2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid review

Kia’s popular medium SUV has been given a facelift, but is it enough to still stand out?

The facelifted fifth-generation Kia Sportage introduces the brand’s newest design theme, new connected technology with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is automatic transmission only.

As before, a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain is available, but now in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive forms on the S, SX and GT-Line.

With so much hybrid and plug-in hybrid competition from a range of new Chinese brands, is the Sportage Hybrid still worth considering?

NOTE: The press vehicle was provided by Kia Australia for a seven-day independent evaluation. Toll costs were covered, but we have no commercial arrangements with the company and it had no editorial control.

Vehicle tested:

Model	2026 Kia Sportage
Variant	SX Hybrid FWD
Starting price	$46,450 before on-road costs
Exterior colour	Wolf Grey (+$600)
Interior colour	Black with light grey cloth headliner
Country made	South Korea

Design and quality.

There wasn’t anything wrong about the Sportage, but the facelift brings it in line with Kia’s latest design look.

The boomerang-shaped front daytime running lights have been replaced with a sharper arrow-like signature that’s in line with Kia’s latest offerings, from the Picanto to EV5 and Carnival, while still being distinctly unique.

There are updated tail-light internals, plus tweaked bumpers and grille that retains the Sportage’s brutalist design.

As per the pre-facelifted model, lower grades feature gloss black bumpers, side skirts and wheel arches, whereas the pricier SX+ and GT-Line has black plastic cladding instead when it’s usually the opposite way around.

Meanwhile, the interior has had a bigger makeover with a simplified dashboard with more integrated air vents, a new two-spoke steering wheel, and the removal of a gloss black centre console in favour of a more practical brushed grey metal-look texture.

However, it’s clear that Kia has reserved the best for the flagship GT-Line as the SX’s interior feels rather low-rent and budget.

All door cards are entirely rock hard and scratchy plastic – including the all-important door armrests – with basic-feeling fabric seats and blank buttons at the centre console that constantly remind you that you’re missing out on features by not spending top money.

Even though the auto hold, camera and parking sensor button panel behind has been reshaped compared to the pre-updated Sportage, the blank buttons haven’t, which is disappointing.

When a growing list of similarly-priced Chinese rivals offer much higher quality feeling interiors, the Sportage SX is comparatively unimpressive.

Practicality.

2026 Kia Sportage SX Hybrid FWD dimensions:

Length x width x height	4685 x 1865 x 1665mm
Wheelbase	2755mm
Ground clearance	181mm
Boot space (min / rear seats folded)	586 / 1872 litres
Rear seat split fold	60:40
Child seat anchors	2x ISOFIX and 3x top tethers
Air-conditioning system	Two-zone climate control with rear air vents

The Kia Sportage continues unchanged as a spacious five-seat family SUV.

The 586-litre boot is large with a flat loading lip, halogen light, levers to fold down the rear row in a 60:40 split remotely, and a retracting cargo blind.

The two available bag hooks are still placed too near the outer edge of the boot and are too tight to hook anything properly, unlike the Volkswagen Tiguan.

The manual tailgate on this SX isn’t too heavy to close with one hand thanks to a handle, too.

Meanwhile, the rear seats offer plenty of legroom, footroom and headroom for a medium SUV with a small centre floor hump.

Rear directional air vents, a fold-down centre armrest with two cup holders, two USB-C charging ports, and seatback pockets are standard.

Unfortunately, all door pockets are still fairly narrow and tight.

All grades except the halo GT-Line have halogen interior lights across both rows. Buyers also need to step up to this model for tinted rear windows.

Additionally, the front centre console remains unchanged other than the matte brushed material change. There’s an open tray with pop-out cup holders, but limited space behind once they’re in use.

The centre armrest cubby and glovebox are well-sized, yet the lidded tray for phones is a tighter fit for larger devices with my Google Pixel 10 Pro XL hanging mid-air with a USB-C port inserted (which is often used since the SX doesn’t include a wireless charger).

Unlike the related facelifted Hyundai Tucson, the Sportage’s redesigned dashboard hasn’t created an open shelf space ahead of the front passenger, nor a more spacious open-type centre console.

The SX’s full manual-adjusting fabric seats feel basic and are generally supportive, but the lack of lumbar support is noticeable on longer drives.

It’s notable that even this second-from-the-base SX model features front door handle lights that illuminate upon approach with the proximity key – usually reserved for pricier variants.

Technology.

2026 Kia Sportage SX Hybrid FWD tech features:

12.3-inch touchscreen running ccNC	4.0-inch driver instrument display with digital cluster
Wireless/wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto	4x USB-C and 2x 12-volt charging ports
Built-in maps	Six speakers
OTA software update capability	Proximity key with auto-folding mirrors and front door handle lights
Kia Connect services and mobile app

The new Sportage’s upgraded technology is the key highlight of the refresh.

The 12.3-inch touchscreen now runs the Hyundai Motor Group’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system, which has a more modern and cleaner look, is quicker than its predecessor, and is capable of receiving over-the-air (OTA) software updates.

