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Kia's Top Selling Model Offers Enhancements Across All Three Powertrains – ICE, HEV, PHEV
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.
Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/kia/9239855-en-2026-kia-sportage-debuts-at-la-auto-show
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 display1 to an all-new available 10-inch head-up display (HUD) that communicates pertinent information including ADAS2 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).2
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.,4 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.
Eye-Catching Design
Befitting of Kia's "Opposites United" design philosophy, smooth, soft surfaces are offset by rugged, sheer forms, combining off-road confidence with cutting edge modern cues. New design elements include:
A Cabin Aimed at Connectivity, Comfort and Convenience
Significant interior enhancements turn the cabin into a premium living space with new tech and connectivity features:
In addition, Sportage offers an array of available technology to assist drivers from moment to moment:
Other notable interior features include:
The Sportage continues to offer a spacious interior and flexible cargo room:
New Trims and Options Packages
The Sportage adds two new turbocharged Hybrid trim levels for 2026 (S and X-Line) with the following key features:
There are also two new options packages:
Diverse Engine Lineup
Whether you're an urban adventurer, an off-pavement explorer, or a highway commuter, there's a Sportage for you. Both Turbo HEV and Turbo PHEV powertrains have been refined with an uptick power.
Available Active AWD2 uses electro-hydraulic coupling with center-locking differential to actively distribute power between front and rear wheels depending on road and driving conditions. Add to that driver-selectable Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand)2 for X-Line, X-Pro Prestige, and all AWD models.
Ruggedness Retained: X-Line and X-Pro
For gasoline-powered variants, the 2026 Sportage continues to offer X-Line and X-Pro Prestige trims. Both come standard with an Active AWD system and a unique tread-like stitching pattern on SynTex synthetic leather-trimmed seats.
Sportage X-Line blends confident and rugged design:
Sportage X-Pro Prestige has off-road hardware to match its design elements, including:
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
As with all offerings across the Kia product portfolio, there's a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.14 New features to Sportage in this area include:
Kia America – about us
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles sold through a network of over 775 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.
*Certain 2025 EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV/PHEV), Sorento (excludes HEV/PHEV), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
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1 Distracted driving can result in the loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation.
2 No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. Always drive safely.
3 Purchase/lease of certain Kia vehicles with Kia Connect includes a complimentary 3-year subscription starting from new vehicle retail sale/lease date as recorded by the dealer. After your complimentary 3-year Kia Connect subscription expires, continued access to the full suite of Kia Connect services available on your Kia will require a paid subscription at the then-current subscription rate or your use of certain Kia Connect features may immediately terminate. Use of Kia Connect is subject to agreement to the Kia Connect Privacy Policy (available at owners.kia.com/us/en/privacy-policy.html) and Terms of Service (available at owners.kia.com/us/en/terms-of-service.html). Complimentary Kia Connect subscription is transferable to subsequent owner during the original Kia Connect service term. Only use Kia Connect when safe to do so. Kia Connect may currently be unavailable for 2024 or newer vehicles sold or purchased in Massachusetts; please see the Kia Owner's Portal for updates on availability. Kia Access with Kia Connect app is available from the Apple App Store or Google Play store. Kia America, Inc. reserves the right to change or discontinue Kia Connect at any time without prior notification or incurring any future obligation. Message and data rates may apply. Cellular and GPS coverage is required to use most features. Kia Connect features may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. For more on details and limitations, visit www.kia.com or your authorized Kia dealer. Apple and App Store are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Google and its related trademarks are trademarks of Google LLC or its affiliates.
4 Trims assembled in U.S.: ICE LX/EX/SX/SX-P/X-Line/X-Pro Prestige; Trims built in Gwangju, Korea: ICE LX/EX, HEV (all trims), PHEV (all trims)
5 Android Auto vehicle user interface is a product of Google and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play store and an Android compatible smartphone running Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android, Android Auto, and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC.
6 Apple CarPlay runs on smartphone cellular data service. Normal data rates apply. Apple and CarPlay are trademarks of Apple, Inc.
7 Wi-Fi Hotspot requires enrollment in Kia Connect. Trial or paid subscription data plan required. Wi-Fi Hotspot services require vehicle cellular connectivity and availability of vehicle GPS signal; certain services may collect location information. Wi-Fi Hotspot available only in the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia. Wi-Fi Hotspot may be unavailable for vehicles that are purchased or sold in Massachusetts.
8 Amazon devices are sold separately and require a Wi-Fi internet connection. Amazon, Alexa, and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
9 Google devices are sold separately and require a Wi-Fi internet connection. Google, Google Assistant, and all related logos are trademarks of Google, Inc.
10 When engaged, 360-degree Surround-View Monitor is not a substitute for safe driving and may not display all objects around vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
11 Harman Kardon is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.
12 Charging system only works with select devices. Refer to the vehicle's Owner's Manual for warnings and instructions.
13 BF Goodrich is a trademark of Compagnie Générale Des Establissements Michelin.
14 These features are not substitutes for safe driving and may not detect or display all objects surrounding vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
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SOURCE Kia America