2026 KIA SPORTAGE DEBUTS AT LA AUTO SHOW ADVANCING DESIGN, INNOVATION, AND TECHNOLOGY

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Nov 21, 2024, 12:45 ET

Kia's Top Selling Model Offers Enhancements Across All Three Powertrains – ICE, HEV, PHEV

"Opposites United" design philosophy takes on a more confident and refined style with Kia's LED star map lighting and distinctive amber DRLs
New driver-centric dual 12.3-in. panoramic displays¹ with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard on all trims
Available new 10-in. Head-up Display (HUD)
Electrified lineup becomes even more desirable with the addition of sporty S and rugged X-Line turbo hybrid trims
Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS)² suite now includes available Forward Collision Avoidance Assist w/ Direct Oncoming Detection & Avoidance, next level HDA2 and Front/Side/Rear Parking Distance Warning
Available Digital Key offers the ability to lock/unlock/start using a smart device
New Terrain mode (Snow, Mud, Sand) on X-Line, X-Pro Prestige, and all AWD trims²
A more powerful than before turbo hybrid powertrain
Segment-up roominess with impressive rear legroom and cargo room
New Digital Features and Services through Kia Connect³

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2026 Kia Sportage compact SUV debuted today at the Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS) with an extensive list of enhancements in design, innovation, technology and convenience. As Kia's longest running nameplate, the Sportage undergoes its most significant change since the fifth-generation model launched almost three years ago. The 2026 Sportage delivers more of everything for today's savvy, adventurous and eco-conscious consumers across three distinct powertrain variants – ICE, Turbo Hybrid (HEV), and Turbo Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) – with an expansive trim range that includes the rugged and capable X-Line and X-Pro Prestige trims.

Kia’s 2026 Sportage debuts at the LA Auto Show, advancing design, innovation, and technology across all three powertrains - ICE, Turbo Hybrid (HEV), and Turbo Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV).

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/kia/9239855-en-2026-kia-sportage-debuts-at-la-auto-show

Exuding the brand's "Opposites United" design philosophy, the Sportage takes on a more confident look with front and rear design enhancements. Inside, the Sportage brings more technology upgrades than ever, from Kia's innovative Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) with a standard curved 12.3-inch touchscreen display¹ to an all-new available 10-inch head-up display (HUD) that communicates pertinent information including ADAS² functions and turn-by-turn directions. There's also a roster of Digital Key features for remote lock/unlock/start capabilities via compatible smart devices.

The 2026 Sportage offers something for everyone, with an expansive lineup that includes a new sporty S and capable X-Line trim for the Sportage HEV. Sportage models with the turbo hybrid powertrain also get an uptick in horsepower, while X-Line, X-Pro and all AWD models gain more confidence with standard Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand).²

The robust Sportage ICE lineup includes the LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, and X-Pro Prestige trims. The Sportage X-Pro Prestige allows drivers to venture further into nature with off-road ready features. The Sportage HEV comes in LX, S (new), EX, X-Line (new), and SX-Prestige, while the Sportage PHEV comes in X-Line and X-Line Prestige.

Certain Sportage trims are assembled in the U.S.,⁴ alongside the award-winning Telluride, Sorento, and all-electric EV6 and EV9 at Kia's manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia. The 2026 Sportage is expected to arrive in Kia showrooms in Q2 of next year and pricing will be announced closer to its on-sale date.

Eye-Catching Design

Befitting of Kia's "Opposites United" design philosophy, smooth, soft surfaces are offset by rugged, sheer forms, combining off-road confidence with cutting edge modern cues. New design elements include:

Front and rear bumpers
Distinct styling for X-Line models
Revised lighting:
- Stacked LED headlight design with optional cube-style projection
- Amber LED "Star Map" daytime running lights (DRLs)
- LED "Star Map" taillights with transparent design (standard rear combination type)
Newly available 17-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch alloy wheel designs

A Cabin Aimed at Connectivity, Comfort and Convenience

Significant interior enhancements turn the cabin into a premium living space with new tech and connectivity features:

