Is the 2026 Kia Sportage the BEST new compact SUV to BUY?

[@grantbrown8312]

Kia’s lights on their 2025 and up vehicles, look fantastic at night illuminated.

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right about that

[@memy6215]

I have the 23 Sportage, definitely love the headlights on this update.

[@RaitisRides]

That is great to hear!

[@RJLETZPLAY]

What trim?

[@roycelesueur8416]

I HIGHLY prefer this design over the current. This looks like the Sportage matured and has stepped into a classy and handsome design

[@ronnieblea4422]

Always bringing us the best reviews. Great looking compact SUV.

[@DeWittPotts]

I have a 2024 Sportage Xline which I really like. The 2 things that stand out to me with the 2026 model is 1. The loss of the 'Boomerang' DLR. 2. The loss of the extra air vents in the front that are around the LCD screen in the current model.

[@jmitchell0789]

The vent right next to the screen isn’t real anyway. It was just for looks

[@DeWittPotts]

​@@jmitchell0789i have a 2024 Sportage Xline. Those vents are functional on my car.

[@DeWittPotts]

@@jmitchell0789 I have a 2024 Sportage Xline. Those vents are totally functional on my vehicle.

[@jmitchell0789]

@@DeWittPotts I have the exact same car and I’m looking at it right now. The whole entire thing isn’t a vent, only the bottom half but they definitely did take away the part that’s actually is a vent. Idk why they would do that

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video 👍

[@murrynathan]

This is the vehicle that started the whole small suv market. There was no cr-v and no rav4. And it was the size of a mini countryman.

[@slogeswaran1]

Kia & hyundai always creative and futuristic in their design, other automakers cant come close to them, not even luxury brands

[@MicahB98]

Kia’s lineup looks amazing, so glad they are cleaning up their look. This car is awesome would buy if I was in the market

[@LESTER7L1]

Joe and Lori( Lady RAITTI Thanks for the magic you do!)Thanks for bringing this KIA to us. I can TOTALLY DIG all 3 of those Kia,s! See you guys on another ride. Keep on ROLLIN! HAPPY THNKSGIVING!

[@tomdrummy4984]

I like the thin amount of flat black around wheel well……..looks good

[@RaitisRides]

I agree with you as usual Tom

[@EdWoodson.45]

Joe!! Rati's is the #☝️ review channel! 😎

[@RaitisRides]

You are so wonderful Ed! Thank you

[@abdulgimba733]

My # choice 👍🏿

[@johnjdrozdjr6556]

Hi thanks for doing this review. I am current Kia Sportage owner. Loving the new design

[@sir_john_hammond]

I had a chance to drive one of the very first Sportages in the 90s when they were still compact square little s***boxes. The handling was so poor, you felt like the thing would tip if you cornered too fast. Today I own a Kia and it's such a different experience it's hard to believe it's even the same company.

[@Letsberealish]

I think those hooks on the back of the headrest are actually spots to put a tablet, for a kid to watch a movie.

[@RaitisRides]

Well that as well 😂

[@Bluemon-u6p]

It's a very nice, functional and sporty car.

[@dsw.808]

No gloss black! Kia listens! Did you noticed they got rid of the cargo net map pockets on the back seats, Joe? Now you can bring your ninja stars or your pineapple 😂

[@robertcooke1930]

Great review Raiti's Team! That X Line variant looks like a winner.

[@jenan9016]

Yes. KIA has the size for the fenders correct. Fenders should be a feature that protects the main body and offers the convenience of servicing and exchanging it if necessary. So many brands are enlarging them for cost down thinking customers actually like them. Large pieces of plastic on the exterior are gross.

[@mattmekhaeil]

Digging the refresh especially the front end. Front end looks better now. The LED lighting is a nice touch too looking sleek. Just not digging the rims and the amount of gloss black

[@TheGaloxYT]

I have a 2023 Sportage and wow they somehow made it even better. I do think the boomerangs looked better because of how much they stood out but other than that, great update

[@noitawl]

I have a 23 Sportage as well.. I like the refresh, especially the back of the vehicle.. The 23 's looks like a baby carriage! It also seems to annoy other drivers, because they make a point of whipping around me, and then cutting back in front! Very rude!

[@Mathewpro246]

You know it’s a good day when Raiti’s rides upload :D

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Matt for taking the time to say that!

[@TheGodofSEO]

I like it, Joe. I like it.

[@maxk3309]

Love it. New front looks great.

[@sjhfinest]

Im digging the grill & how they went with orange lights instead of blue it gives it a unique look.

[@JohnnyBamboy]

Very informative and entertaining video. The food analogies you reference for storage descriptions are great and definitely very helpful! Thank you.

[@rohanwilliam1354]

Flat black is 🔥 beautiful work

[@Poongillios]

I'm honestly disappointed in the V shaped headlights disappearing. Their designs have become more generic since a lot of their cars share the same design motif.

[@jeffs6090]

That's the whole idea, all models having the same design motif. That's what every manufacturer does in order to create a cohesiveness and brand identity. This looks miles better than the prior look. That was too out there and looked nothing like any other Kia, which was a mistake.

