2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid Review + Video

The compact Sportage is hardly recognizable compared to the crossover Kia used to introduce itself to the Canadian market back in 1999.

To be fair, it barely looks related to the one that came before it, with razor-sharp headlights that are entirely unlike its predecessor’s, let alone anything else in the segment. But then that’s been this brand’s modus operandi for years now, with something of a European styling flair that sets its products apart.

Interestingly, its aesthetic tweaks mean the 2026 Kia Sportage — tested here with its conventional hybrid powertrain — actually looks like some of the other models in the brand’s lineup. That hasn’t always been the case for Kia, which has long been home to a hodgepodge of different designs. More importantly, those aren’t the only reasons to pick the Sportage, with its competitive pricing and efficient powertrain adding to this gas-electric version’s appeal.

Styling 9 / 10

While much of the exterior looks the same as it did when this fifth-generation Sportage debuted a few years ago, the new front end is objectively more eye-catching. Yes, it’s still polarizing, with aggressive-looking daytime running lights replacing the boomerang-shaped ones from before. Meanwhile, the pinched and pulled shape of the rear end remains the same, although the lights and lower bumper garnish have been changed a bit.

The updates inside are more significant, with almost all the glossy plastic from before replaced with stuff that does better to hide the sort of dust and scratches that naturally accumulate with time. Additionally, the 12.3-inch touchscreen — along with the matching instrument display in the range-topping SX trim tested here — has been moved lower on the dashboard so it’s even less distracting while remaining a short glance away.

User-Friendliness 7 / 10

Unfortunately, the dual-function touch control panel has carried over, as have the frustrations that come with it. While it’s a novel approach to the problem of where to put all the switchgear that’s needed for the infotainment and climate systems, it barely takes the brush of a finger to toggle between the two when attempting to change the stereo volume, for instance, with the dial on the left taking on the role of temperature adjustment instead.

Other issues inside include a driver’s seat that doesn’t lower as much as it should, conspiring with the rake of the windshield — along with the housing for the panoramic sunroof in the EX Premium and SX trims — to cut into headroom. Similarly, the reshaped steering wheel that’s flat on top may require awkward adjustment or risk obstructing the view of the instrument screen.

Likewise, the head-up display can’t be lowered enough to project all possible information on the windshield, with turn-by-turn directions in particular cut from view. Of course, that’s the sort of stuff that will only be problematic for drivers of a certain height, and just about everything else inside is universally useful, including the straightforward infotainment system housed behind the crisp and responsive touchscreen.

Features 10 / 10

Even the cheapest Sportage Hybrid trim comes with a heated steering wheel and front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, built-in navigation, a six-speaker stereo, subscription-based satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charger, among others. It also has over-the-air update capability and remote vehicle access via a connected smartphone.

The EX Premium trim adds a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats and heated rear ones, and memory settings for the driver’s seat, while the SX tested here has all that plus a 12.3-inch instrument screen and an upgraded stereo with eight speakers. It also has phone-as-key functionality, as well as the option to pick red interior upholstery, depending on exterior paint. (Oddly, this tester’s shade of Heritage Blue isn’t among the colours that can be paired with it.)

Safety 9 / 10

All three trims have the same advanced safety and driver-assistance suite, with lane departure warning and following help, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and collision avoidance, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. There’s also adaptive cruise control that works in stop-and-go traffic, and a version of Kia’s hands-on Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system that provides some automated steering input.

The Sportage Hybrid SX adds a more advanced HDA program that can handle lane changes on its own once the corresponding signal is activated (two hands must remain on the wheel), improved forward collision warning that can alert to oncoming traffic when turning left, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and parking sensors and surround-view cameras. It also has camera-based blind-spot monitoring thanks to its big instrument screen.

Practicality 9 / 10

With or without the array of cameras, the Sportage is easy to operate thanks to outward views that are reasonable if not as generous as the ones offered by boxier entries in the segment (think the CR-V or the Subaru Forester that’s now available with a hybrid powertrain). Meanwhile, there’s a good amount of occupant space in both sets of seats, with more second-row legroom than most entries in the segment.

