LONDON: The enhanced 2026 Kia Sportage offers an electrified lineup including a diesel-powered mild hybrid (MHEV), petrol hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
Powertrain options also include a 1.6-litre turbo petrol direct injection (T-GDI) with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (7-DCT).
Its “Opposites United” design offers a shortened European wheelbase, while the new front and rear bumpers create a strong silhouette, with eye-catching LED Star Map lighting and Kia’s distinctive tiger nose grille.
The shortened wheelbase is to meet the preferences of European SUV customers without compromising on interior space.
“With a fully upgraded package, ready for every adventure, the most refined Sportage ever appeals to a wide variety of consumers, including our legacy customers, as it offers new levels of versatility, convenience and comfort,” said Kia Europe COO Sjoerd Knipping.
The interior offers a steering wheel featuring a new two-spoke design, while the updated crash pad and hidden air vents create a sleek, minimalist finish.
Dinamica's premium non-woven micro-fiber suede is featured in the door and seat insert in the GT-Line standard and in the door insert and seat booster as an option.
The Sportage continues to offer a spacious interior, with more than one metre of rear legroom.
Rear cargo capacity up to 587 litres, and up to 1,776 litres with the second-row seats folded.
The dual-level cargo floor available on the MHEV and HEV provides flexible cargo carrying capabilities.
There's the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (CCnC), featuring dual 12.3-inch curved panoramic displays and a new 10-inch head-up display (HUD).
Connectivity comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In addition, the vehicle features a Harman Kardon premium audio system.
Also, 360-degree Surround View Monitor with 3D view provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings.
Finally, a wireless charging pad is located inside the upper tray.
The Sportage features a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems:
- Standard Auto Emergency Braking with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Car Detection are designed to use sensors and a camera to scan the road ahead for potential hazards and to automatically apply the brakes when a potential collision is detected.
- Highway Driving Assist 2 employs a forward-facing camera, radar sensors and navigation data to assist with maintaining a predetermined speed and distance from the vehicle detected ahead of you in certain circumstances.
The system can also assist with steering wheel control when changing lanes (activated by the turn signal) and evasive steering assistance.
The new Sportage will be produced at the company’s plant in Žilina, Slovakia.
