Kia has given its popular Sportage crossover a comprehensive refresh for the 2026 model year, incorporating both aesthetic enhancements and practical updates. The Sportage, which holds the title as Kia’s best-selling vehicle, now features a refreshed design and improved features aimed at keeping it competitive in the increasingly crowded compact SUV segment. While pricing for the standard, non-hybrid version had already been released earlier, Kia has now officially revealed the pricing details for the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant as well.
For 2026, the Sportage PHEV will continue to be offered in two trims: X-Line AWD and X-Line Prestige AWD. The base X-Line AWD now starts at $41,885, which is only a modest $600 increase over the 2025 version. On the other hand, the more upscale X-Line Prestige AWD sees a more substantial price bump of $2,800, bringing its starting price to $48,585 (all prices include Kia’s $1,395 destination charge). While the increase might seem steep, the Prestige trim packs in a wealth of premium features. These include dual 12.3-inch screens—one for the driver and one for infotainment—heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a Harman Kardon sound system with subwoofer, and more. Both trims come standard with dual-zone climate control, 19-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and an extensive suite of advanced driver-assistance and safety technologies.
Under the hood, the 2026 Sportage PHEV retains the 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain from the previous model, but with a key upgrade: a more powerful electric motor. This enhancement brings the total system output to 268 horsepower, up by 7 hp from the 2025 version. The vehicle also offers an estimated electric-only driving range of 34 miles, making it a practical option for short commutes or local trips without using gasoline. Additionally, the PHEV boasts a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, offering solid versatility for its class.
For buyers interested in a more affordable option, the non-hybrid Sportage models provide a significantly lower entry point. The base Sportage LX FWD begins at $30,385, powered by a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine. The most premium version of the standard lineup, the Sportage X-Pro Prestige AWD, is priced at $40,985, sitting just below the plug-in hybrid in terms of cost and equipment.
Kia is also offering a hybrid-only version of the Sportage starting at $31,685 for 2026. The top trim for the hybrid variant is the SX Prestige, which comes in at $41,785 and now produces 231 horsepower, an increase of four horsepower over the previous model. Kia’s updates to the 2026 Sportage lineup—particularly the plug-in hybrid—reflect the brand’s commitment to offering more efficient and feature-rich vehicles, while giving buyers a wide range of options based on budget and performance preferences.