Kia had a document 12 months in Australia in 2024 – led by the favored Sportage mid-size SUV.
Above: GT-Line HEV FWD
A minimum of 22,210 out of the Korean model’s 81,787 new registrations in Australia final 12 months have been Sportages, that means the long-running fSUV nameplate accounts for a couple of in 4 of the model’s gross sales Down Beneath.
Due to this fact, the up to date 2026 Kia Sportage is crucial for the model to proceed its upward momentum on the gross sales charts, and its growing impression on Australian new automotive consumers.
Some could not instantly discover the design modifications, however that’s doubtless intentional. Given the success of the outgoing mannequin, Kia has subtly refined the fairly edgy look of the current-generation Sportage and added its newest tech.
Costs are up, and the range-opening manuals are gone. As a substitute, Kia has added two new hybrid variants to the combination – marking the primary time an electrified Sportage with AWD has been provided in Australia.
New shows incorporating Kia Join Providers and over-the-air updates at the moment are customary throughout the vary, with an enhanced set of security and driver help applied sciences fitted too.
Is it nonetheless a prime contender in an ever-competitive and standard car class? Learn on to seek out out.
How a lot does the Kia Sportage value?
Costs are up throughout the board, by no less than $500 and a median of round $3000 relying on the mannequin variant.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 Kia Sportage S 2.0 FWD | $37,990 (+$2995) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage S 2.0D AWD | $43,390 (+$2995) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage SX 2.0 FWD | $40,480 (+$2930) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage SX 2.0D AWD | $45,880 (+$2930) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage SX 1.6T HEV FWD | $46,450 (+$500) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage SX 1.6T HEV AWD | $49,450 (NEW) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage SX+ 2.0 FWD | $45,080 (+$3030) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage SX+ 1.6T AWD | $47,080 (+$3030) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage SX+ 2.0D AWD | $50,480 (+$3030) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage GT-Line 1.6T AWD | $53,990 (+$4070) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage GT-Line 2.0D AWD | $56,400 (+$3480) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage GT-Line 1.6T HEV FWD | $57,370 (+$2310) |
| 2026 Kia Sportage GT-Line 1.6T HEV AWD | $60,370 (NEW) |
To see how the Kia Sportage traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What’s the Kia Sportage like on the within?
Like different new Kia merchandise, the up to date Sportage plonks within the model’s newest show tech, a brand new retro-inspired steering wheel design, and revised trims all through.
Above: S
Forward of the driving force is both a ‘primary’ digital instrument cluster with 4.2-inch TFT supervision show, or a high-spec 12.3-inch digital binnacle when you spend as much as the GT-Line.
It’s a disgrace the nicer driver show is proscribed to the flagship variant when a lot of the firm’s EVs get it from the bottom grade, and it actually cheapens the texture of the not-so-cheap SX+ grade.
Anyway, all fashions get the brand new ‘ccNC’ 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, now with Kia Join Providers and wi-fi smartphone mirroring throughout the board. It additionally brings new Valet Mode, climate forecast and calendar features.
Kia’s newest linked interface stays simple to make use of, nicely featured and snappy in operation. The bottom grade misses out on native navigation with on-line routing, however it’s a really constant expertise throughout the vary.
Above: S (prime); GT-Line (backside)
Haters of the outdated mannequin’s piano black console end will probably be glad to know Kia has subbed out the fingerprint- and scuff-prone materials with fake aluminium or wooden surfaces.
Decrease grades nonetheless have plenty of clean switchgear the place the heated and ventilated seat controls go, and except you get one of many SX-grade hybrids the dial-type shifter is reserved for the GT-Line. An old-school T-bar options in any other case.
Kia has blended standard buttons and switchgear with touch-capacitive controls a bit higher than different manufacturers and rival fashions, with a configurable contact bar for infotainment and local weather controls that includes user-friendly controls in addition to a pair of bodily knobs for quantity and tuning or temperature and fan velocity.
Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now suitable with fashions fitted with satellite tv for pc navigation too, with the previous working reliably with my iPhone 16 Professional Max. Sadly, it’s essential get the SX+ for a wi-fi charger.
Above: S (prime); GT-Line (backside)
As earlier than, consolation and practicality up entrance is fairly good. No matter seat spec the entrance pews are snug and supporting with heaps of guide or electrical adjustment relying on variant.
