Compare 2026 vs 2025 Kia Sportage Models

2025 Kia Sportage: Powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid options provide efficient alternatives for eco-conscious drivers.

2026 Kia Sportage: The 2.5L engine carries over still offering 187 horsepower on the standard model, but tuning updates improve responsiveness and refinement. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models gain efficiency tweaks for smoother transitions between gas and electric power. Kia has also fine-tuned suspension and steering for a more composed, confident ride.

2025 Kia Sportage: Features a driver-focused cabin with available dual 12.3-inch displays that blend the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, multiple USB ports, and available premium audio make it tech-friendly. Higher trims add comfort upgrades like ventilated seats and ambient lighting.

2026 Kia Sportage: Builds on the 2025 design with updated infotainment software, quicker response times, and expanded over-the-air update capability. Wireless smartphone connectivity becomes standard across more trims, and new interior color options give buyers added personalization. A streamlined center console improves storage and usability.

2025 Kia Sportage: Provides 39.6 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats and up to 74.1 cubic feet with them folded. A dual-level cargo floor and available hands-free liftgate add everyday convenience.

2026 Kia Sportage: Cargo space numbers remain virtually the same, but Kia has reworked the cargo floor for better versatility. Small enhancements, like a wider opening and improved lighting in the cargo area, make loading and unloading even easier.

2025 Kia Sportage:

Standard Engine:

• Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Around 25 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 28 MPG combined
• All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Around 23 mpg city / 27-30 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined

Hybrid:

• Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Around 43 mpg combined
• All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Around 38 mpg combined

2026 Kia Sportage:

Standard Engine:

• Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Around 25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 28 mpg combined
• All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Around 24 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined

Hybrid:

• Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Around 41 mpg city / 44 mpg highway / 42 mpg combined
• All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Around 35 mpg city / 36 mpg highway / 35 mpg combined

2025 Kia Sportage: Comes standard with Kia Drive Wise safety suite, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Highway Driving Assist. Higher trims add Remote Smart Parking Assist and a surround-view camera system.

2026 Kia Sportage: Expands on safety by making more driver-assist features standard across trims, including Lane Change Assist and Junction Turning Assist. Updates to the camera and radar systems improve detection accuracy, and the 360-degree camera gains sharper resolution for clearer visibility.