Importantly, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now connect wirelessly on all variants with a quick connection on startup and reliable performance.

However, only the GT-Line Hybrid (and SX+ on the regular petrol and diesel models) includes a Qi wireless charging pad. At least all USB ports have been upgraded to the latest Type C.

Below, the dual-function touchscreen strip borrowed from the Kia EV6 has been retained.

While it looks simple, constantly switching between the infotainment shortcuts and dual-zone climate control strips is annoying to use in reality, especially while driving, and the touch targets and dials are fairly small.

I mainly left it on the climate controls as a result. Kia’s latest three-screen setup with physical switches on the K4, EV3, EV5, and EV9 is far easier to use.

Furthermore, the SX’s digital driver instrument cluster with a centre 4.0-inch screen has received updated graphics. It still shows a range of pages, which now includes navigation instructions from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Another new addition to the refreshed Sportage is Kia Connect services, which is included for seven years from the date of activation – one of the longest in the market.

The Kia Connect mobile app allows owners to monitor the remaining fuel and range, pre-start the air-conditioning, locate the vehicle remotely, and more. It sends commands slower than ideal compared to other brands, but it’s well-designed otherwise.

It’s worth noting that the related 2026 Hyundai Tucson has the upper hand with Apple CarKey and Google Car Key compatibility, whereas the Kia makes do with a traditional proximity key only.

Safety.

2026 Kia Sportage SX Hybrid FWD safety features:

Front AEB with vehicle/pedestrian/cyclist/junction turning detection	Reversing camera
Blind-spot assist	Front and rear parking sensors
Rear cross-traffic assist	Door open warning
Lane-keep assist	Rear occupant alert
Adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist (HDA 1)	Kia Connect emergency services calling and vehicle location tracking
Road sign detection and overspeed limit warning	Full LED headlights and tail-lights

The refreshed Kia Sportage brings upgraded safety tech, but the lane-centring assist is a miss.

The South Korean’s safety assistance systems are generally refined with discreet lane-keep assist, a clear reversing camera (unlike some pricier rivals), and good adaptive cruise control.

However, the active lane-centring assist is sub-par with it often swaying outside the lane before abruptly correcting itself, which is odd as it usually performs well on other Kia models.

The update has also introduced a road sign detection system with overspeed warnings.

While it detects signs generally accurately, understands school zone times and the new sign detected chirp can be permanently disabled, the overspeed warnings default to on every time you start the vehicle.

When it does chime, it’s fairly quiet on the lowest volume setting and can be silenced via a press and hold on the steering wheel volume dial.

Fortunately, the update hasn’t added a driver attention monitoring camera, too, which has been notorious for being too naggy.

The Sportage SX’s reflector-type LED headlights are average as well, with a very centred beam and limited reach at night.

Only the GT-Line Hybrid (or SX+ and GT-Line on regular petrol and diesel models) gain an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

The new Kia SUV continues with the same five-star safety rating from its predecessor as per the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), which was rated in 2022.

Range and fuel consumption.

2026 Kia Sportage SX Hybrid FWD fuel and efficiency specs:

Claimed driving range (combined cycle)	1061km
Claimed fuel efficiency (combined cycle)	4.9L/100km
Battery size and type	1.49kWh lithium-ion
Fuel tank size	52 litres
Minimum fuel quality requirement	91 RON unleaded petrol
Claimed CO2 exhaust emissions (combined)	110g/km
European emissions compliance	Euro 5

The Kia Sportage SX Hybrid FWD returned an average fuel consumption of 5.7L/100km after a week of mixed driving.

Therefore, it is capable of a real-world driving range of around 912km from its 52-litre fuel tank.

The result is identical to the pre-facelifted Sportage GT-Line Hybrid FWD we tested, suggesting a good sign of consistent efficiency.

It adopts the same self-contained series-parallel hybrid system, which means the small 1.49kWh lithium-ion battery is charged via the engine and regenerative braking, with no external plug-in charging required.

The fuel lid is located at the rear-left quarter side of the vehicle which locks with the doors.

Driving.

2026 Kia Sportage SX Hybrid FWD powertrain specs:

Engine and electric motor	1.6-litre turbo inline four-cylinder petrol engine and single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Power	173kW
Torque	367Nm
Transmission	Six-speed auto
Drive type	FWD
Turning circle	11.4 to 12.2 metres
Kerb weight	1733kg
Payload	497kg (excluding max 100kg towball download)
Towing (unbraked / braked)	750 / 1900kg

The Sportage Hybrid is fine to drive, but it’s not sporty as its exterior design may suggest.

With a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and electric motor, the Kia Sportage Hybrid makes up to 173kW of power and 367Nm of torque, with the former going to the front wheels.

For the first time, the Sportage Hybrid is available in all-wheel drive for an additional $3000.

There’s plenty of push with a smooth and responsive six-speed automatic transmission, while the series-parallel hybrid system transitions seamlessly between driving the wheels with the engine, EV motor or both.