They’re somewhat mild on for facet bolstering while you’re tackling more durable corners, and the seat base doesn’t angle up as a lot as we’d like. Nonetheless, it is best to be capable to spend lengthy stints behind the wheel with out difficulty.
We’re followers of the modular centre console with lidded drawer and adjustable cupholders, and the cubby below the centre armrest gives good hideaway storage.
One grievance is the small-ish door bins, which received’t maintain large bottles like some rivals.
Given Australia opts for the long-body Sportage out of Korea, rear seat house is on the higher finish of the section, with heaps of head and leg room even with the panoramic sunroof of the GT-Line grade. The flat bench and flooring means three throughout shouldn’t be an excessive amount of of a problem, both.
Facilities embody air vents – however no further zone of local weather – in addition to map pockets, bottle holders within the doorways and a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders. You get top-tether factors throughout all three seatbacks, in addition to ISOFIX anchors on the outboard positions, too.
Additional again there’s 542-586 litres of boot house relying on variant. Hybrids quote extra outright quantity however forfeit the full-size alloy spare of petrol and diesel fashions for an area saver spare.
Drop the second row and also you get a reasonably cavernous 1829-1872 litres of quantity, which is excellent for the category and up there with SUVs from the subsequent dimension section.
| Dimensions | Kia Sportage | Kia Sportage HEV |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 4660mm | 4660mm |
| Width | 1865mm | 1865mm |
| Peak | 1660mm | 1680mm |
| Wheelbase | 2755mm | 2755mm |
| Boot house (second row up) | 542L | 586L |
| Boot house (second row folded) | 1829L | 1872L |
| Towing capability (unbraked) | 750kg | 750kg |
| Towing capability (braked) | 1650-1900kg | 1900kg |
To see how the Kia Sportage traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What’s below the bonnet?
4 completely different engine variants are provided, with the turbocharged hybrid now providing each front- and all-wheel drive.
| Specs | 2.0 FWD | 1.6T AWD | 2.0D AWD | 1.6T HEV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl petrol | 1.6L 4cyl turbo-petrol | 2.0L 4cyl turbo-diesel | 1.6L 4cyl turbo-petrol HEV |
| Engine outputs | 115kW / 192Nm | 132kW / 265Nm | 137kW / 416Nm | 132kW / 265Nm |
| Electrical motor outputs | – | – | – | 47.7kW / 264Nm |
| System outputs | – | – | – | 173kW / 367Nm |
| Battery | – | – | – | 1.49kWh li-ion |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto | 8-speed auto | 8-speed auto | 6-speed auto |
| Drive kind | FWD | AWD | AWD | FWD / AWD |
| Weight – kerb | 1610kg | 1715kg | 1764kg | 1733-1793kg |
| Gasoline economic system (claimed) | 8.1L/100km | 7.5L/100km | 6.3L/100km | 4.9-5.3L/100km |
| Gasoline tank capability | 54L | 54L | 54L | 52L |
| Gasoline requirement | 91 octane | 91 octane | Diesel | 91 octane |
| CO2 emissions | 184g/km | 169g/km | 163g/km | 110-121g/km |
| Emissions customary | Euro 5 | Euro 5 | Euro 5 | Euro 5 |
| Braked tow capability | 1650kg | 1650kg | 1900kg | 1900kg |
| Towball obtain | 100kg | 100kg | 100kg | 100kg |
The Sportage HEV has seen a slight energy and torque bump to 173kW/367Nm (up from 169kW/350Nm) courtesy of a extra highly effective electrical motor which sits between the transmission and turbocharged petrol engine. Braked towing capability for hybrid fashions has additionally been upped to 1900kg, which matches the diesel.
One other important change is the transmission for 1.6T AWD variations, which switches out the outdated and disliked seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) for a smoother-shifting eight-speed auto. Gasoline consumption, nonetheless, is up by nearly 0.5L/100km on the mixed cycle in consequence.
To see how the Kia Sportage traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
How does the Kia Sportage drive?
Whereas the powertrains are largely carryover, Kia Australia’s native experience and dealing with crew have applied a bespoke steering tune and the turbo-petrol variant will get a brand new eight-speed computerized as an alternative of a dual-clutcher.
