q2 of next year and pricing will be announced closer to its on-sale date.
Exuding the brand’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, the Sportage takes on a more confident look with front and rear design enhancements. Inside, the Sportage brings more technology upgrades than ever, from Kia’s innovative Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) with a standard curved 12.3-inch touchscreen display to an all-new available 10-inch head-up display (HUD) that communicates pertinent information including ADAS functions and turn-by-turn directions. There’s also a roster of Digital Key features for remote lock/unlock/start capabilities via compatible smart devices.
The 2026 Sportage offers something for everyone, with an expansive lineup that includes a new sporty S and capable X-Line trim for the Sportage HEV. Sportage models with the turbo hybrid powertrain also get an uptick in horsepower, while X-Line, X-Pro and all AWD models gain more confidence with standard Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand).
The robust Sportage ICE lineup includes the LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, and X-Pro Prestige trims. The Sportage X-Pro Prestige allows drivers to venture further into nature with off-road ready features. The Sportage HEV comes in LX, S (new), EX, X-Line (new), and SX-Prestige, while the Sportage PHEV comes in X-Line and X-Line Prestige.
Certain Sportage trims are assembled in the U.S., alongside the award-winning Telluride, Sorento, and all-electric EV6 and EV9 at Kia’s manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia. The 2026 Sportage is expected to arrive in Kia showrooms in Q2 of next year and pricing will be announced closer to its on-sale date.
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MotorTranscript
00:00They say it's hard to fit in and stand out.
00:05But things like style, comfort, and rugged capability don't mix.
00:11We know better because we live for this.
00:16Always pushing, striving, seeking.
00:20We do this for you.
00:23Those who live the limitless life.
00:26Who wander in the wilderness.
00:28And navigate our city streets in style.
00:32The ones in search of meaningful connections.
00:35And those who just want to get away.
00:48This is for every version of you.
00:51The new Kia Sportage.
00:55Please welcome Senior Chief Designer, Kia Design Center America, Tom Kearns.
01:02Good morning. Thank you. Thank you.
01:05Inspired by our Opposites United design philosophy, the new Sportage is ready for anything.
01:11This update delivers smooth surfaces offset by rugged, sheer forms.
01:17And combines off-road confidence with modern cues.
01:22With every generation, Sportage becomes more capable.
01:26And we've reflected that visually through a bolder, vertical grille.
01:31To create a more confident and rugged image.
01:34Up front, you'll notice the Kia signature star map lighting.
01:38With distinctive amber DRLs.
01:41While the rear star map features a unique, transparent look.
01:46The rear bumper is enhanced with a bolder design.
01:50To emphasize its wide stance.
01:53Sportage models will offer all new alloy wheel designs.
01:57Ranging from 17 to 19 inches.
02:01Now on the inside, it's all about balancing bold, modern, high-tech elements with soft materials.
02:09And we've created distinct living spaces for the driver and the passenger.
02:15For the driver, we emphasize technology and capability with a new standard two-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel.
02:24It gives the driver access to dedicated drive mode and terrain mode switches for optimum control.
02:31Throughout the interior, Sportage introduces differentiated accent trim textures.
02:37That not only add a touch of sophistication, but also resist fingerprints.
02:43In addition to designing a great new Sportage.
02:46We have focused on creating even more differentiation between the trims to deliver that perfect fit for each customer.
02:55The X-line trim blends confident and rugged exterior features.
03:00Unique front and rear bumpers create a tougher image.
03:03And the ground clearance highlights the vehicle's capability on and off-road.
03:10The side mirrors, roof rack, and window surrounds are finished in gloss black.
03:16And the raised roof rack is ready to accommodate all your adventure gear.
03:21X-line also supports exclusive 19-inch wheels.
03:26Now X-Pro takes you even further off the beaten path with off-road hardware to match its rugged appearance.
03:35Moving from the ground up, that starts with BFGoodrich all-terrain tires on 17-inch matte black off-road wheels.
03:44The X-Pro adds LED lights, LED projector headlights, fog lights to illuminate the trail ahead.
03:53Inside both the X-line and X-Pro trims, you'll find unique tread pattern stitching on exclusive synthetic leather seats.