Kia is gearing up to reveal a refreshed version of their best-selling Sportage SUV for the 2026 model year. photographers have captured camouflaged prototypes undergoing testing in both South Korea and Germany, offering a look into the upcoming changes.
While these early sightings don’t point towards a high-performance variant, design elements like vertically-oriented headlights and the possibility of a sleek taillight bar hint at a potential influence from Kia’s expanding electric vehicle lineup.
Reinforcing the idea of continued support for traditional gasoline-powered options, the prototypes lack any visual cues of electrification and sport single exhaust pipes. This suggests Kia will likely retain internal combustion engine choices for the 2026 Sportage, strategically catering to markets where widespread electric vehicle adoption remains a distant prospect.
The presence of Michelin Primacy 4 tires on the test vehicle further underscores a focus on everyday driving performance rather than record-breaking racetrack times. This aligns perfectly with the Sportage’s established role as a practical and comfortable SUV for everyday use.
Beyond these observations, the prototypes also reveal the possible adoption of Kia’s signature “Star Map” lighting design up front, a feature shared with several of their electric vehicles. This subtle incorporation of elements from their EV portfolio could be a way to visually unify their entire lineup or simply a nod to the growing importance of electrification within the automotive industry.
These looks offer an exciting teaser of what to expect from the refreshed 2026 Kia Sportage, striking a balance between incorporating design cues from their evolving electric vehicle strategy while maintaining the practicality and performance expected from a popular gasoline-powered SUV.
The Kia Sportage, a top-selling SUV for the Korean automaker, is expected to receive significant upgrades for the 2026 model year, with a focus on improved efficiency. Powertrain options are likely to remain varied, including several gasoline engines ranging from 2.0 to 2.5 liters, some with turbochargers.
Additionally, expect turbo diesel, LPG-fueled variants, and three distinct electrification choices: mild hybrid, self-charging hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. Transmission options will likely continue to include manual, automatic, and dual-clutch choices depending on the engine. The interior is also expected to see a tech refresh, particularly regarding the infotainment system and connectivity features.
A potential shift of the gear selector to the steering column, similar to the Kia Tucson, could also be implemented. These changes will likely result in a price increase across the board. Currently, the Sportage starts at $27,190 for the gasoline version in the US, with hybrids and plug-in hybrids priced higher. Similarly, European pricing reflects a tiered structure based on powertrain selection.