Pictured: S 2.0 FWD
The one-day drive occasion didn’t enable a lot of an prolonged expertise behind the wheel of 1 explicit variant, although we frolicked within the S 2.0D AWD, SX HEV AWD, and the GT-Line 1.6T AWD all through this system.
Kia Australia’s chassis localisation program is a key level of distinction in comparison with many rival manufacturers, and chief experience and dealing with engineer Graeme Gambold led the event and software of an Australian-specific steering tune.
Mr Gambold says the revised energy steering map, changing the outdated Korean tune which was used as a result of restrictions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, goals to supply extra accuracy and suggestions whereas retaining a pure really feel.
Like the brand new K4 and EV3 earlier than it, the Sportage’s rack doesn’t go for outright engagement and really feel, higher balancing consolation and accuracy to make inserting this 4660mm-long and 1865mm-wide household SUV a cinch to position.
Our drive program commenced within the Sydney suburbs earlier than taking us out by way of the NSW capital’s community of tunnels and highways out to the open highway, and the bottom diesel stays a cracker of an all-rounder.
The oiler’s easy low-down shove will get it to city and freeway speeds properly, and the signature clatter of most four-cylinder diesels stays excellently refined and subdued even below acceleration.
Whereas most manufacturers have been progressively shifting away from diesel energy within the medium courses and beneath, the Sportage makes an ideal case for the engine kind with its strong long-legged efficiency and spectacular gasoline economic system.
We noticed within the low- to mid-6.0L/100km realm with combined situations, skewing barely to city highways and inclined freeways north of Sydney.
Pictured: GT-Line 1.6T AWD
Subsequent we jumped into the SX Hybrid AWD for a 20-minute loop, on a mixture of winding B-roads and nation highways.
The hybrid has had a correct localised chassis retune for the facelift, because the pre-facelift model was a Frankenstein of components and calibrations primarily based on the petrol and diesel vary. It additionally picks up an area steering tune with this replace.
Recalling my time with the pre-facelift Sportage SX HEV in 2024, the brand new mannequin feels extra dialled in and tied down than earlier than, with a extra cohesive experience matched with a tighter steering tune that comes collectively properly.
Efficiency is fairly good when you hammer it, and the brand new AWD model doesn’t slip and scrabble below arduous acceleration just like the FWD mannequin would possibly.
You would possibly not likely really feel the added 4kW and 17Nm except you drive them again to again, however the hybrid drivetrain within the Sportage feels fairly easy and refined. It doesn’t really feel as thrashy below load just like the final one, both.
Nonetheless the six-speed computerized nonetheless feels prefer it’s missing a cog or two at motorway speeds, with the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine spinning across the 2000rpm mark at 100km/h which sees gasoline consumption sit anyplace between 6.0-7.0L/100km relying on the highway’s incline.
At decrease speeds it’ll fortunately speed up to round 40km/h in EV mode, and admittedly the engine will shut off from time to time at 100km/h and above at a cruise to avoid wasting gasoline. At city speeds you’ll see indicated gasoline consumption nearer to five.0-5.5L/100km which is extra consistent with the model’s declare.
Nonetheless, when you spend plenty of time touring the open highway, I feel one of many diesels is likely to be a greater guess because it’ll use much less gasoline and the eight-speed auto appears extra relaxed.
The ultimate variant we examined was the GT-Line 1.6T AWD with its new eight-speed computerized, the same change to the smaller Seltos with the identical base engine.
Within the Sportage nonetheless, the 1.6 ‘T-GDI’ four-cylinder turbo-petrol retains its decrease 132kW/265Nm tune as per the Korean market, slightly than the extra highly effective 146kW model that was utilized to the Seltos globally. Odd.
From the get-go you’ll discover the turbo-petrol Sportage is smoother off the road and fewer elastic when setting off after which shifting from first to second. The outdated seven-speed DCT had a behavior of feeling somewhat slingshotty off the mark, and at occasions would ship some undesirable vibrations by way of the cabin at low speeds.
There’s a nicer immediacy to preliminary response too, due to the standard torque converter setup not affected by that DCT lag that plagues transmissions of that kind. On the freeway it feels rather less labored too due to that further cog.
Don’t be fooled into considering the 1.6T is the sporty Sportage, although. The eight-speed auto appears to be extra geared to refinement and smoothness slightly than efficiency and engagement.
