Archived model-year dossier
2026 Kia Sportage
The 2026 Kia Sportage's FuelEconomy.gov record holds 6 EPA certification records across 6 model/option labels (Sportage AWD, Sportage FWD, +4 more), spanning All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive drivetrains and Regular, Regular Gas and Electricity fuel types across 3 engines (1.6L 4-cyl SIDI; Hybrid, 1.6L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEV, 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI). EPA classifies it under Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD vehicle classes, built on Conventional, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid powertrain technologies. Across those configurations, expect combined efficiency of 24–42 MPG/MPGe, an electric range of 33 miles, an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,500–$2,600/yr. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year.
Configurations6
Model/option labels6
Combined efficiency24–42 MPG/MPGe
Electric range33 mi
Decision answers15
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2026 Kia Sportage: 6 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd | AWD | 187 | 178 | 24 / 30 / 26 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| EX | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd | AWD | 187 | 178 | 24 / 30 / 26 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| X-Line | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd | AWD | 187 | 178 | 24 / 30 / 26 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| SX | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd | FWD | 187 | 178 | 25 / 33 / 28 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| SX Prestige | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd | AWD | 187 | 178 | 24 / 30 / 26 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| X-Pro Prestige | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd | AWD | 187 | 178 | 23 / 26 / 24 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | 3,566 lb | 183.5 in | 66.1 in | 108.5 in | 8.3 in | 19.3 ft | 14.3 gal | 39.6 in | 41.4 in | 2,500 lb | P235/65R17 |
| EX | 3,566 lb | 183.5 in | 66.3 in | 108.5 in | 8.3 in | 19.3 ft | 14.3 gal | 39.6 in | 41.4 in | 2,500 lb | P235/60R18 |
| X-Line | 3,566 lb | 183.5 in | 66.9 in | 108.5 in | 8.3 in | 19.3 ft | 14.3 gal | 39.6 in | 41.4 in | 2,500 lb | P235/55R19 |
| SX | 3,396 lb | 183.5 in | 65.6 in | 108.5 in | 7.1 in | 19.3 ft | 14.3 gal | 37.8 in | 41.4 in | 2,500 lb | P235/60R18 |
| SX Prestige | 3,566 lb | 183.5 in | 66.3 in | 108.5 in | 8.3 in | 19.3 ft | 14.3 gal | 37.8 in | 41.4 in | 2,500 lb | P235/55R19 |
| X-Pro Prestige | 3,700 lb | 183.5 in | 66.9 in | 108.5 in | 8.3 in | 19.3 ft | 14.3 gal | 37.8 in | 41.4 in | 2,500 lb | P235/65R17 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2026 Kia Sportage trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | LX | EX | X-Line | SX | SX Prestige | X-Pro Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||||||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-descent control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | – | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | Std | Std | Std | Std | – | – |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||||||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | – | – | – | – | – |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||||||
| Heated front seats | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | – | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Heated windshield | – | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | – | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | – | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
6 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49503Sportage AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 24 | 30 | 26 | N/A |
| 49455Sportage FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 25 | 33 | 28 | N/A |
| 49504Sportage Hybrid AWD | 1.6L 4-cyl SIDI; HybridHybrid | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S6) | Regular | 35 | 36 | 35 | N/A |
| 49456Sportage Hybrid FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl SIDI; HybridHybrid | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S6) | Regular | 41 | 44 | 42 | N/A |
| 49767Sportage Plug-in Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEVPlug-in Hybrid | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S6) | Regular Gas and Electricity | 35 | 36 | 36 | 33 mi |
| 49510Sportage X-pro | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 23 | 26 | 24 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
15 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2026 Kia Sportage versus the 2025 Kia Sportage?
Model year
Against the 2025 Kia Sportage: Midpoint combined efficiency moved from 34.0 to 33.0 MPG/MPGe. Midpoint electric range moved from 34 to 33 miles. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 1 for the 2025 to 1 for the 2026.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02What brake fluid, refrigerant and key-fob battery does the 2026 Kia Sportage use?
Maintenance
The 2026 Kia Sportage owner's manual names DOT 4 brake fluid and R-1234yf air-conditioning refrigerant. Source: 2026 Kia Sportage owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q03What size wheels does the 2026 Kia Sportage have?
