Hybrid technology for renewed Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage has become a family favourite over the past 30 years because it’s such a versatile all-rounder. 

Now as a facelift 2026 MY, Sportage looks to build on its heritage with the introduction of new Hybrid variants. There are three front- and three all-wheel drive models.

Managing Director of Kia New Zealand, Todd McDonald, commented “Sportage has established itself as one of Kia’s best-selling models, both here and abroad.

“The new model year offers Kia New Zealand an opportunity to target a wider array of customers…thanks to…seven different variants available from an attainable $43,990 (+ORC).

“The availability of both Front and All-Wheel Drive systems…is also a significant and attractive point of difference which appeals to customers.

“Furthermore, Sportage stacks up incredibly well and outperforms key competitors in terms of power, torque and towing capacity. These are important ‘top of the list’ attributes for many people when considering the purchase of a new vehicle.

“Enhancements to the Sportage…plus additional safety features will ensure it remains one of the best-loved new models available.”

Hybrids dominate the line-up

The new Sportage provides the choice of a turbopetrol front-wheel drive, or a new turbopetrol Hybrid. The petrol-electric powertrain generates system output of 173kW and 367Nm.

There are four different trim options available: LX, Light, Earth and X-Line. The latter three are available as Hybrid front-wheel drive or Hybrid all-wheel drive variants.

All-wheel drive Hybrid models also feature different Terrain modes as standard. These include mud, snow or sand, which optimise the Sportage for better traction, stability and control.

The new Sportage’s front end features ‘Opposites United’ styling elements. There’s a new front bumper design, vertically stacked star map headlights, and new indicator lights and grille.

The rear design of the new Sportage has been subtly tweaked to appear more contemporary, with redesigned tail-light graphics and revised rear bumper elements, borrowing from Sorento.

New alloy wheel designs range in size from 17-inch (LX and Light), through 18-inch (Earth) and 19-inch on the X-Line.

Five different exterior colours are available across the line-up. HEV comes in a special Shadow Matt Grey. Meantime, X-Line variants have an exclusive Jungle Wood Green hue.

Interior makeover

All 2026 Sportage variants feature a redesigned two-spoke steering wheel. The interior has a modern, contemporary look. A 12.3-inch Colour Touchscreen Infotainment System is now fitted to all variants. It includes five-years of complimentary Kia Connect Services and Over-The-Air Updates. The latter are available across the range for the new Sportage.

Kia Connect provides customer benefits in safety, security, convenience, connectivity and live services by using telematics systems to transfer real-time data, such as weather and traffic information.

OTA updates enable constant wireless improvements, with the latest maps (Earth and X-Line trims only), interfaces and software enhancements, all without customers having to visit a service centre.

The technology suite also brings Kia’s Smart Proximity Key with Push Button Start as standard across the Sportage range. There’s a wireless phone charger for Earth and X-Line models too.

The range-topping X-Line also receives further enhancements in the form of a 12.3-inch Colour LCD Supervision Instrument Cluster. Driver convenience and information access have been expanded with the addition of a head-up display (HUD).

The X-Line includes a ‘Black Pack’ consisting of visual enhancements to differentiate it from other models in the range. It includes glossy black roof rails,  a panoramic power sunroof, alloy pedals, LED interior lights (front and rear) as well as LED front headlights (four cube projection type).

Safety systems

With a family focus in mind, all Sportage models come with seven airbags as standard, as well as a multitude of active safety systems. These include Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning Assist, Lane Follow Assist and a Safe Exit Warning feature for alighting from the vehicle.

The new Sportage ICE features a five-year factory warranty, which increases to seven-years for the HEV model, as well as five-year roadside assist.

Kia Sportage Front-Wheel Drive pricing (before on-road costs)

LX 1.6-litre Turbo Petrol FWD $43,990

HEV Light 1.6-litre Turbo Hybrid FWD $49,990

HEV Earth 1.6-litre Turbo Hybrid FWD $54,990

HEV X-Line 1.6-litre Turbo Hybrid FWD $59,990

Kia Sportage All-Wheel Drive pricing (before on-road costs)

HEV Light 1.6-litre Turbo Hybrid AWD $54,990

HEV Earth 1.6-litre Turbo Hybrid AWD $59,990

HEV X-Line 1.6-litre Turbo Hybrid AWD $64,990