Some competitors are going all-in on electric vehicles, but Kia’s new Sportage is coming out in 2026 with a much bigger plan: a heavily updated SUV that keeps its sharp styling, adds more features, and offers a wide range of petrol, diesel, and hybrid powertrains that are tailored to different types of drivers.
The small SUV that won’t choose just one future
Compact SUVs are racing to become electric across Europe. A lot of brands are cutting back on or getting rid of traditional engines. Kia is clearly going in a different direction with the 2026 Sportage.
The new Sportage lineup includes everything from a simple 1.6-liter petrol engine to a plug-in hybrid that can go up to 69 kilometres on electricity alone. In the middle are a micro-hybrid petrol, a diesel with mild-hybrid tech, and a full self-charging hybrid. Power ranges from 150 to 265 hp, and the car can have front- or all-wheel drive and a manual or automatic gearbox.
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Instead of forcing buyers to choose one technology, the 2026 Sportage has one of the widest ranges of powertrains in the European compact SUV class.
That range is planned. Fleet buyers who care about the total cost of ownership, families who have to balance school runs and long trips, and rural drivers who still use diesel are all in Kia’s sights. The brand wants the Sportage to stay one of the best-selling cars in its class, even though rules and incentives change quickly.
Engines and powertrains: there is a version for almost every need. Entry-level petrol for people on a tight budget.
The first model in the range is a 1.6 T-GDi turbo petrol engine that makes about 150 hp. It has a six-speed manual gearbox that sends power to the front wheels. There is no hybrid system here. This is the easiest, lightest, and often cheapest way to get into the Sportage.
This engine should still be appealing to drivers who drive a moderate amount and live outside of low-emission zones. It’s easy to service, and there isn’t any extra electrical hardware, which keeps the weight and complexity down. This version will mostly appeal to private buyers and some fleets in markets like France that want a low entry price.
Micro-hybrid petrol: a small step toward electric cars
A 1.6 T-GDi MHEV (mild hybrid) with about 180 hp is above it. A small 48-volt electrical system helps the engine speed up and lets it shut off sooner when it slows down. The end result is lower CO₂ levels and slightly better gas mileage, with not too much change in the way the car drives.
- About 180 horsepower
- 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT) gearbox
- Drive: all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive
- Target driver: someone who drives in a mix of towns and on the road, with the occasional long trip.
- People who spend a lot of time in traffic will like the DCT gearbox, and people who live in hilly or snowy areas will like the option of all-wheel drive.
Diesel is still around for drivers who drive a lot.
Kia is keeping a diesel option, a 1.6 CRDi with about 136 hp, even though the market is going in the opposite direction. It also has mild-hybrid technology. It has a DCT with seven speeds and drives the front wheels.
This setup is good for drivers who spend a lot of time on the highway or who tow a lot. The electric help levels out fuel use and emissions, which gives diesel buyers a little breathing room in countries where taxes are getting stricter.
The diesel mild hybrid is still one of the best choices for people who drive a lot because of its fuel economy and range.
Three levels of hybrid: light help, full plug-in, and more
The two full hybrid models, both based on the 1.6 T-GDi petrol engine, really focus on electrification.
A self-charging hybrid that works without any problems
The Sportage HEV has a regular hybrid system and a small battery that charges itself when you brake and when the engine runs. The total power is about 239 hp, which goes to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox. Some trims have all-wheel drive.
This version can glide short distances on electric power at low speeds, especially in town or when traffic is slow. Drivers don’t have to plug it in, so their habits are still like those of a regular petrol car, but with lower fuel costs and emissions.
This HEV is just right for a lot of suburban families. It has enough power for vacations, moves slowly in the city, and doesn’t need to be charged often.
Plug-in hybrid for people who can charge
The Sportage PHEV is the best of the best. It has a bigger battery and a stronger electric motor that work with the 1.6-liter turbo petrol engine to make up to 265 hp. All-wheel drive comes standard, and an automatic gearbox controls the flow of power.