Newly integrated Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) with 12.3-inch LCD display¹, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and wireless Android Auto⁵ and Apple CarPlay⁶ with Kia Connect,³ depending on trim, can unlock the full potential of your Kia, giving you access to advanced features, such as the ability to start your vehicle remotely, precondition your cabin, check vehicle lock status, schedule maintenance, plan your route and more.
All-new available 10-inch Head-up Display (HUD) compliments new technology functions; integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (HEV and PHEV Only) and turn-by-turn directions.
Standard Smart Key with push button start offers remote start capability and supports OTA updates to introduce new features that enrich the ownership experience; Available Digital Key 2.0 Premium offers the ability to lock/unlock/start using smart devices without needing to carry a key fob, and also allows sharing the digital key with family and friends.
Kia Connect³ services provide advanced embedded connectivity with:
- Wi-Fi Hotspot⁷ connects up to five devices to 4G LTE-based internet
- Kia Access App with compatibility through Apple and Android-based smartwatches to access features like remote climate control, door lock/unlock and more
- Peace of mind with stolen vehicle tracking and immobilization capability
- Connected Routing: Cloud-based system calculates the optimal route using real-time maps and predicted traffic info based on historical information and AI to learn the preferred routes of users
- Smart Speaker Integration lets customers use Amazon Alexa⁸ or Google Assistant⁹ enabled smart speakers or devices to remotely control some functions
New Digital Features and Services through Kia Connect⁴ will elevate the driving experience further by streaming music, connecting personal devices with the Wi-Fi Hotspot, and even allowing the owner to customize the infotainment experience with their favorite NBA team to showcase their team spirit. Available through the Kia Connect Store, these features would allow Kia customers to personalize their car and offer the ability to add more features through OTA updates.

In addition, Sportage offers an array of available technology to assist drivers from moment to moment:

Multi-function audio/climate touchpad sits beneath the multimedia screen; switching between functions is now more natural, whether it's changing your preferred temperature setting or adjusting the volume
360-degree Surround-View Monitor¹⁰ with 3D view is designed to provide a bird's-eye view of the vehicle's surroundings, and for added peace of mind, Remote 360 View is accessible with Kia Connect³
Harman Kardon premium audio system¹¹
Wireless charging¹² pad built inside the upper tray

Other notable interior features include:

Optional power folding outside mirrors for parking in tight spaces
Optional heated rear seats (HEV and PHEV only) offer cold weather comfort for rear passengers
New accent trims for instrument panel, center console and door panels reduce fingerprint smudges

The Sportage continues to offer a spacious interior and flexible cargo room:

41.3-inches of rear legroom with plenty of space to keep your rear passengers comfortable³
Rear cargo capacity of up to 39.6 cu-ft. of space lets you take your gear along for the journey or to tackle your weekend projects.³
Dual-level cargo floor provides flexible cargo carrying capabilities (standard on ICE and HEV; not available on PHEV).

New Trims and Options Packages

The Sportage adds two new turbocharged Hybrid trim levels for 2026 (S and X-Line) with the following key features:

S Hybrid: 12.3-in. touchscreen display with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Fr/Rr USB-C charging ports, Smart Key with push button start, power driver's seat with heated front seats, Blindspot Collision Warning (BCW)/Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance (RCCA)/Safe Exit Assist (SEA), heated outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicator, 18-in. dark alloy wheels, and gloss black grille and window trims.
X-Line Hybrid: 12.3-in. touchscreen display with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Fr/Rr USB-C charging ports, wireless charging, power driver's seat, SynTex seating with heated front seats, BCW/RCCA/SEA, heated outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicator, LED fog lights, panoramic sunroof, overhead LED interior lighting, smart power liftgate, 19-inch black alloy wheels and gloss black grille, bumper, badging and window trims.

There are also two new options packages:

LX Convenience Package: Power driver's seat, BCW/RCCA/SEA, heated outside mirrors with LED indicator.
X-Line Technology Package: 12.3-inch ccNC Navigation/TFT cluster, Surround View Monitor (SVM)/Blind View Monitor (BVM), Harmon Kardon premium audio, two-position driver's seat & outside mirror memory, power folding outside mirrors, and LED fog lights.

Diverse Engine Lineup

Whether you're an urban adventurer, an off-pavement explorer, or a highway commuter, there's a Sportage for you. Both Turbo HEV and Turbo PHEV powertrains have been refined with an uptick power.

Sportage ICE: 2.5-liter I-4
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- FWD/AWD
- 187 horsepower est.
- 3500 lb. towing capacity

Sportage HEV: 1.6-liter turbo gasoline direct injection (GDI) and 47.7kW motor (revised system)
- 6-speed automatic transmission
- FWD/AWD
- 231 horsepower est. (+4 HP over previous model year)
- 2000 lb. towing capacity

Sportage PHEV: 1.6-liter turbo gasoline direct injection (GDI) and 72kW motor (revised system)
- 6-speed automatic transmission
- AWD
- 268 horsepower est. (+7 HP over previous model year)
- 2000 lb. towing capacity

Available Active AWD²uses electro-hydraulic coupling with center-locking differential to actively distribute power between front and rear wheels depending on road and driving conditions. Add to that driver-selectable Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand)² for X-Line, X-Pro Prestige, and all AWD models.

Ruggedness Retained: X-Line and X-Pro

For gasoline-powered variants, the 2026 Sportage continues to offer X-Line and X-Pro Prestige trims. Both come standard with an Active AWD system and a unique tread-like stitching pattern on SynTex synthetic leather-trimmed seats.

