The Stunning Refreshed Kia Sportage & Hybrid

Kia landed in the United States in the mid-nineties guns abalzing, with both the Sportage and the highly affordable Sephia sedan. Years of embarrassment in the lives of schoolchildren whose parents could not afford a new Ford Explorer or Taurus ensued. Times have changed, however, and as with its corporate partner Hyundai (which owns a controlling stake in Kia), Kias have gotten to be great cars that are even the subject of envy. Hyundai/Kia have become the World’s third largest automaker after Toyota and Volkswagen Group. Kia now brings all the bells and whistles of upscale luxury vehicles to an affordable price point for Americans of all classes.

One of Car and Driver’s “Editor’s Choice” vehicles for 2023, the mid-size Sportage SUV is actually built here in America at Kia’s West Point, Georgia plant. Refreshed for 2026, the best looking Sportage ever, comes with All-LED lighting and advanced technologies that make it hard to square how this is the same model name that once looked like a Suzuki Sidekick. Kia’s 10-year, 100,000 mile warranty and #1 JD Power vehicle dependability rating means you can buy with confidence. Available hybrid trim and available all wheel drive make the Sportage a potentially versatile choice, and Kia offers 11 different exterior colors along with 3 two-tone options and even a red SynTex seat trim choice.

The Sportage LX starts at $28,690 msrp and includes 17 inch alloys, a 12.2 inch instrument display, an 8 inch touchscreen display with Apply Carplay/Android Auto, lane keeping/follow assist, parking sensors, and the Sportage’s 2.5L four cylinder with 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Sportage Hybrid starts at a scant bit more, $30,290 msrp, and gets 42 mpg combined. The EX starts at $30,490, adding 18 inch alloys, blind spot detection, navigation, SynTex seat trim with heated seats, power driver’s seat, and dual zone climate control. X-Line AWD starts at $32,990 and adds all wheel drive with a center locking diff, 19 inch alloys, special body styling, roof rails, and X-Line Syntex seat trim. SX starts at $34,920 msrp and has 18 inch alloys with matte finish, panoramic sunroof, smart power liftgate, Harmon Kardon audio, smart cruise, LED interior lighting, and driver’s seat memory settings. SX Prestige adds 19 inch alloys in gloss black, ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and power passenger’s seat. X-Pro adds multi terrain drive modes, 17 inch matte black wheels with all terrains, and a host of options from the other luxury trims. X-Pro Prestige combines almost all the options from below along with the X-Pro off road trim.

Right now Kia has a host of great incentives on the current Sportage. These include 1.9% APR on 2025 Sportages. A $249/month for 24 month lease deal is available on Sportage LX FWD, with higher and AWD trims leasing for not much more. Lastly, Kia has a $500 military discount and $500 bonus for loyal Kia customers. Be sure to check your local dealers for the best pricing available as incentives may vary by region

Autosplainer is for informational purposes only. Best attempts are made to ensure reliability and timeliness of information. Autosplainer does not sell vehicles or offer products or services of any kind for sale.