Kia unveiled the updated 2026 Sportage at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and now the company has confirmed that the starting price for the new model will be \$28,690 before adding the \$1,395 destination fee. This marks a \$1,300 price increase from the previous version, but with it comes a range of significant improvements. Pricing details for the hybrid versions will be disclosed at a later date.
The 2026 Sportage is set to hit dealerships soon, and it brings with it a fresh new look. The exterior has received an overhaul, including a redesigned front end with a wider grille, flanked by vertical headlights for a more modern appearance. The rear has been updated with a new bumper and restyled taillights. Additionally, the Sportage now comes with new wheel options, ranging from 17 to 19 inches, adding to its updated aesthetic.
Inside, the changes are equally notable. The dashboard has been streamlined for a cleaner, more contemporary look, and the vehicle is now equipped with a dual 12.3-inch display setup for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, housed within a freestanding unit. The steering wheel has been redesigned with a two-spoke layout, and other minor updates include changes in the available equipment and features. The base model, the Sportage LX, is equipped with cloth seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning, and a six-speaker audio system. Additionally, Kia has included a wide range of driver assistance features, including Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, High-Beam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Parking Distance Warning, and Rear Occupant Alert.
For those seeking a more premium experience, the \$36,290 Sportage SX Prestige offers a significant upgrade. It comes with leather-like SynTex upholstery on power front seats, which offer both heating and ventilation. The heated steering wheel adds to the comfort, while additional features include a panoramic curved display, a panoramic sunroof, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. Wireless smartphone charging and a Harman Kardon premium audio system further enhance the luxurious feel. On top of the standard driver assistance features, the SX Prestige also includes Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Highway Driving Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, and Safe Exit Warning.
For those interested in a more rugged version, the \$32,990 Sportage X-Line AWD offers a distinctive design with unique bumpers, faux skid plates, and gloss black accents. Roof rails and 19-inch wheels wrapped in all-season tires further enhance its outdoor appeal. The top-tier Sportage X-Pro Prestige AWD, priced at \$39,590, goes even further, with 17-inch matte black wheels and BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, perfect for adventurous drivers.
Under the hood, all models are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 hp and 241 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and an optional all-wheel-drive system is available for most trims, costing an additional \$1,800. However, the all-wheel-drive system is standard on the X-Line and X-Pro variants.