We had the privilege of testing the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid and found it to be one of the best hybrid SUVs on the market. It combines a good ride, comfy accommodations, an affordable price for its content, and it comes with an impressive warranty. Sportage is also offered as a non-hybrid and a plug-in hybrid version.
Sportage has distinctive, bold, chiseled styling lines. Its front end has running lights that outline the headlamps and they take on the look of an abbreviated question mark. Sportage’s rear is equally as sculpted with brushed aluminum-look rear bumper that accents its sporty attributes.
Inside, and with a low 19.5-inch step-in, Kia designers did a superb job featuring a one-piece, 26-inch long display that houses a 12.3-inch infotainment system and another 12.3-inch display next to it for the instrument gauge cluster. It’s a clean, sexy look. The display supports a host of features and functions including rear, front and revolving cameras with overhead view. And when activating left or right turn signals, outside mirrors have cameras that display those blind spots on the display, which is helpful for motorists or bikes sneaking up on that side.
The infotainment display supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Kia connectivity, XM radio, Harmon/Kardon premium audio and much more.
Heated/ventilated SynTex front seats are nicely supportive and sofa soft with suede textured inserts. They are enhanced with a console featuring a flush rotary dial gear selector for the 6-speed automatic transmission that is supplemented with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Another eye-catcher is flat bottom heated steering wheel that takes on the appearance of that in an IndyCar. On the steering wheel are two mode selector switches. One for Eco, Sport and MyDrive modes, the other Terrain switch for Snow, Mud and Sand modes.
There’s also a wireless phone charger built into the fore portion of the console. And above this are touch sensitive HVAC controls that are easy to operate.
A neat and thoughtful design are twin console mounted cup holders that swivel in to form a spacious bin for small item storage.
On the heated rear seats, they too are soft and comfy with generous leg and headroom. And with a low transaxle hump, three passengers can be seated provided the center passenger has short legs. Rear seat passengers can also enjoy a full-length sun roof for an expansive view skyward.
Sportage has one of the most spacious cargo areas in its class. With the rear seatbacks upright there’s 34.5 cubic feet of cargo space that measures 39 inches deep, 45 wide and 29 high. Flip the seatbacks and space increases to 73.7 cubic feet for a generous 72 inches (six feet) of cargo loading depth. Lift-over onto the cargo floor is a low 28.5 inches and with a smart liftgate.
For ease of parking, Sportage had a self-park feature initiated via the keyfob. And when locking the car, the outside mirrors automatically power inward.
Sportage Hybrid gets it grunt from a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that generates 177 hp and 195 lb/ft of torque for EPA mileage estimates of 35 city, 36-highway mpg. So powered, Sportage carries a tow rating of 2,000 pounds with trailers brakes, or 1,653 without. And with a curb weight of 3,994 pounds, this little 4-cylinder moves Sportage with surprising ease and quickness. It was independently tested at 8 seconds for a 0-60 sprint.
And the transition from gas to hybrid and back is seamless and goes virtually unnoticed. The 6-speed transmission is also a quick, smooth shifter.
Shod with Hankook 19-inch tires, Sportage is a smooth, quiet rider. And it parks easily with a tight 19.3 curb-curb turning radius. With 8.3-inches of ground clearance, Sportage can easily handle modest snow depths. In fact the week we tested Sportage, we had an appreciable amount of snowfall and with its AWD system, the SUV was sure-footed. It can also handle mild off-roads.
Sportage comes standard with a long list of safety and convenience features such as Lane Keeping Assist/Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning (if opening a door and a vehicle speeds up upon you), Driver Attention Warning (gives a warning if turning the head away from road ahead) and lots more. In fact, the only extra cost option was for all-weather floor mats ($200) that took the base price of $40, 590 to a reasonable $41,985 with a delivery charge of $1,395.
With all the standard content and hybrid powertrain, Sportage AWD Hybrid SUV is a powerful competitor and an excellent buy. To make it more attractive, Kia offers a generous and untouchable warranty of 10 year/100K mile powertrain, 10/100K mile limited battery, 5/60K mile limited basic and 5/roadside assistance coverage.
If you compare this to the competition, it’s a non-regrettable, compelling buy. Take one for a test drive and you’ll be convinced.
