2026 Kia Sportage PHEV adds FWD, 288 hp and lower price
2026 Kia Sportage PHEV: 288 hp, new FWD option and upgraded tech
2026 Kia Sportage PHEV adds FWD, 288 hp and lower price
Kia updates the 2026 Sportage PHEV with a 288 hp hybrid, new FWD option, 13.8 kWh battery and ~63 km WLTP range, upgraded cabin tech, and a lower price.
2026-01-09T15:23:12+03:00
2026-01-09T15:23:12+03:00
2026-01-09T15:23:12+03:00
KIA continues to update one of its global bestsellers, the compact Sportage crossover. For 2026, the model gains a plug-in hybrid aimed at a broader audience. The Sportage PHEV is now offered not only with all-wheel drive but also with front-wheel drive, a pragmatic move that brings the price down.New powertrain rated at 288 hpThe standout change is an upgraded hybrid system. The 1.6 T-GDI turbo engine working with an electric motor now delivers 288 hp, 36 hp more than before. It is paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission for smoother operation and better efficiency.This extra muscle should noticeably improve performance, though KIA has not published official figures yet.Front-wheel drive: a push for affordabilityUntil the 2026 update, the Sportage PHEV was offered only with AWD, which automatically made it the priciest member of the family. The new FWD option widens its appeal: in Germany, it is 1,900 euros cheaper than the all-wheel-drive counterpart.A similar reduction is expected in other European markets, including Spain, where the starting price could drop to €44,000.Electric hardware unchangedThe battery capacity remains the same at 13.8 kWh. Consequently, the electric range is virtually unchanged at about 63 km on the WLTP mixed cycle. A modest gain of around 7 km comes only thanks to the lighter, more efficient front-drive configuration.Cabin and tech: more advanced and more upmarketThe updated Sportage features a more modern media system and improved interior materials. Two widescreen displays, advanced navigation, better sound insulation, and a rich set of driver-assistance systems keep the model competitive even alongside KIA’s new electric cars, including the EV5.What the 2026 version means for the marketLaunching a more accessible hybrid looks logical: KIA’s EVs are growing in sales, yet the Sportage remains a versatile choice for the mainstream. The new version helps maintain a strong position in the hybrid SUV segment and prevents internal competition with the EV lineup. For buyers, it is a chance to get a modern hybrid with improved performance at a more attainable price. For KIA, it is another step toward consolidating leadership in the compact SUV class.
2026 Kia Sportage PHEV, Kia Sportage plug-in hybrid, FWD, AWD, 288 hp, 13.8 kWh battery, 63 km WLTP range, hybrid SUV, upgraded tech, interior, Europe price, front-wheel drive, driver-assistance
2026
Michael Powers
news
2026 Kia Sportage PHEV: 288 hp, new FWD option and upgraded tech
Kia updates the 2026 Sportage PHEV with a 288 hp hybrid, new FWD option, 13.8 kWh battery and ~63 km WLTP range, upgraded cabin tech, and a lower price.
Michael Powers, Editor
KIA continues to update one of its global bestsellers, the compact Sportage crossover. For 2026, the model gains a plug-in hybrid aimed at a broader audience. The Sportage PHEV is now offered not only with all-wheel drive but also with front-wheel drive, a pragmatic move that brings the price down.
New powertrain rated at 288 hp
The standout change is an upgraded hybrid system. The 1.6 T-GDI turbo engine working with an electric motor now delivers 288 hp, 36 hp more than before. It is paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission for smoother operation and better efficiency.
This extra muscle should noticeably improve performance, though KIA has not published official figures yet.
Front-wheel drive: a push for affordability
Until the 2026 update, the Sportage PHEV was offered only with AWD, which automatically made it the priciest member of the family. The new FWD option widens its appeal: in Germany, it is 1,900 euros cheaper than the all-wheel-drive counterpart.
A similar reduction is expected in other European markets, including Spain, where the starting price could drop to €44,000.
Electric hardware unchanged
The battery capacity remains the same at 13.8 kWh. Consequently, the electric range is virtually unchanged at about 63 km on the WLTP mixed cycle. A modest gain of around 7 km comes only thanks to the lighter, more efficient front-drive configuration.
The updated Sportage features a more modern media system and improved interior materials. Two widescreen displays, advanced navigation, better sound insulation, and a rich set of driver-assistance systems keep the model competitive even alongside KIA’s new electric cars, including the EV5.
What the 2026 version means for the market
Launching a more accessible hybrid looks logical: KIA’s EVs are growing in sales, yet the Sportage remains a versatile choice for the mainstream. The new version helps maintain a strong position in the hybrid SUV segment and prevents internal competition with the EV lineup. For buyers, it is a chance to get a modern hybrid with improved performance at a more attainable price. For KIA, it is another step toward consolidating leadership in the compact SUV class.