[@troublemak3r134]

@@jeffs6090 All the other Kia's should have looked like the previous Sportage, that design was perfect and not too over the top

[@crazy8310]

No more >

[@Yielar1]

I'd have to disagree. New design for 26 looks MUCH better

[@hugoartiga6767]

i was thinking about buying a new 2024 sportage but seeing this new redesign im going to wait till these come out , love the design!😎

[@johndavis-h8w9v]

Kia never fail to amaze me they always have come up with something special to give the opposition something more to think about. their design is always pleasing to the observer and they also seem to be able to keep ahead of competitors in the gadget area I wish I had never bought my Hiundia Tocson hibred Had nothing but trouble with it from the day ai bough it

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

I like the new front fascia, even though I think it might be a little too bold and aggressive for the sleek and curvy Sportage. However, that’s being picky. One thing is for sure- those headlights are rockin and amber DRLs are always hot.

[@Soupcan35]

Looking at buying the hybrid. Nice looking ride with all of the comforts.

[@philpernice4722]

Looks better but theyre probably going increase price alot Love wheels on x pro

[@kevinbranch9289]

Thank you Rati.👏

[@SupremeGodSon]

The new body style looks really good!! I’m really BIG on Lighting when it comes to vehicles. KIA is doing it right when it comes to the headlights and fog lights. I noticed a lot of brands are doing away with fog lights now. But not KIA. 👀

[@michaelherrera4914]

Looks really good. Kia is killing it

[@bigbufobufo]

I love the baby blue color

[@matw1x]

Can't believe how low the prices for Kias are. You get so much car for the money.

[@maleiker101]

I have a 2024. Love it. I do think the current daylights are a little too much. This design will bump up an already great product. It will get even more attention .

[@uperez71]

Love the redesign. Kia isn't playing.

[@kingjulien9525]

The XPR looks great. I'd definitely get that instead of the other trim. But I got 8 kids I didn't know about 😷🤣😂, I went for the Carnival EX 25, Deadpool approved!!

[@MrH786]

Looks great. I'm looking for a blacked-out hybrid.

[@nickpapagiorgio2253]

Hope there are different tires and wheels, those do not match the car

[@MartyOToole-w5q]

I have a 2023 Tucson Limited and I agree about all the room you have in a “compact” SUV…

[@bradlyjustus6118]

Did you filmed 2025 Kia EV9 GT and the facelifted EV6

[@kevinbranch9289]

When will the refresh be available?

[@crazy8310]

Next year probably jun

[@kelee4730]

physical control buttons is better than touch pad control

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right about that

[@nick-dogg]

It’s the best newest compact SUV to steal!

[@howie_1]

Sportage refresh or all new Tiguan?

[@RaitisRides]

That is a tough decision

[@tezh5897]

You couldn't give me a Volkswagen lol, I'd sell it immediately. Same thing with KIA.

[@matthewrosado2025]

Will that blue have the option of brown interior? If so then I definitely want one

[@MNM14ful]

Does it now include wireless Android Auto?

[@rogerfleming4896]

The amber DRLs are elegal in every country but the US, I prefer the white DRLs.

[@Wardellward487]

I remember what the Kia Sportage for first came out in the mid 90s

[@bamobicho]

AMBER DRL ❤. Sportage Glow Up! ✨

[@SimonLee9772]

Thank you for your review. ZONK for no lumbar support adjustment for the front passenger seat. Doesn't my front seat passenger (my sweetheart) deserve to ride in comfort on a long road trip? FAIL.

[@bigpoppa1992]

Is the 2025 mitsubishi outlander there? I heard there was some changes to it. Or do you have any info on it?

[@RJLETZPLAY]

I dont think there were any major changes.

[@HarleyMartinez-t6e]

For me the kia sportage reminds me of the kia serento with the headlights

[@joseecoutinho8844]

The 2025 Kia Sportage is a nice-looking car. But the X-Line and SX pro prestige are missing HUD and memory seat controlling the side mirrors

[@harmony3s]

I have 2024 KIA Sportage SX but am interested in upgrading to Hybrid 2026...

[@nathanieforbes2159]

They have to show exhaust and dual exhaust to make it sporty look in the back

[@SundevilRoadrunner]

I just bought a 2024 Kia Sportage hybrid like a month and a half ago.

[@hasanein85]

شكرا لك من 🇮🇶 .. هل هي أطول من الموديل 24 ؟

[@AvsFanGJH19]

I was reading about the forward attention warning in other vehicles that got it recently and the nightmare stories from customers. Is this something you’ve experienced or I should be worried about? Should I just get the 2025 to avoid this?

[@NOVISHOT44]

It's like JAC JS8 pro in other markets 👍

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

The front end, while is better than the outgoing Sportage, I'm still not a fan cause it reminds me top much of the K4s headlights and the rear end refresh I could do without.

[@RaitisRides]

Very good points Chris!

[@mr.grumps3544]

The satin gray one is the only one that looks decent

[@El-huehue]

The logo KIA stand for north korea ???