WLTP testing shows that the battery can power the car for up to 69 km. If you can plug in at home or at work, that should be enough for most daily commutes.
The plug-in Sportage can save a lot of gas without giving up long-distance freedom. It runs mostly on electric power during the week and on hybrid power on holidays.
In countries where car taxes depend on CO₂ levels, this PHEV model often falls below the limits that would cause problems. This is important for both company car programs and private buyers who want to stay up to date on new rules.
Gearboxes, traction, and how easy it is to use every day
Kia’s plan isn’t just about engines; it’s also about how power gets to the road. Customers can choose:
- 6-speed manual for the basic petrol model
- 7-speed dual-clutch automatic for mild-hybrid petrol and diesel
- 6-speed automatic on full hybrids (HEV and PHEV)
Front-wheel drive is still the default, but you can choose all-wheel drive for the more powerful or electric versions. For drivers who have to deal with steep driveways, rural roads, or a lot of snow, that choice gives them extra peace of mind.
Engineers have changed the suspension, especially on hybrid models, so that it can handle the extra weight of the battery without taking away too much comfort or trunk space. Early reports show that the luggage space stays competitive, even on plug-in models where the batteries usually take up space in the trunk.
Pricing and positioning: a smart gamble for France and beyond
According to indicative pricing, the entry-level petrol Sportage costs just over €33,000 in France. The mild-hybrid and diesel versions cost between €30,000 and €40,000. The self-charging hybrid costs about €40,000, and the plug-in hybrid costs about €46,000, depending on the trim.
That keeps the car in line with key competitors like the Peugeot 3008 and the Hyundai Tucson. However, Kia makes the deal more appealing by offering a lot of standard features, such as digital instruments and more ways to connect.
Kia thinks that an SUV with a lot of features and different drivetrains will last longer than one with only one technology in a world where rules change quickly.
The risk is that customers may feel overwhelmed by the number of engines, battery sizes, gearboxes, and drive systems they have to choose from. Kia is counting on dealers to help buyers make the right choice by matching their needs, tax situation, and budget.
| Profile | Recommended Version | Key Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Family Without Home Charger | HEV Hybrid | Improves fuel efficiency in city traffic without requiring any charging routine changes. |
| Commuter With Driveway Charger | PHEV Plug-in Hybrid | Enables mostly electric daily driving with lower running costs and possible tax benefits. |
| Long-Distance Motorway Driver | Diesel MHEV | Delivers extended driving range and strong fuel economy for frequent highway travel. |
| Budget-Focused Buyer With Mixed Driving | 1.6 Petrol or Petrol MHEV | Offers a lower upfront price with straightforward maintenance and ownership. |
The Sportage can’t drive on electricity alone with a mild-hybrid system. Instead, a small electric motor helps the gas or diesel engine speed up and takes back energy when you let off the gas. The main benefit is that the car runs more smoothly when you stop and start, and it gets slightly better gas mileage, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
Some people who are worried about having to replace their batteries may feel better knowing that mild-hybrid packs are usually smaller and less stressed than full EV batteries.
How to make the most of a plug-in hybrid
A plug-in hybrid seems like the best of both worlds on paper. In real life, it only works if you charge it often. A Sportage PHEV that is used like a regular gas SUV and is rarely plugged in will carry heavy batteries that aren’t used and may end up being thirstier than you thought.
The best way to use your electric car is to charge it at home overnight on a regular outlet or wallbox, use it to run errands and get to work and then let the gas engine take over on weekends and holidays. In that case, a lot of drivers will go to a gas station much less often than they do now, and they won’t worry about running out of gas.
Why choice is still important in a market that changes quickly
As cities make it harder to get into places and national governments change tax brackets every year, betting on one technology can be bad for both brands and customers. The 2026 Sportage does the opposite and spreads its chips across a number of powertrain options.
This kind of modular SUV is a good way for families who aren’t sure when they’ll be ready for a full EV to get used to it. It lets them lower their emissions and fuel costs at their own pace, whether that means a mild hybrid today or a plug-in hybrid that they can really charge and use.
