Kia’s popular Sportage, introduced in the US for the 2023 model year, is set for a mid-cycle refresh slated for a 2026 release. Recent spy shots of the camouflaged prototype undergoing testing at the Nurburgring hint at the changes in store.
While the compact SUV sports a roll cage and Recaro bucket seats for rigorous testing, these performance-oriented features won’t make it to production. However, the prototype does showcase the Sportage’s near-production exterior, featuring a redesigned front end with a new bumper, grille, and Sorento-inspired headlights.
The rear also receives subtle updates to the lights and bumper. Inside, the Sportage is expected to mirror the advancements seen in its Hyundai Tucson cousin.
Key interior upgrades include a cleaner dashboard layout, a shift from touch-sensitive controls to physical buttons, and a dual 12.3-inch display setup. Additionally, the infotainment system is anticipated to boast a refined interface, faster performance, and wireless connectivity options for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Kia Sportage carries over into 2026 with its familiar powertrain lineup: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder for the standard model and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder for the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. Both engines utilize direct fuel injection, while the 2.5-liter adds port injection for enhanced performance.
Renowned for its spacious interior, boasting class-leading rear legroom and cargo capacity, the Sportage is expected to command a higher price tag in 2026 due to expanded standard features. The hybrid model offers an estimated 44 mpg on the highway, and the plug-in hybrid delivers up to 34 miles of electric-only range.
As Kia’s top-selling vehicle in the U.S., the Sportage enjoyed robust sales in 2023, with over 140,000 units sold, and this momentum has continued into 2024, surpassing the previous year’s first-half sales figures.
