Kia has unveiled an updated version of its popular Sportage SUV in South Korea, three years after the fifth-generation model debuted. This refresh introduces a sharper-looking front end, a more premium interior, and some meaningful tweaks under the hood that could broaden the vehicle’s appeal in a highly competitive segment.
Changes to the 2026 Kia Sportage: Sharper Looks, DCT Replaced by 8-Speed Automatic
Following a formula that Kia has employed on the Picanto, Sorento, Carnival, K4, and K8, this update tweaks the Sportage’s appearance to align with the brand’s expanding electric vehicle lineup. The highlight is a redesigned front end, featuring vertically stacked, more assertive headlights, a larger grille, and a bolder lower bumper, giving the SUV a more confident and upright stance.
Viewed from the side, the design remains largely familiar, but the refresh brings new front fenders and fresh alloy wheel designs ranging from 17 to 19 inches.
At the rear, subtle updates sharpen the overall look without a complete redesign: new LED taillight graphics and a slightly revised bumper. The X-Line version, considered the top-of-the-line variant, stands out with a sportier bumper, black accents, and its exclusive 19-inch wheels.
These design changes aren’t limited to the long-wheelbase model introduced here (for South Korea, North America, and Australia). They are also expected to be applied to the shorter-wheelbase Sportage for the European market.
New Displays, Smarter Tech
Inside, Kia has introduced a curved digital cockpit featuring a dual 12.3-inch display setup and a new windshield-projected head-up display.
A redesigned two-spoke steering wheel, enhanced mood lighting, thinner air vents, and a refreshed gear selector aim to bring the Sportage closer to the brand’s more premium offerings.
Safety technology has also seen notable improvements: a traction control system with steering wheel vibration alerts, a driver-facing camera, and the latest ADAS features.
Kia offers three interior color options: Lounge Brown, black, and Navy Gray, providing buyers with some customization, along with eight different exterior colors.
New 8-Speed Automatic for Turbo Models
In South Korea, the base Sportage is offered with a 2.0-liter LPG engine producing 144 horsepower. The more potent 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine generates 177 horsepower and is now paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, said to offer smoother shifts than the previous seven-speed dual-clutch unit.
Improved Hybrid and Plug-in Options
The hybrid variant gets a slight power bump, with an extra 5 horsepower (3.7 kW) over the previous model. Its powertrain combines the 177-hp 1.6-liter turbo engine with a single electric motor contributing 64 hp.
Kia has also optimized regenerative braking, allowing drivers to adjust the intensity via the shift paddles, while the adaptive brakes now respond to road conditions based on navigation data input.
Furthermore, the electrified Sportage borrows the “infant drive mode” from its closely related Hyundai Tucson, delivering smoother acceleration.
It’s safe to assume that the plug-in hybrid option of the Sportage will remain available in other markets, including Europe and North America.
Enhanced Comfort, Quieter Ride
In terms of chassis setup, the front anti-roll bar features new two-way dampers, said to help reduce road noise.
The Sportage’s NVH characteristics have been further improved by applying additional sound-insulating materials on the B-pillars, impact absorbers, and door seals. Acoustic glass was already featured in the pre-facelift model from 2023.
In South Korea, the updated Kia Sportage is priced from ₩28.36 million ($20,600) to ₩48.7 million ($35,300), depending on the powertrain and equipment level chosen.
In a clever cross-promotion move, Kia has also announced a partnership with Netflix to feature its vehicles in the second season of the global hit series “Squid Game.”
The North American version of the updated Sportage is expected to be unveiled soon, with sales likely to start next year as a 2026 model.
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