Kia Australia has unveiled the 2026 Sportage, introducing a range of upgrades that include new hybrid all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants, a refreshed exterior and interior, and enhanced technology and safety features.
+1 Photos
What’s new in the Kia Sportage?
The updated Kia Sportage SUV reinforces the brand’s commitment to offering a diverse range of powertrain options in Australia’s competitive mid-size SUV segment. The highlights include:
- Hybrid powertrain gets AWD option
- Updated transmission choices
- Refreshed design for a sharper look, aligned with latest Kia design philosophy
- Revamped interior design with more features as standard.
Let’s take a more detailed look at the new and improved Kia Sportage.
Expanded hybrid line-up with AWD option
The big news for the 2026 Sportage is the introduction of AWD hybrid variants, joining the existing petrol and diesel options. The hybrid models now offer greater versatility, catering to buyers who want electrified efficiency without sacrificing all-weather capability.
- 1.6T Hybrid (HEV) now available in FWD and AWD configurations (6-speed automatic).
- 1.6T Petrol models (SX+ and GT-Line) now feature an 8-speed automatic transmission (previously 7-speed DCT).
The engine options for the Kia Sportage are now as follows:
| Engine | 2-litre petrol | 1.6-litre turbo-petrol | 2-litre turbo-diesel | 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid |
| Power | 115 kW | 132 kW | 137 kW | 169 kW* |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 265 Nm | 416 Nm | 350 Nm* |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD | FWD or AWD |
*Combined power and torque output for the hybrid system
Refreshed exterior design
Kia has given the Sportage a subtle yet impactful facelift, aligning it with the brand’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy:
- New front bumper design with vertically stacked star map LED headlights.
- Bolder indicator lights and a more prominent grille.
- Redesigned tail lights and rear bumper for a more rugged, modern look.
- New alloy wheel designs across all trims: S (17-inch), SX (18-inch), SX+ (19-inch), GT-Line (19-inch petrol/diesel, 18-inch hybrid).
It also gets two new premium paint options: Wolf Grey and Heritage Blue. The new look for the Sportage is a good-looking evolution of the sharp and angular creases introduced in the outgoing model.
Upgraded Interior & Infotainment
+3 Photos
Interior shots
Inside, the 2026 Kia Sportage gets a few big design changes that give the cabin a more premium feel. These include:
- New two-spoke steering wheel (modernising the cabin)
- Latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) tech (higher trims)
- Kia Connect (7-year complimentary subscription) offering:
- Real-time traffic & weather updates.
- Highway Driving Assist (HDA) (SX+ & GT-Line)
- Remote vehicle controls (lock/unlock, climate start).
- Stolen vehicle tracking & emergency assistance.
- Over-the-air (OTA) updates for maps, software, and infotainment
Also, the 12.3-inch touchscreen is now standard across all variants of the Sportage.
Enhanced comfort & convenience
There are other increments to the Kia Sportage lineup for 2026 as well, which raise the cabin experience across variants. Here are some of the star features on the updated SUV:
- Wireless charging (standard on SX+ and GT-Line)
- Head-up display (HUD) on GT-Line
- Heated & ventilated seats (GT-Line)
- Heated steering wheel (now on petrol/diesel GT-Line)
- Smart Power Tailgate (SX+ and above)
- Harmon Kardon premium sound system (SX+)
- Panoramic sunroof (GT-Line)
Advanced safety upgrades
The 2026 Sportage builds on Kia’s strong safety reputation with:
- Highway Driving Assist (HDA) (SX+ & GT-Line)
- Combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist for semi-autonomous highway driving.
- Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
- Surround View Monitor (GT-Line)
2026 Kia Sportage: Full variant and pricing breakdown
+3 Photos
Close up shots of 2026 Kia Sportage
| Variant | Fuel Type | Drivetrain | Transmission | RRP (AUD) |
| S FWD | Petrol | FWD | 6AT | $37,990 |
| SX FWD | Petrol | FWD | 6AT | $40,480 |
| SX+ FWD | Petrol | FWD | 6AT | $45,080 |
| SX+ AWD | Petrol (1.6T) | AWD | 8AT | $47,080 |
| GT-Line AWD | Petrol (1.6T) | AWD | 8AT | $53,990 |
| S AWD | Diesel | AWD | 8AT | $43,390 |
| SX AWD | Diesel | AWD | 8AT | $45,880 |
| SX+ AWD | Diesel | AWD | 8AT | $50,480 |
| GT-Line AWD | Diesel | AWD | 8AT | $56,400 |
| HEV SX FWD | Hybrid | FWD | 6AT | $46,450 |
| HEV GT-Line FWD | Hybrid | FWD | 6AT | $57,370 |
| HEV SX AWD | Hybrid | AWD | 6AT | $49,450 |
| HEV GT-Line AWD | Hybrid | AWD | 6AT | $60,370 |
The updated range makes the Kia Sportage’s entry-point $5000 more expensive than before. Nearly all trims have become pricier by an average of $3000 while the top-of-the-line diesel options got a price hike closer to $4000.
Kia Sportage trim breakdown
Kia Sportage S (from $37,990 FWD | $43,390 AWD Diesel)
The entry-level S trim is well-equipped with modern tech and safety:
- 12.3” infotainment screen with OTA updates
- Smart Key with Push Button Start
- Smart Cruise Control
- Cloth seats and 17” alloy wheels
- Blind Spot Collision Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Electronic parking brake with auto hold
- Rear parking sensors and reverse camera
- Full-size spare wheel (GSL/DSL)
Kia Sportage SX (from $40,480 FWD | $45,880 AWD Diesel | $46,450 HEV FWD | $49,450 HEV AWD)
Upgrades over S include:
- Larger 18” alloy wheels
- 12.3” infotainment with satellite navigation
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Dual-zone climate control
- Remote folding 2nd row
- Dial-type gear shifter (HEV only)
- Partial leather touches and lumbar support (driver)
Kia Sportage SX+ (from $45,080 FWD | $47,080 AWD Petrol | $50,480 AWD Diesel)
Adds more premium and tech features:
- Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Wireless phone charging
- Highway Drive Assist (semi-autonomous tech)
- Privacy glass and smart power tailgate
- Harmon Kardon 8-speaker sound system
- Artificial leather upholstery
- 19” alloy wheels (GSL/DSL)
Kia Sportage GT-Line (from $53,990 AWD Petrol | $56,400 AWD Diesel | $57,370 HEV FWD | $60,370 HEV AWD)
Top-spec GT-Line is loaded with comfort and safety extras:
- Panoramic sunroof and ambient mood lighting
- Surround View Monitor + Head-Up Display
- Digital instrument cluster with blind spot view
- Ventilated front seats and memory driver’s seat
- Power-adjustable passenger seat
- Alloy sports pedals and LED interior lights
- 19” wheels for petrol/diesel, 18” for HEV
- Dynamic welcome lights and sporty styling
So, is the GT-Line worth the premium? If you’re after every tech trick in the book—like 360° cameras, HUD, sunroof, and a plush interior—the GT-Line is worth it. But even the mid-tier SX+ brings a strong mix of features and value, especially if you’re budget-conscious. The SX HEV AWD strikes a great balance of efficiency, features, and all-weather ability for under $50K.
The verdict
With AWD hybrids, a premium tech suite, and safety smarts, the 2026 Kia Sportage is a compelling choice. The $37,990 entry point (petrol FWD) undercuts rivals like the Toyota RAV4 ($45,300) and Hyundai Tucson ($45,100).
Comments
New Comment