When it comes to stashing stuff in the cabin, the restyled centre console offers a few different options, including cup holders that retract to create an open cubby. The back sides of the front-seat headrests also feature hooks made for hanging bags or coats, while the cargo area is decently sized at 977 L. That expands to as much as 1,852 L with the 60/40 split-folding rear bench stowed, although both numbers grow a bit with the cargo floor lowered.

Power 10 / 10

Kia — along with its corporate cousin, Hyundai — has something of a unique approach to hybridization, pairing a turbocharged gas engine and a conventionally geared transmission with a couple electric motors and a battery pack. By comparison, the top-selling Toyota RAV4 and the hybrid version of the Honda CR-V use naturally-aspirated engines along with automatic continuously-variable transmissions (CVTs), which is a more traditional approach to efficiency.

The result is a powertrain that doesn’t feel much like a hybrid one at all, with the main electric motor providing low-end torque to make up for what the 1.6L needs a bit of time to provide, and the six-speed automatic less prone to the surges of acceleration typical of a CVT. With net output of 232 hp and a whopping 271 lb-ft of torque, the Sportage Hybrid has no issues when it comes to accelerating, whether from a standing start or at speed.

Fuel Economy 8 / 10

Its abnormal approach to gas-electric motoring means the Sportage Hybrid isn’t quite as efficient as some of its rivals — at least not officially. It’s rated to burn 6.7 L/100 km combined, whereas the recently redesigned Toyota RAV4 that’s now hybrid-only is good for between 5.4 and 6.0, depending on trim. Meanwhile, the CR-V Hybrid is good for 6.4 (although the TrailSport trim with its all-terrain tires is rated for the same 6.7 as the Sportage).

But then this week-long test finished with an indicated average of 6.1 L/100 km across a total of a little more than 420 km spread between city, highway, and country roads. And while the Sportage’s on-demand all-wheel-drive system wasn’t put to much use during this early autumn test, that’s an impressive figure considering the mechanical components this Kia relies on.

Driving Feel 8 / 10

Beyond its better-than-expected efficiency, the Sportage Hybrid smoothly switches between gas and electric power, plus it’s been equipped with adjustable regenerative braking — a rarity for a conventional hybrid like it that allows the system’s strength to be dialled up or down. The higher the level, the more kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost using the mechanical brakes is harvested and fed into the battery for later use.

Kia’s engineers also addressed the lack of steering feel that previously plagued this crossover, and there’s now a decent sense of which direction the front wheels are pointed. While there won’t be any mistaking the steering rack for a hydraulic system of old, it’s better suited to the Sportage’s size and weight. (A lack of steering feel can be deceptive, particularly when making evasive manoeuvres, with too much — or too little — input applied as a result.)

Comfort 6 / 10

For all the improvements made to Kia’s various vehicles over the years, there’s long been a level of refinement that’s proven elusive — something that remains true even today. Make no mistake: this Sportage is leaps and bounds better than the ones before it, but it’s still short of key rivals when it comes to ride quality and overall comfort, among other attributes.

For example, the dampers tend to get overwhelmed on rough surfaces, with an inability to effectively compensate for successive impacts. Similarly, seat comfort has long been a literal sore spot for Kia, and while these chairs are superior to some of the brand’s previous efforts, the lower cushions in particular are flat and lead to discomfort during long drives.

Value 8 / 10

In spite of an as-tested price a little more than $50,000, even the top-of-the-line Sportage Hybrid is something of a value play in the segment considering all it comes with. Lower in the lineup, there’s the EX trim that’s $43,345 before tax, while the EX+ rings in at $46,345. While pricing for the 2026 Toyota RAV4 wasn’t available at the time of this writing, the Honda CR-V Hybrid ranges from $47,900 to $53,200. (All prices include their respective freight charges.)

The Verdict

The RAV4 remains a reliable choice amongst hybrids like this one, while the CR-V is an appealing-if-expensive alternative. There are others, too, like Hyundai Tucson that’s closely related to this Kia, which is also a perfectly fine choice. But what makes the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid so appealing is its combination of conventional performance and gas-electric efficiency, all of which is wrapped up in a package that’s both stylish and functional.