{"id":524,"date":"2024-08-18T15:12:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-18T15:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/remixskills.me\/?p=524"},"modified":"2024-09-02T11:42:34","modified_gmt":"2024-09-02T11:42:34","slug":"2026-kia-sportage-sneak-peek-at-the-updated-popular-suv","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/remixskills.me\/index.php\/2024\/08\/18\/2026-kia-sportage-sneak-peek-at-the-updated-popular-suv\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Kia Sportage: Sneak Peek At The Updated Popular SUV"},"content":{"rendered":"<div><img width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image lazyload\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px\" loading=\"lazy\" data-src=\"https:\/\/remixskills.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/2026-Kia-Sportage-LCi-White-Carscoops45-1024x576-1.jpg\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-16 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<ul>\n<li>The 2026 Kia Sportage refresh introduces a squarer design inspired by the brand&rsquo;s latest EVs.<\/li>\n<li>The interior will also be updated with a new infotainment system and digital instrument cluster.<\/li>\n<li>Powertrain options should remain largely unchanged, but efficiency improvements are likely.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Kia&rsquo;s hot-selling&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2023\/12\/2024-kia-sportage-hybrid-gets-800-price-hike-and-minor-updates\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sportage<\/a>&nbsp;is set to receive a mid-life refresh that aligns with the South Korean automaker&rsquo;s ever-evolving design language, drawing inspiration from the brand&rsquo;s electrified lineup. This update brings exterior and interior enhancements, ensuring it remains competitive in a hotly-contested compact crossover market.<\/p>\n<div id=\"6a782b01-facb-45f3-a88f-ddf1b1f97657\" class=\"_ap_apex_ad\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"4d84e4c9-9937-4f84-82c0-c94544ee6f2a\" class=\"_ap_apex_ad\"> <\/div>\n<p> var adpushup = window.adpushup  = window.adpushup || {que:[]};<br \/>\n         adpushup.que.push(function() {<br \/>\n             if (adpushup.config.platform !== &#8220;DESKTOP&#8221;){<br \/>\n    adpushup.triggerAd(&#8220;4d84e4c9-9937-4f84-82c0-c94544ee6f2a&#8221;);<br \/>\n             }<br \/>\nelse{<\/p>\n<p>     adpushup.triggerAd(&#8220;6a782b01-facb-45f3-a88f-ddf1b1f97657&#8221;);<br \/>\n}         });<\/p>\n<p><strong>More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2024\/08\/2026-hyundai-palisade-everything-we-know\/\">Everything We Know About The Redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Our spies behind the lens recently snapped the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2024\/08\/2026-kia-sportage-shows-its-boxy-new-face-and-vertical-headlights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">updated SUV<\/a>&nbsp;testing in short-wheelbase European guise. We&rsquo;ve decoded the camouflage and applied the same changes to the longer-wheelbase North American version, so read on as we uncover everything we know about it.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Exterior Enhancements<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"e7c4c913-3924-4b2d-9279-6c00984dd130\" class=\"_ap_apex_ad\"> <\/div>\n<div id=\"5646c171-cb6e-4e2c-8440-49013ca72758\" class=\"_ap_apex_ad\"> <\/div>\n<p> var adpushup = window.adpushup  = window.adpushup || {que:[]};<br \/>\n         adpushup.que.push(function() {<br \/>\n             if (adpushup.config.platform !== &#8220;DESKTOP&#8221;){<br \/>\n    adpushup.triggerAd(&#8220;5646c171-cb6e-4e2c-8440-49013ca72758&#8221;);<br \/>\n             }<br \/>\nelse{<\/p>\n<p>     adpushup.triggerAd(&#8220;e7c4c913-3924-4b2d-9279-6c00984dd130&#8221;);<br \/>\n}         });<\/p>\n<p>So what&rsquo;s new? Mid-cycle refreshes rarely throw out the existing formula for something completely new, and that&rsquo;s no exception for the 2026 model. The most significant change is the front end, which receives an all-new facia inspired by Kia&rsquo;s latest EV models, such as the EV5 and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2024\/03\/review-2024-kia-ev9-gt-line-is-the-ultimate-family-electric-suv\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EV9 SUVs<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/2026-Kia-Sportage-LCi-Yellow-Carscoops.jpg\" data-type=\"inarticle-image-block\"> <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<p>                    <img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" src=\"\" alt=\" 2026 Kia Sportage: Sneak Peek At The Updated Popular SUV\" width=\"2550\" height=\"1803\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/2026-Kia-Sportage-LCi-Yellow-Carscoops-1024x724.jpg\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><figcaption>2026 Kia Sportage Illustrations Josh Byrnes \/ Carscoops<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>        <\/a>  <\/p>\n<p>        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/22219_2025_Sportage_Hybrid-copy.jpg\" data-type=\"inarticle-image-block\"> <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<p>                    <img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" src=\"\" alt=\" 2026 Kia Sportage: Sneak Peek At The Updated Popular SUV\" width=\"2250\" height=\"1125\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/22219_2025_Sportage_Hybrid-copy-1024x512.jpg\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><figcaption>The current generation 2025 Kia Sportage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>        <\/a>  <\/p>\n<p>Boomerang-like LED headlamps feature a &lsquo;stacked&rsquo; assembly, and vertical DRLs flank a broader, rectangular grille for a more modern, angular look. A square fog light set frames the lower intake within the redesigned front bumper.<\/p>\n<p>The rear sports new LED taillights with angular &lsquo;C-clamp&rsquo; elements, a redesigned bumper with thinner reflectors, and a curved crease sculpted out towards the rear wheels.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Interior Upgrades<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"taboola-mid-article\"><\/div>\n<p>  window._taboola = window._taboola || [];<br \/>\n  _taboola.push({<br \/>\n    mode: &#8216;thumbnails-a-mid&#8217;,<br \/>\n    container: &#8216;taboola-mid-article&#8217;,<br \/>\n    placement: &#8216;Mid Article&#8217;,<br \/>\n    target_type: &#8216;mix&#8217;<br \/>\n  });<\/p>\n<div id=\"taboola-mid-article-thumbnails-organic\"><\/div>\n<p>  window._taboola = window._taboola || [];<br \/>\n  _taboola.push({<br \/>\n    mode: &#8216;thumbnails-oc-2&#215;1&#8217;,<br \/>\n    container: &#8216;taboola-mid-article-thumbnails-organic&#8217;,<br \/>\n    placement: &#8216;Mid Article Thumbnails Organic&#8217;,<br \/>\n    target_type: &#8216;mix&#8217;<br \/>\n  });<\/p>\n<p>Inside, the Sportage is rumored to introduce a new panoramic display that incorporates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, climate controls and an infotainment screen, as seen in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2024\/04\/2025-kia-ev5-bound-for-australia-but-no-u-s-launch-in-sight\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the new EV5<\/a>. This system brings refreshed graphics, integrated navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and connected services.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Also Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2024\/07\/2026-volkswagen-atlas-everything-we-know\/\">What We Know About The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SUV<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/KiaEV5Prototype_32.jpg\" data-type=\"inarticle-image-block\"> <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<p>                    <img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" src=\"\" alt=\" 2026 Kia Sportage: Sneak Peek At The Updated Popular SUV\" width=\"2520\" height=\"1680\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/KiaEV5Prototype_32-1024x683.jpg\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><figcaption>The 2026 Sportage is expected to feature a panoramic display similar to the new EV5 shown above.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>        <\/a>  <\/p>\n<p>Other expected changes include a new steering wheel design and expanded ambient lighting. The overall cabin design will likely be refined with new trim elements and upgraded materials.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Powertrain Options<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>While the exterior and interior receive notable updates, powertrain options are expected to remain essentially unchanged. The current lineup includes a variety of engines, such as a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine developing 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.<\/p>\n<p>There&rsquo;s also a hybridized 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine churning out 227 hp (169 kW), and a plug-in hybrid with a solid 261 horsepower (195 kW). Some markets, such as Australia, also have access to 2.0-litre diesel, developing 183 hp (137 kW) and 307 lb-ft (416 Nm) of torque. All-wheel drive is tipped to become standard on most models.