The four-cylinder petrol engine with out electrical hybrid help additionally will get loud and thrashy below arduous acceleration, and its comparatively modest outputs don’t fairly transfer the Sportage AWD’s 1.7-tonne heft with a complete lot of gusto.
You’ll be able to flick it into Sport mode and shift by way of the steering-mounted paddles which supply surprisingly good shift response, however the drivetrain simply doesn’t really feel glad when pushed like this.
The shortage of idle stop-start additionally means this variant isn’t all that environment friendly on the town both. Following an extended stint again to Sydney with each spirited B-road, freeway and suburban sections, the Sportage’s journey laptop was displaying a reasonably thirsty 8.7L/100km.
We didn’t drive the bottom 2.0 ‘MPI’ FWD model, however given it’s carryover from the pre-update vary it’s one to greatest keep away from except you need absolutely the most cost-effective Sportage you should buy. It’s missing in grunt, isn’t very environment friendly and might really feel underdone when you’re usually doing increased speeds.
Pictured: S 2.0 FWD
Abroad there are a few different powertrains that aren’t provided right here, together with the US market’s 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with the 1.6T’s eight-speed auto; a 1.6-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid (PHEV) which is successfully the HEV with a bigger battery; in addition to a 1.6-litre turbo FWD that’s the base engine in Korea.
Europe and the UK additionally supply a extra environment friendly 48V mild-hybrid model of the 1.6 T-GDI petrol motor, although this comes out of the model’s Slovakian manufacturing facility. The PHEV and and 1.6T FWD can be good additions to the vary if the Korean model might make a case for them Down Beneath, however any main modifications to the lineup will doubtless have to attend for a next-generation mannequin in just a few years time.
Kia’s native arm has mentioned it’s working to get an S-spec Sportage HEV, although stopped in need of giving any form of timeframe. As has been the case for some time, the diesels and hybrids take advantage of sense when you can justify the premium – not only for effectivity however basic driveability and refinement.
To see how the Kia Sportage traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What do you get?
The earlier vary stroll carries over – i.e. S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line – although there’s extra gear throughout the lineup.
2025 Kia Sportage S gear highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels – machined design (NEW)
- Full-size alloy spare wheel
- 3-cell LED headlights – reflector kind
- LED daytime working lights
- Energy folding mirrors
- Roof rails
- Rear spoiler incl. high-mounted cease mild
- 12.3-inch infotainment system (NEW)
- Kia Join Providers (NEW)
- Over the air updates (NEW)
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
- Wi-fi Android Auto
- ‘Fundamental’ digital instrument cluster
- incl. 4.2-inch multifunction show
- Material seats
- Premium steering wheel trim
- PVC gearshift
- 60:40 split-folding rear seats
- Rear centre armrest
- Retractable cargo cowl
- Sensible key with push-button begin (NEW)
- Distant engine begin (NEW)
- Single-zone air-conditioning
- 6-speaker audio
- 12V energy outlet – cargo space
- USB-C charger in entrance console
- Rear air vents
Sportage SX provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels – machined design (NEW)
- 12.3-inch navigation system – ccNC (NEW)
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay – (NEW)
- Wi-fi Android Auto – (NEW)
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Rain-sensing wipers
- 2-way lumbar help – driver
- Premium shift selector – Petrol, Diesel
- Dial-type shift selector – HEV
- Distant folding second-row seats
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Non permanent spare wheel – HEV
Above: GT-Line 1.6T AWD
Sportage SX+ provides:
- Wi-fi cellphone charger (NEW)
- Heated steering wheel (NEW)
- 19-inch alloy wheels – Petrol, Diesel
- Energy driver seat
- Heated entrance seats
- Harman Kardon premium audio
- Energy tailgate
- Rear privateness glass
- Synthetic leather-based upholstery
Sportage GT-Line provides:
- 19-inch black alloy wheels – machined design (NEW for Petrol, Diesel)
- 18-inch alloy wheels – machined design (NEW for HEV)
- 4-cube LED headlights – projector kind (NEW)
- Dynamic welcome mild – entrance, rear (NEW)
- Head-up show (NEW)
- Heated steering wheel (NEW for Petrol, Diesel)
- Dial-type shift selector – all variants (NEW excl. HEV)
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Reminiscence operate – driver seat
- Energy entrance passenger seat
- Ventilated entrance seats
- Ambient temper lighting
- Panoramic sunroof
- LED inside lighting
- Alloy sports activities pedals
To see how the Kia Sportage traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
Is the Kia Sportage protected?