[@robinpazmino78]

They look georgeos! Only zonk..too much gloss black😢

[@WarnerHousehold]

boy kia aint playing and kia lighting system

[@RaitisRides]

You better believe it for sure

[@zooks3894]

I miss the boomerang headlights before the update.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your feelings on this one.

[@Kevin-qz4eq]

since displays are now such a big part of cars you'd think they would be powered up in an auto show

[@rogerborno9186]

can you inform us about color 2026 choices? 2025 sportage hev ex model has only 5 exterior colors: white and 4 "blacks"*. i hope they change it on 2026. * i know, one is vesta blue, but it is dark blue and if there is no sunshine it looks "black". also interior colors are either black (i hate) or beige - it is not beige it is almost "white". who wants white interior? why not gray or light brown?

[@anthonyho1723]

I saw another video review, which stated that there will be more interior colors available. Even here at the end, you can see that there's a tan interior in that third vehicle. I wish he had opened it up to show it.

[@DominionAnako-bb7ry]

Are you looking for a Kia dealership, a place to grab some delicious food, or maybe a design service related to Kia in Londo.

[@JonathanChow180]

Nice!

[@ItsMeHer2266]

nice!!

[@davidp2888]

That front end has a lot going on!

[@RaitisRides]

That is an understatement

[@moiseslugo6736]

Why don't they disclose the starting price??

[@stevenkreiss2113]

The front is way better than the old one.

[@PaulStephenson-lf2dw]

I like my 2023 Sportage X line better than the 2026 refresh. Wheels and boomerang style headlights are better looking than the refresh. The main thing I like in the refresh is less use of piano black in the interior. However, my Sportage has been great, no issues or troubles whatsoever. It is on Consumer Reports recommended list with the PHEV one of the top rated mainstream compact SUV’s.

[@joelewis8992]

For anybody who has the newest Kia cause I have a older one do you trust is reliability anymore because every time I turn around there’s recalls on Kia and everybody keeps saying stay away from these cars are no good. I like Honda I like Toyota please come and let me know. Should I buy a new Kia or go the other way?

[@matthewr.33]

Everyone has recalls though. I am pretty sure they are top 5 in reliability. I mean they're no Honda or Toyota

[@tezh5897]

IDK man, the way KIA engines were catching on fire a few years ago COMPLETELY turned me off of them. I don't feel comfortable supporting a company that puts buyers in that type of danger. Then does very little to make it right.

[@joelewis8992]

@ thanks man I definitely appreciate and agree with you I’ll stick to buy a Toyota or Honda or Mazda

[@KirbyPuffy123]

I’m so disappointed of the Kia steering wheel where it says “Kia” in the right side and disappointed of the v shaped headlights I’d get the old one instead

[@coy9898]

I like the interior a lot, the exterior not so much. I prefer a boxy design but that's just me. The biggest problem these days is KIAs reliability, they seemed to be doing well but every mechanic I talk to says stay away from them.

[@MartyOToole-w5q]

I’m seriously thinking about trading my 2023 Tucson Limited for a 2026 Sportage Turbo Hybrid XLine…

[@manuelcamomot5152]

Too much competition out there Joe, there's so many cuv models available.

[@RaitisRides]

It’s hard to keep track

[@Quinton0520]

The only thing I would've liked to see is hood struts, lowered roof rails these ones give Subaru vibes. The steering wheel already looks dated!

[@GhazalDil]

Sorry, I hate this front design...current design is awesome but not this.

[@amon4874]

any way you can be on Kai Cenats stream? reviewing his vehicles? would get you a lot of views and promos

[@guikegriot]

I second this. Their personalities would actually match well

[@CMMMMMMMMM]

XPro’s 2 tone trim will not age well under the Australian sun. All of the black will fade to a dull dark grey

[@jamesdawson6160]

Needs heated rear seats

[@edwardsimmons3190]

Them wheels almost look like them crossblades you see ninjas/agents have

[@RaitisRides]

I like the way that you think

[@crazy8310]

i prefer the current design :(

[@Hooba12]

1.6t hybrid has 6sp 1.6t has 8sp I don't understand what's the point !!!!? Thats disappointing ☹️

[@protector808]

You meant to say 2026 I'm sure, that's not a 2025

[@LetMeCook86]

Twinkies and Mt. Dew have yellow dye #5 in them. Stop using them, it’s posion!

[@Briangnc96]

Where’s the next Telluride hiding?

[@deccasupergold]

The "beaten path" is actually America's crumbling roads.

[@rickjames6867]

Decent buy but not the best. The segment isn't the best in my opinion so I say just pick one. They are all the same.

[@MuhammadAli-fb6nu]

its not even 2025 and they released 2026 model ? hows that happen

[@RaitisRides]

Trust me things are nutty

[@tag886]

Let’s see the 2030 model 😂

[@anthonyho1723]

The 2025 models are already out. This one comes out mid-2025, so they're calling it a 2026. Automotive designs have long development times.

[@JohnDoe-gk7xw]

I like the styling but the have lousy engines!!!

[@michaelflude9334]

DISAPOINTED my sportage gts fhev awd is , called my25 model,IS MUCH BETTER