Yet, the blended brake pedal feels slightly too light and sensitive.

While Kia offers three adjustable regenerative braking intensities via the paddle shifters, it doesn’t progressively dial in the regen – so it often felt like an on/off switch and felt jerky on level two and three.

Fortunately, the new ccNC software now means it shows when the rear brake lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster, providing drivers some reassurance.

I also experienced some torque steer on acceleration, especially while cornering out in sport mode.

The new localized steering tune doesn’t feel as engaging with a slightly artificial weighting to it.

Just like the new Hyundai Tucson, Kia now includes a ‘Baby Mode’ accessible via the customisable ‘My Drive’ mode. It doesn’t change the ride at all since it doesn’t have any sophisticated adaptive dampers as per the Volkswagen Tiguan, but only dulls down the accelerator response similar to eco mode.

Noise insulation and ride compliance are good, as is all-round visibility.

Warranty and servicing.

2026 Kia Sportage SX Hybrid FWD capped-price servicing costs:

1 year/10,000km	2 years/20,000km	3 years/30,000km	4 years/40,000km	5 years/50,000km
$353	$561	$422	$880	$397

The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid is backed by a seven-year, unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and a seven-year/150,000km battery warranty.

Servicing is required every one year/15,000km (whichever occurs first) – with the latter being on the shorter side – and prices are capped for the first seven years.

After the first five years/50,000km, it’ll cost $2613 in total to maintain the Sportage Hybrid with a Kia dealer, which is slightly pricey.

Up to eight years of roadside assistance is supplied as long as you service with a Kia dealer every time it’s due.

Seven years of Kia Connect services are included for free from the date of activation, with a subscription cost yet to be announced.

A temporary space-saver spare tyre is under the boot floor on Sportage Hybrid models.

Price and rivals.

2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid model range pricing (accurate as at the time of publication):

S Hybrid FWD	S Hybrid AWD	SX Hybrid FWD	SX Hybrid AWD	GT-Line Hybrid FWD	GT-Line Hybrid AWD
TBA	TBA	From $46,450 before on-road costs	From $49,450 before on-road costs	From $57,370 before on-road costs	From $60,370 before on-road costs

The Kia Sportage Hybrid is priced from $46,450 before on-road costs in Australia.

Unlike the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Kia only offers the hybrid powertrain option on three variants: S, SX and GT-Line.

All exterior paint colours except Clear White costs $600 extra, including the new Wolf Grey option as pictured.

The Kia Sportage Hybrid directly rivals the following hybrid medium SUVs:

• Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (full review)
• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
• Nissan X-Trail e-Power
• MG HS Hybrid+
• GWM Haval H6 Hybrid
• Honda CR-V e:HEV
• Subaru Forester eBoxer
• Chery Tiggo 7 SHS
• Jaecoo J7 SHS (full review)
• BYD Sealion 6
• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Other alternatives to the Sportage Hybrid include:

• Kia EV5 (full review) 
• Tesla Model Y (full review)
• BYD Sealion 7
• Nissan Ariya
• Volkswagen ID.4
• Nissan Qashqai (full review)
• Volkswagen Tiguan (full review)
• Cupra Terramar
• Mazda CX-60 (full review)

Would I pick the 2026 Kia Sportage SX Hybrid FWD?

The updated Kia Sportage Hybrid improves upon an already excellent medium SUV, although it doesn’t move the needle substantially.

It’s still a great family-friendly SUV choice with a fuel-efficient hybrid, with no large screen dominating the interior and generally less intrusive safety assists. Plus, it’s fantastic that Kia has listened to feedback by removing most gloss black interior surfaces.

But the new Sportage is a typical facelift move – updated looks, newer tech, higher prices. The upgrade isn’t outstanding enough to make it stand out as more and more ultra-competitive models arrive, particularly from China.

This sub-$50K SX variant’s cabin feels low-rent, the lane-centring needs work as well as its blended brake pedal, and the 10,000km recommended servicing intervals are still on the shorter side.

I’d pick the SX Hybrid FWD as tested, but if you can shell out more, the GT-Line Hybrid FWD will feel much nicer even though it isn’t the best value.

The related Hyundai Tucson is the better choice than the Sportage with a hybrid option on all variants, an N Line Package option, a more practical front row thanks to a redesigned open-type centre console and dashboard shelf, and generally better ownership inclusions. It’s the Korean midsize SUV I prefer more.

Photographs by Henry Man

READ MORE: 2026 Kia EV3 review

READ MORE: 2026 Jaecoo J7 SHS PHEV review

READ MORE: 2025 Toyota bZ4X review

Pros:

• Spacious interior
• Non-overwhelming tech
• Fuel-efficient, smooth hybrid
• Reduced gloss black materials
• Sharp new design

Cons:

• SX interior feels low-rent
• Weak lane-centring assist
• Sensitive and light brake pedal
• Shorter servicing intervals
• Facelift is fairly ordinary