The fifth-generation Kia Sportage has received several upgrades in Korea and is anticipated to reach North America for the 2026 model year.
Kia has introduced a refreshed version of its popular Sportage SUV in Korea, three years after launching the fifth-generation model. This facelift brings a sharper front design, a more refined interior, and some significant updates under the hood, enhancing its appeal in the highly competitive SUV market.
Following the approach Kia used on models like the Picanto, Sorento, Carnival, K4, and K8, this update aligns the Sportage’s style with the brand’s growing EV lineup. The standout feature is the redesigned front end, featuring vertically stacked, more assertive headlights, larger bumper intakes, and an updated grille, giving the SUV a bolder, more upright presence.
From the side, the design largely stays familiar, though the facelift introduces new front fenders and updated alloy wheels, available in sizes from 17 to 19 inches. At the rear, subtle tweaks keep the look clean: redesigned LED taillight graphics and a slightly revised rear bumper sharpen the style without major changes. The flagship X-Line trim stands out with sportier bumpers, additional black accents, and exclusive 19-inch wheels.
These design updates aren’t exclusive to the long-wheelbase model shown here, intended for markets like Korea, North America, and Australia; they’re also expected to apply to the shorter, Europe-bound Sportage model.
New Screens and Enhanced Technology
Inside, Kia has added a curved digital cockpit featuring dual 12.3-inch screens and a new head-up display. The refreshed two-spoke steering wheel, enhanced mood lighting, slimmer A/C vents, and updated controls elevate the Sportage closer to Kia’s more premium models. Safety technology also sees significant upgrades, including a grip detection system with a steering wheel vibration alert, a driver-facing camera, and the latest ADAS features.
Kia offers three interior color options—Lounge Brown, Black, and Navy Gray—providing some customization, along with a choice of eight exterior colors.
New 8-Speed Automatic for the Turbo
In Korea, the base model Sportage continues to be powered by a 2.0-liter LPG engine producing 144 hp (107 kW / 146 PS). The more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine remains at 177 hp (132 kW / 180 PS) but now pairs with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, designed to provide smoother shifts than the previous seven-speed dual-clutch.
Enhanced Hybrid and Plug-In Options
The hybrid version gains a slight power increase, with an added 5 hp (3.7 kW) over the previous model. Its powertrain combines the 177 hp (132 kW / 180 PS) 1.6-liter turbo engine with a 64 hp (47.7 kW) electric motor. Kia has also fine-tuned the regenerative braking, allowing drivers to adjust the intensity through paddle shifters, and added adaptive braking that responds to road conditions based on navigation data. The electrified Sportage also adopts the “infant driving mode” from the Hyundai Tucson, delivering smoother acceleration.
The plug-in hybrid version is expected to remain available in other markets, including Europe and North America.
Enhanced Comfort and Quieter Ride
For improved ride quality, the front wheel strut now features a two-way damper to help reduce road noise. Soundproofing has been further enhanced with extra sound-deadening material added to the B-pillar, dashboard, and door trim, building on the sound-insulating glass first introduced in 2023.
In Korea, the refreshed Sportage is priced between ₩28.36 million ($20,600) and ₩48.70 million ($35,300), depending on powertrain and trim. As part of a unique promotion, Kia announced a collaboration with Netflix to feature its vehicles in the second season of the global hit Squid Game.
The North American version of the updated Sportage is expected to debut soon and will go on sale next year as a 2026 model.
