The upgraded Model Year 2026 Sportage is arriving in Kia dealer showrooms bringing enhancements to the Sportage exterior and interior design, comfort and convenience technology, and additional safety features.
- AWD Hybrid variants added
- 1.6T Petrol gains 8-speed auto
- Refreshed exterior and interior design
- Upgraded comfort and convenience technology
- Now with Kia Connect and OTA updates
- Additional safety
Hybrids added for 2026 Sportage
The updated Sportage line-up advances Kia’s growing range of hybrid models with the introduction of all-wheel drive Hybrid variants.
As with the existing diesel powertrain, 1.6T Petrol variants (SX+ and GT-Line) are now matched with an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
The four trim level range continues as with the outgoing model, divided into S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line.
Kia Australia Chief Executive Officer, Damien Meredith, said “These latest refinements of the Sportage formula reinforce its competitiveness in Australia’s biggest new car segment.”
“The expanded availability of hybrid options, along with the existing petrol and diesel options, affirms Kia’s commitment to providing new car buyers with a wide variety of powertrain and specification choices.”
Exterior design
The new Sportage’s front end features multiple refreshed design elements that evolve the ‘Opposites United’ philosophy, including front bumper design, vertically stacked star map headlights, bold indicator lights and a proud new grille.
Taking design cues from the Sorento, the new Sportage stylishly cements its place as part of the modern Kia range.
The rear design of the new Sportage has been subtly tweaked to appear more contemporary, with redesigned tail-light graphics and revised rear bumper elements that enhance its overall rugged appearance while complementing the new signature front lighting design.
All four trim levels feature new alloy wheel designs, with the hybrid GT-Line featuring a unique 18-inch design compared to the 19-inch wheels fitted to petrol/diesel GT-Line variants.
Wolf Grey and Heritage Blue also now join the range as two new premium paint options.
Interior design
All 2026 Sportage variants feature a redesigned two-spoke steering wheel, enhancing the interior with a modern and contemporary look.
Additionally, a 12.3-inch multimedia display is now fitted to all variants, which steps up to the latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) technology.
Comfort and convenience
This ccNC technology brings Kia Connect connected services to the Sportage for the first time.
Packed with functionality, Kia Connect is a seven-year complimentary connected car service that enhances safety/convenience and allows for a better customer experience.
The industry-leading Kia Connect provides customer benefits in safety, security, convenience, connectivity, and live services by using telematics systems to transfer real-time data, such as weather and traffic information.
Following the footsteps of the larger Sorento, over-the-air (OTA) updates are also now available across the range for the new Sportage.
This enables the Sportage to undergo constant wireless improvements, with the latest maps, interfaces and software enhancements, all without customers having to visit a service centre.
The technology suite also brings Kia’s Smart Key with Push Button Start as standard across the new Sportage range, along with a wireless phone charger for all grades SX+ and above.
In addition to the dual 12.3-inch screens in the face of the new Sportage’s dashboard, driver convenience and information access has been expanded with a head-up display (HUD) on GT-Line variants.
The HUD projects critical driving data directly in the driver’s line of sight, helping to minimise driver distraction and keep essential information readily in view.
Safety
Building on an already impressive suite of safety features, new Sportage SX+ & GT-Line variants bring Highway Driving Assist (HDA), which represents next-generation Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology.
Functioning only when driving on a freeway or motorway, HDA builds on the existing adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and combines with Lane Following Assist (LFA) to keep the car centred in the lane.
2026 Sportage Specifications and features
Trim |
Powertrains |
Key Features – New Sportage Features |
|
GT-Line |
1.6T HEV 2WD 6AT
1.6T GSL AWD 8AT
2.0L DSL AWD 8AT |
SX+ Plus:
|
|
SX+ |
1.6T GSL AWD 8AT
2.0L GSL FWD 6AT
2.0L DSL AWD 8AT |
SX Plus:
|
|
SX |
1.6T HEV AWD 6AT
2.0L GSL FWD 6AT
2.0L DSL AWD 8AT |
S Plus:
|
|
S |
2.0L GSL FWD 6AT
2.0L DSL AWD 8AT |
Key Features:
|
Kia 2026 Sportage pricing
| Variant | Fuel Type | Engine / Fuel | Trans | RRP |
| S FWD | Petrol | 2.0L MPI / Petrol | 6AT | $37,990 |
| SX FWD | -6AT | $40,480 | ||
| SX+ FWD | 6AT | $45,080 | ||
| SX+ AWD | 1.6T-GDI / Petrol | 8AT | $47,080 | |
| GT-Line AWD | -8AT | $53,990 | ||
| S AWD | Diesel | 2.0L CRDI / Diesel | 8AT | $43,390 |
| SX AWD | -8AT | $45,880 | ||
| SX+ AWD | 8AT | $50,480 | ||
| GT-Line AWD | 8AT | $56,400 | ||
| HEV SX FWD | Hybrid | 1.6L T-GDI / HEV | 6AT | $46,450 |
| HEV GT-Line FWD | -6AT | $57,370 | ||
| HEV SX AWD | 6AT | $49,450 | ||
| HEV GT-Line AWD | 6AT | $60,370 |
Note: The 2026 Sportage PE has not yet undergone all necessary physical inspection checks by Kia Australia – until inspections are completed, all specifications are subject to change.