Wheels and tires
The 2026 Kia Sportage's wheel diameter is 17 inches on the LX and X-Pro Prestige, 18 inches on the EX and SX and 19 inches on the X-Line and SX Prestige. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04How do the 2026 Kia Sportage trims differ from one another?
Trims
All 6 trims share the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) making 187 hp. The EX has blind-spot alert, heated front seats, heated mirrors and 6 more as standard equipment over the LX. The X-Line has roof rails as standard equipment over the EX. The SX has FWD instead of AWD and a panoramic moonroof and a premium audio system as standard equipment over the X-Line. The SX Prestige has AWD instead of FWD and power front seats for driver and passenger, fog lights, a heated steering wheel and a surround-view camera as standard equipment over the SX. The X-Pro Prestige has a heated windshield as standard equipment over the SX Prestige.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q05What is the destination charge on the 2026 Kia Sportage?
Pricing
The destination charge on the 2026 Kia Sportage is $1,495. MotorTrend lists it, and MotorTrend's MSRP plus this charge matches Kelley Blue Book's national price, which includes destination (AWD X-Line: MotorTrend MSRP $33,090 plus this charge equals Kelley Blue Book's $34,585; the same on 3 trims). Source: MotorTrend and Kelley Blue Book, read 2026-09-25.
Q06What suspension does the 2026 Kia Sportage use?
Brakes and suspension
MotorTrend describes the 2026 Kia Sportage's suspension this way. Front: a MacPherson-type strut design. Rear: a multi-link design. Source: MotorTrend, read 2026-09-25.
Q07Did the 2026 Kia Sportage earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick award?
Safety
IIHS lists the 2026 Kia Sportage as a Top Safety Pick+. IIHS states the rating applies to 2023-26, 2024-26, 2025-26 and 2026 models, based on a test of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL 4-door 4wd. Source: IIHS vehicle ratings, read 2026-09-24.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q08How did the 2026 Kia Sportage do in IIHS crash tests?
Safety
IIHS rated the 2026 Kia Sportage: Good in the small overlap front test, Good in the updated moderate overlap front test, Good in the updated side test. IIHS states the rating applies to 2023-26, 2024-26, 2025-26 and 2026 models, based on a test of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL 4-door 4wd. Grades run Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor. Source: IIHS vehicle ratings, read 2026-09-24.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q09How many people does the 2026 Kia Sportage LX FWD seat?
Specifications
CarBuzz lists 5 seats for the 2026 Kia Sportage LX FWD.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q10How much cargo space does the 2026 Kia Sportage LX FWD have?
Specifications
CarBuzz lists 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space for the 2026 Kia Sportage LX FWD.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q11What warranty does the 2026 Kia Sportage LX FWD come with?
Specifications
CarBuzz lists the 2026 Kia Sportage LX FWD with basic coverage of 60 months or 60,000 miles, powertrain coverage of 120 months or 100,000 miles, corrosion coverage of 60 months or 100,000 miles and roadside assistance of 60 months or 60,000 miles.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q12What is the GVWR of the 2026 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV?
Specifications
CarDealerships.com lists a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,740 pounds for the 2026 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q13What is the payload capacity of the 2026 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV?
Specifications
CarDealerships.com lists a maximum payload of 1,305 pounds for the 2026 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q14How quickly does the 2026 Kia Sportage HEV SX-Prestige accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
Specifications
0-60Specs.com lists tested 0 to 60 mph times of 7.3 seconds for the Kia Sportage HEV SX-Prestige (Motor Trend) and 7.5 seconds for the Kia Sportage HEV SX-Prestige (MotorWeek) for the 2026 Kia Sportage HEV SX-Prestige.
Source: 0-60Specs.com model-year specification page
Q15What does the 2026 Kia Sportage cost across its trims?
Pricing
Kelley Blue Book's national base prices for the 2026 Kia Sportage run from $30,285 for the LX to $41,185 for the X-Pro Prestige, across 6 trims. Those figures include the destination charge.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
This model year’s federal safety record
1 federal recall campaign is on file for the 2026 Kia Sportage.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Federal filings for the 2026 Kia Sportage name electrical system. These are the systems cited in recall documents for this model year specifically, not a survey of every fault owners report, and not a statement that any individual 2026 Kia Sportage is affected.
The 2025 Kia Sportage carries 1 recall campaign: the same recall count as the 2026. Open the 2025 Kia Sportage record
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API; NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API.
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2026 Kia Sportage.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Kia Sportage across model years.
Ownership desk
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