Trims and Powertrains
The 2026 Kia Sportage’s streamlined range has six trims – LX, EX, X-Line, SX, SX Prestige, and X-Pro Prestige – down from seven last model year. All of them employ a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 187 horsepower. Most trims get front-wheel drive (FWD) by default, but all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on the X-Line and X-Pro Prestige (and optional on all the other trims except the SX, which is strictly FWD). An eight-speed automatic transmission manages both drivetrains. When it’s equipped with trailer brakes, the 2026 Sportage is able to tow up to 3,500 pounds (the standard towing capacity is 1,653 pounds). As estimated by the EPA, the fuel economy ratings for the FWD Sportage are 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. AWD changes the estimates to 24 mpg around town and 30 mpg on the open road (23 city/26 highway for the X-Pro Prestige).
Standard Features
The entry-level LX focuses on the essentials while adding some unexpected extras. On that list are automatic LED headlights, remote start, fabric upholstery, a 12.3-inch driver information cluster, proximity keyless entry, push-button ignition, power side mirrors, rear privacy glass, second-row air vents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, three USB-C ports, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The EX introduces upscale touches such as perforated SynTex leatherette upholstery, a power liftgate, heated front seats, a ten-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated power side mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators, illuminated sun visor mirrors, wireless device charging, and 18-inch wheels.
The X-Line drops the EX’s power liftgate (it’s optional) but adds perforated and quilted SynTex leatherette upholstery, high-utility roof rails, black-finished exterior accents, and 19-inch wheels. The SX adds a panoramic sunroof, a power tailgate, a driver’s memory system, power-folding side mirrors, an upgraded 12.3-inch driver information cluster, a leather-wrapped gear shift knob, LED interior lighting, low-profile roof rails, trim-specific exterior accents, and 18-inch alloys. Upscale features are the name of the game with the SX Prestige, which gets heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an eight-way power front passenger seat, a digital key, solar-reflecting windshield and front side glass, upgraded LED headlights, LED fog lights, and 19-inch alloy wheels. The X-Pro Prestige is all about tackling the elements in comfort. It builds on the SX Prestige by adding a heated windshield, heated nozzles for the windshield wipers, unique exterior accents, high-utility roof rails, stainless-steel pedals, and all-terrain tires on 17-inch wheels.
Advanced Driver Aids and Safety Technology
The standard driver-assistance features for the 2026 Sportage include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning detection), lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, and driver attention warning. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit warning are standard on the EX and above, while these technologies are optional on the LX. A blind-spot view monitor, a surround-view monitor, reverse parking collision avoidance assist, and side parking sensors are included with the SX Prestige and X-Pro Prestige and are optional on the X-Line. Navigation-based adaptive cruise control and highway driving assist come standard on the SX, SX Prestige, and X-Pro Prestige and available on the X-Line. All trims get a set of airbags, stability control, traction control, downhill brake control, hill start assist control, and a rearview monitor with helpful parking guidelines.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The infotainment system in every trim starts with a 12.3-inch touchscreen integrated into the panoramic dashboard display with Kia’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC). The standard components are wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Navigation is included in the SX and higher trims and is an option for the X-Line. Every Sportage is set up for Wi-Fi capability and access to Kia connected services.
