The 2026 Kia Sportage rolled into dealerships, with a fresh wave of updates that lift its look into the current Kia language without losing what made the 2025 Sportage fab in the first place. Apart from its design, Kia’s “PE” elevates its tech game, and—finally—an introduce all-wheel drive hybrid variants. Yep, the hybrid is now a serious RAV4 competitor.
Long a favourite in Australia’s fiercely competitive mid-size SUV segment, the Sportage now builds on its reputation with a more refined exterior. The bold new face wears vertical star map headlights, stacked indicators, and a reworked grille that adds drama without going over the top. Inspired by big sister Sorento, the design tweaks are subtle but effective—especially with new Wolf Grey and Heritage Blue paint options joining the palette.
The rear styling gets a nip and tuck too, with revised tail-light graphics and bumper tweaks that add to its rugged, contemporary vibe. Each of the four trim levels—S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line—receives new alloy wheels, including a hybrid-exclusive 18-inch set for the GT-Line.
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ABOVE: 2026 Kia Sportage gets AWD for hybrid, and a flash new look
Hybrid Goes AWD — Finally
Big news for eco-conscious drivers with adventurous tendencies: Sportage Hybrid now comes with all-wheel drive. It’s the blend of green and go-anywhere Aussie buyers have been asking for. Petrol lovers aren’t left out either — 1.6-litre turbo-petrol variants (SX+ and GT-Line) now pair with a smoother eight-speed torque converter auto, replacing the older dual-clutch setup.
Interior Tech That Makes Sense
Inside, all models now get a redesigned two-spoke steering wheel and a larger 12.3” multimedia screen loaded with the latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system. This brings Kia Connect to the Sportage range for the first time, offering real-time traffic, weather, vehicle diagnostics, and remote features — all complimentary for seven years.
Over-the-Air (OTA) updates are also on the menu, meaning your Sportage can receive wireless upgrades to maps, interfaces, and software, just like your phone. No trips to the dealer, no downtime, just seamless updates while the car’s parked in your driveway.
Comfort and Convenience
From SX+ up, drivers get wireless phone charging and Kia’s Smart Key with Push Button Start. The GT-Line adds a head-up display (HUD) to project key info directly into the driver’s line of sight — a practical addition that boosts both safety and convenience.
Safety, Evolved
Kia continues to bolster its safety credentials with the inclusion of Highway Driving Assist (HDA) on SX+ and GT-Line variants. Working in tandem with adaptive cruise and Lane Following Assist (LFA), HDA provides semi-autonomous support during freeway driving. It’s the kind of hands-on, stress-reducing help that makes long drives more relaxing.
Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith sums it up neatly:
“These latest refinements of the Sportage formula reinforce its competitiveness in Australia’s biggest new car segment.”
And he’s spot on. The 2026 Sportage now covers more bases — petrol, diesel, and hybrid — while offering the sort of design polish and connected tech that Australian buyers expect. Whether you’re ferrying kids, dogs, camping gear or drag props, there’s a Sportage spec to fit your life.
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Specifications and features
| Trim | Powertrains | Key Features
New Sportage Features |
|
GT-Line |
1.6T HEV 2WD 6AT
1.6T HEV AWD 6AT 1.6T GSL AWD 8AT 2.0L DSL AWD 8AT |
SX+ Plus:
|
|
SX+ |
1.6T GSL AWD 8AT
2.0L GSL FWD 6AT 2.0L DSL AWD 8AT |
SX Plus:
|
|
SX |
1.6T HEV 2WD 6AT
1.6T HEV AWD 6AT 2.0L GSL FWD 6AT 2.0L DSL AWD 8AT |
S Plus:
|
|
S |
2.0L GSL FWD 6AT
2.0L DSL AWD 8AT |
Key Features:
|
Kia Sportage pricing
| Variant | Fuel Type | Engine / Fuel | Trans | RRP |
| S FWD | Petrol | 2.0L MPI / Petrol | 6AT | $37,990 |
| SX FWD | 6AT | $40,480 | ||
| SX+ FWD | 6AT | $45,080 | ||
| SX+ AWD | 1.6T-GDI / Petrol | 8AT | $47,080 | |
| GT-Line AWD | 8AT | $53,990 | ||
| S AWD | Diesel | 2.0L CRDI / Diesel | 8AT | $43,390 |
| SX AWD | 8AT | $45,880 | ||
| SX+ AWD | 8AT | $50,480 | ||
| GT-Line AWD | 8AT | $56,400 | ||
| HEV SX FWD | Hybrid | 1.6L T-GDI / HEV | 6AT | $46,450 |
| HEV GT-Line FWD | 6AT | $57,370 | ||
| HEV SX AWD | 6AT | $49,450 | ||
| HEV GT-Line AWD | 6AT | $60,370 |
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