Sportage X-Line blends confident and rugged design:

Unique front and rear bumper and skid plate-shaped molding
Kia's LED star map lighting and distinctive amber DRLs complimented with dark styling elements for a more aggressive image
Active All-Wheel Drive System with Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand)²
Side mirrors, roof rack and window surrounds finished in gloss black for a distinctive look
Raised roof rack rails to support adventure-ready accessories
Exclusive 19-inch wheels with all-season tires

Sportage X-Pro Prestige has off-road hardware to match its design elements, including:

B.F. Goodrich all-terrain tires¹³
17-inch matte black off-road wheels
Active All-Wheel Drive System with Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand)²
LED fog lights and LED Projector headlights
Heated windshield and wiper washer nozzles
Exclusive two-tone roof design

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

As with all offerings across the Kia product portfolio, there's a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.¹⁴ New features to Sportage in this area include:

Standard Auto Emergency Braking w/ Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Car Detection: Designed to use sensors and a camera to scan the road ahead for potential hazards and is designed to automatically apply the brakes when a potential collision is detected.
Optional Forward Collision Avoidance Assist w/ Direct Oncoming Detection & Avoidance plus next level Highway Driving Assist 2: Employs forward-facing camera, radar sensors, and navigation data. The available system can 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 assist.
Standard Hands on Detection (HOD): Direct HOD sensor is designed to determine whether the driver is holding the steering wheel, issuing warnings when necessary.
Optional Parking Distance Warning: Forward/Side/Reverse (PDW-F/S/R): Designed to provide a warning to help avoid collision with pedestrians or objects around the vehicle at low speeds. PDW-F/R is standard.

Kia America – about us

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles sold through a network of over 775 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

*Certain 2025 EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV/PHEV), Sorento (excludes HEV/PHEV), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

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¹Distracted driving can result in the loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation.

²No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. Always drive safely.

³Purchase/lease of certain Kia vehicles with Kia Connect includes a complimentary 3-year subscription starting from new vehicle retail sale/lease date as recorded by the dealer. After your complimentary 3-year Kia Connect subscription expires, continued access to the full suite of Kia Connect services available on your Kia will require a paid subscription at the then-current subscription rate or your use of certain Kia Connect features may immediately terminate. Use of Kia Connect is subject to agreement to the Kia Connect Privacy Policy (available at owners.kia.com/us/en/privacy-policy.html) and Terms of Service (available at owners.kia.com/us/en/terms-of-service.html). Complimentary Kia Connect subscription is transferable to subsequent owner during the original Kia Connect service term. Only use Kia Connect when safe to do so. Kia Connect may currently be unavailable for 2024 or newer vehicles sold or purchased in Massachusetts; please see the Kia Owner's Portal for updates on availability. Kia Access with Kia Connect app is available from the Apple App Store or Google Play store. Kia America, Inc. reserves the right to change or discontinue Kia Connect at any time without prior notification or incurring any future obligation. Message and data rates may apply. Cellular and GPS coverage is required to use most features. Kia Connect features may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. For more on details and limitations, visit www.kia.com or your authorized Kia dealer. Apple and App Store are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Google and its related trademarks are trademarks of Google LLC or its affiliates.

⁴Trims assembled in U.S.: ICE LX/EX/SX/SX-P/X-Line/X-Pro Prestige; Trims built in Gwangju, Korea: ICE LX/EX, HEV (all trims), PHEV (all trims)

⁵Android Auto vehicle user interface is a product of Google and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play store and an Android compatible smartphone running Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android, Android Auto, and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC.

⁶Apple CarPlay runs on smartphone cellular data service. Normal data rates apply. Apple and CarPlay are trademarks of Apple, Inc.

⁷Wi-Fi Hotspot requires enrollment in Kia Connect. Trial or paid subscription data plan required. Wi-Fi Hotspot services require vehicle cellular connectivity and availability of vehicle GPS signal; certain services may collect location information. Wi-Fi Hotspot available only in the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia. Wi-Fi Hotspot may be unavailable for vehicles that are purchased or sold in Massachusetts.

⁸Amazon devices are sold separately and require a Wi-Fi internet connection. Amazon, Alexa, and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

⁹Google devices are sold separately and require a Wi-Fi internet connection. Google, Google Assistant, and all related logos are trademarks of Google, Inc.

¹⁰When engaged, 360-degree Surround-View Monitor is not a substitute for safe driving and may not display all objects around vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.

¹¹Harman Kardon is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.

¹²Charging system only works with select devices. Refer to the vehicle's Owner's Manual for warnings and instructions.

¹³BF Goodrich is a trademark of Compagnie Générale Des Establissements Michelin.

¹⁴These features are not substitutes for safe driving and may not detect or display all objects surrounding vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.

SOURCE Kia America