Kia Sportage 2026: Preview of the updated popular SUV

We have news about the 2026 Kia Sportage with a fresh look and the latest technical upgrades

Kia's best-selling Sportage is set to receive a mid-life refresh that aligns with the South Korean automaker's ever-evolving design language and draws inspiration from the brand's electric lineup. This update brings improvements to the exterior and interior, ensuring the car remains competitive in the highly competitive compact crossover market.

More: Everything we know about the redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade

Our spies behind the lens recently photographed the updated SUV in the European short-wheelbase version during testing. We've decoded the camouflage and made the same changes to the North American longer-wheelbase version, so read on to find out everything we know about it.

External improvements

So what's new? Mid-cycle refreshes rarely throw out the existing formula and bring something completely new to the market, and the 2026 model is no exception. The most significant change is to the front end, which gets an all-new front fascia inspired by Kia's latest electric models such as the EV5 and EV9 SUVs.

The boomerang-like LED headlights are arranged in a “stacked” configuration and vertical daytime running lights flank a wider, rectangular grille for a more modern, angular look. A square set of fog lights frame the lower air intake in the redesigned front bumper.

The rear features new LED taillights with square “C-clamp” elements, a redesigned bumper with thinner reflectors and a curved crease shaped towards the rear wheels.

Interior upgrades

Inside, the Sportage is rumored to get a new panoramic display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, climate control and an infotainment screen like the one found in the new EV5. This system brings refreshed graphics, integrated navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and connected services.

Also read: What we know about the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SUV

Other expected changes include a new steering wheel design and enhanced ambient lighting. The overall cabin design will likely be refined with new trim elements and improved materials.

Powertrain options

While the exterior and interior will see significant updates, powertrain options are expected to remain essentially unchanged. The current lineup includes a variety of engines, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 250 Nm of torque, coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

There is also a hybridized 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine with 227 hp (169 kW) and a plug-in hybrid with a whopping 261 hp (195 kW). Some markets, such as Australia, also have access to a 2.0-liter diesel engine with 183 hp (137 kW) and 416 Nm of torque. All-wheel drive is expected to be standard on most models.

Market positioning and publication

The facelifted Sportage will continue to compete with rivals such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, VW Tiguan, Nissan Rogue (X-Trail), Chevrolet Equinox, Hyundai Tucson and Subaru Forester.

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An official debut is expected later this year, with sales slated to begin in North America in early 2025 as a 2026 model.

What do you think of the Sportage's new, angular look? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Illustrations Josh Byrnes / Carscoops