The up to date Kia Sportage is predicted to retain its five-star ANCAP security ranking, primarily based on 2022 Euro NCAP exams.
| Class | Kia Sportage |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 87 per cent |
| Little one occupant safety | 87 per cent |
| Susceptible highway consumer safety | 66 per cent |
| Security help | 74 per cent |
Whereas there have been some function upgrades – resembling a extra superior semi-autonomous Freeway Driving Help (HDA) system from SX+ degree and up – the basics seem like the largely similar.
Some new or enhanced options have been confirmed from the bottom mannequin up, nonetheless, together with an emergency help operate for the adaptive cruise management if the driving force turns into unresponsive, and entrance parking sensors.
Commonplace security gear consists of:
- 7 airbags incl. front-centre
- Sensible Cruise Management 2 – SCC 2 (NEW)
- incl. emergency help (NEW)
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian, bike owner detection
- Junction help
- Blind-spot help
- eCall with SOS button (NEW)
- Clever velocity restrict help
- Lane Following Help (centring)
- Lane-keep help
- Multi Collision Brake
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Parking sensors – entrance (NEW), rear
- Reversing digicam
- Tyre strain monitor
SX+ provides:
- Freeway Driving Help (NEW)
- Navigation-based semi-autonomous freeway mode
- Adaptive cruise management + Lane Following Help
GT-Line provides:
- AEB – reverse
- Blind Spot View Monitor
- Encompass View Monitor – 360 cameras
To see how the Kia Sportage traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
How a lot does the Kia Sportage value to run?
The up to date Kia Sportage, just like the Korean model’s different fashions, will probably be lined by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre new car guarantee.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Kia Sportage |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 7 years, limitless kilometres – car |
| Roadside help | As much as 8 years – service initiated |
| Capped-price servicing | 7 years |
Hybrid autos are additionally topic to a seven-year/150,000km high-voltage battery and element guarantee.
Kia Australia gives seven years of capped-price servicing throughout its lineup, although finer particulars round intervals and pricing for the up to date Sportage vary are nonetheless to be confirmed.
For reference, 2.0L petrol and turbo-diesel fashions within the pre-facelifted vary have 12-month/15,000km intervals; whereas the turbocharged 1.6L petrol and HEV variations have shorter 10,000km distance intervals.
Pricing over a seven-year interval different between $3344 and $4502 relying on engine variant, which is kind of costly in comparison with the competitors.
To see how the Kia Sportage traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Kia Sportage
The brand new Sportage brings a spread of refined refinements to shine an already excellent total bundle.
In lieu of wholesale or groundbreaking developments, Kia has fastidiously refined its top-seller to handle key drawbacks of its predecessor, whereas democratising extra help and infotainment tech throughout the vary.
The addition of all-wheel drive hybrid fashions with a rise to towing capability will little doubt strengthen the electrified model’s case towards an growing variety of hybridised rivals, and Kia Australia is already reporting a 60:40 skew in direction of all-paw fashions primarily based on preliminary orders.
We additionally respect the appliance of a localised steering software program map which higher ties the Sportage’s steering really feel and response to the well-balanced chassis bundle, making this a stunning car to experience in whether or not you’re on the town or on the open highway.
It gives as a lot selection because it ever has, and key spec additions decrease down within the vary imply you don’t have to spend as much as the GT-Line to get an excellent suite of comfort options and in-car applied sciences.
Nonetheless, there are nonetheless numerous areas that Kia Australia can enhance on to align the Sportage with international specs and transfer the dial even additional.
Reserving nicer shows and headline options for the GT-Line nonetheless grates. Absolutely these will be launched as an elective bundle to get consumers right into a better mixture of decrease variants, very similar to the model employed with the brand new K4.
Gasoline-efficiency and emissions efficiency might be improved too. The petrol engines aren’t doing a lot to assist Kia meet looming Australian emissions rules, and a fast change to Korean-spec Euro 6 powertrains and extra electrification choices just like the PHEV would give customers much more environment friendly decisions to avoid wasting on the pump.
Throw in cheaper servicing prices and also you’ve obtained a way more well-rounded providing. Nonetheless, the Kia Sportage will little doubt stay a success with Aussie consumers, with refined modifications that make an excellent factor even higher.
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