<\/p>\n<p>        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/2026-Kia-Sportage.jpg\" data-type=\"inarticle-image-block\"> <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<p>                    <img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" src=\"\" alt=\" 2026 Kia Sportage: Sneak Peek At The Updated Popular SUV\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/2026-Kia-Sportage-1024x576.jpg\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><figcaption>Prototype of the short-wheelbase 2026 Sportage for the European market (photos Baldauf)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>        <\/a>  <\/p>\n<p>        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/2026-KIA-Sportage-805-12ffff.webp\" data-type=\"inarticle-image-block\"> <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<p>                    <img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" src=\"\" alt=\" 2026 Kia Sportage: Sneak Peek At The Updated Popular SUV\" width=\"1920\" height=\"960\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/2026-KIA-Sportage-805-12ffff-1024x512.webp\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>        <\/a>  <\/p>\n<p><strong>Market Positioning and Release<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The facelifted Sportage will continue to compete with rivals such as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2024\/07\/next-gen-toyota-rav4-wont-mess-with-a-winning-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Toyota&rsquo;s RAV4<\/a>, Honda&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2024\/02\/2025-honda-cr-v-efcev-combines-hydrogen-with-plug-in-charging-capability\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CR-V<\/a>, Mazda CX-5,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2024\/08\/america-this-is-your-2025-vw-tiguan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VW Tiguan<\/a>, Nissan Rogue&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2024\/04\/nissan-x-trail-n-trek-arrives-down-under-with-dark-trim-and-18-inch-wheels\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">(X-Trail)<\/a>, Chevrolet&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2024\/04\/base-2025-chevy-equinox-could-be-pricier-than-the-ev\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Equinox<\/a>, Hyundai Tucson, and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2024\/04\/2025-subaru-forester-gets-big-price-hike-to-accompany-its-bland-redesign\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Subaru Forester<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Future Cars: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2024\/06\/2025-vw-t-roc-from-design-to-drive-heres-what-we-know\/\">VW&rsquo;s Second-Generation 2025 T-Roc Compact Crossover<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>An official debut is expected later this year, with sales commencing in early 2025 as a 2026 model in North America. <\/p>\n<p>What do you think of the Sportage&rsquo;s squarish new look? We&rsquo;d love to hear your views in the comments below.<\/p>\n<div id=\"0f9edca9-aa84-4c07-8987-4cad23928c2d\" class=\"_ap_apex_ad\"> <\/div>\n<div id=\"e96f0476-8b1d-4bb8-b64c-33f9656987b2\" class=\"_ap_apex_ad\"> <\/div>\n<p> var adpushup = window.adpushup  = window.adpushup || {que:[]};<br \/>\n         adpushup.que.push(function() {<br \/>\n             if (adpushup.config.platform !== &#8220;DESKTOP&#8221;){<br \/>\n    adpushup.triggerAd(&#8220;e96f0476-8b1d-4bb8-b64c-33f9656987b2&#8221;);<br \/>\n             }<br \/>\nelse{<\/p>\n<p>     adpushup.triggerAd(&#8220;0f9edca9-aa84-4c07-8987-4cad23928c2d&#8221;);<br \/>\n}         });<\/p>\n<section class=\"type:slideshow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><\/section>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Illustrations Josh Byrnes \/ Carscoops<\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The 2026 Kia Sportage refresh introduces a squarer design inspired by the brand&rsquo;s latest EVs. The interior will also be updated with a new infotainment system and digital instrument cluster. Powertrain options should remain largely unchanged, but efficiency improvements are likely. Kia&rsquo;s hot-selling&nbsp;Sportage&nbsp;is set to receive a mid-life refresh that&#46;&#46;&#46;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":526,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[11],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/remixskills.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/524"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/remixskills.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/remixskills.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/remixskills.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/remixskills.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=524"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/remixskills.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/524\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":527,"href":"https:\/\/remixskills.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/524\/revisions\/527"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/remixskills.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/526"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/remixskills.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=524"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/remixskills.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=524"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/remixskills.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=524"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}