The new 2026 Sportage first look // Less edgy design, more features

[@heathiedoodle]

I liked the boomerang headlights, but I also like this design.

[@OhNoMrBill-yg3dy]

Concealed rear wiper is a very nice touch! Time to carry this detail over to the Telluride.

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

Most definitely, it will for the 2026. That's a given!

[@leonelbrava2738]

I think I liked the old front more, but I do prefer the tail lights in the new one

[@mikeaube3711]

Love the new updates on the kia Sportage!!

[@tmangak1997]

Wireless carplay and auto along with removed piano black is amazing!

[@andreaspencer9813]

I like the tweaks too and the addition of wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto is fantastic.

[@Funkydood]

Owner of a 2023, 2 5L gas-powered Sportage! After two-and-a-half years of ownership: flawless experience!

[@stanmisiak5634]

Really like this vehicle especially with the piano black gone

[@tocreatee3585]

so do the KIABOIZ!!

[@thepkism]

But it’s everywhere on the outside lmfao

[@kane4013]

@@thepkism Well at least on the outside there won’t be the fingerprint problem.

[@Gort911]

Im currently looking for my next car purchase and the Sportage and Tucson hybrids are at the top of my list. The Rav 4 sorely needs an infotainment update and has dropped below them in my opinion. Well done Kia and Hyundai.

[@Gopinathk17]

So your decision is just based on infotainment screen?

[@Just-a-guy926]

The RAV-4 should have a redesign for 2026.

[@Jgjginkg244]

RAv4 is so overrated and ECVT is so horrible.

[@Gopinathk17]

​@@Jgjginkg244ECVT is one of the greatest innovations in the history of entire automotive industry.

[@Gort911]

@@Gopinathk17 Obviously not the only thing, but it is one of the most important features for me.

[@colestock9980]

Whaaooo! For a Kia, that actually looks pretty dang good! Thanks for the first look at it, Andrea and Zach!

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

That interior is best in class for sure.

[@akadayana]

Ive driven the 2025 one, it was so much fun. The plug in hybrid....it was my favorite....I will wait for this model. Can't wait to trade my model 3 for this one.

[@jeffer1101]

So close. The inside looks great. Good to see they have moved away from gloss black inside. However, they now have gloss black on the outside, which is just going to get scratched a week after you buy it. Lastly, it's time the Kia/Hyundai group ditched this 1.6T engine in their hybrids and moved to their 2.5L naturally aspirated engine. Maybe they will do that in the next generation (in a few years). Overall though, it looks like a decent option in the segment.

[@CC-wm1yq]

I have a 2023 and I must say I’m glad I got it. I usually never like the older version better but in this case I do. The car has been great so I’m sure these will be too.

[@SimonLee9772]

I like it! And... I really enjoy your informative reviews. Thank you.

[@wetzel82]

Color and design are gorgeous.

[@citibear57]

I like the current Sportage front-end design. The 2026 front end looks nice but is oh so familiar to other KIA products. Maybe that's what they wanted. I am so happy to see that the piano black plastic is going away and is being replaced by a more pleasant-looking plastic. Have fun at the LA Auto Show!

[@10OF9OFBORG]

Very nice! Lots of standards features! Awesome! Great video Andrea! 👍🏻👍🏻☕️☕️ 😃

[@andreaspencer9813]

Always lots of value with Kia.

[@10OF9OFBORG]

@@andreaspencer9813 👍🏻👍🏻

[@pghiggy2826]

I have a 2023 Kia hybrid SX. Can’t wait for the 2027s to come out.

[@johnjdrozdjr6556]

Have a 2023 would definitely consider Thanks for the review.

[@ozzzy3z946]

I like the look of the 25 better.

[@sflscott11]

This update is just what we've been waiting for.... the hybrid will likely replace our 22 Seltos SX AWD!

[@bigbuck9984]

I have a 2024 x line and really like it. Happy I got it when I did like boomerang daytime running lights Also happy I have the regular gas engine

[@charlesdudek7713]

One of the reasons I am interested in a hybrid is that's one way to avoid a turbo, not so much with Hyundai/Kia. The new styling does look better than present though.

[@vroomgc]

So turbo technology has been around a very long time and I've owned many cars with turbos with no issues, and I rarel hear of peoples turbos breaking down but I'm sure there are some, but you feel hybrid technology is better, for long term ?? Interesting. However if you are strictly talking mpg than yes hybrids are a better choice.

[@billurban1581]

The maximum, but manageable, intake pressures from a turbocharger only occur when you floor it. How often is that? .1% of miles if that.

[@charlesdudek7713]

@vroomgc So yeah I know all about them and how long turbos have been around. Enjoy yours. I'll pass. Toyota manages excellent fuel economy with a 2.5 liter non turbo engine in their hybrid so why use a little turbo. It makes no sense.

[@charlesdudek7713]

@billurban1581 Yes I realize that, meanwhile you have a 1.6 liter engine hauling a 3,600 to 3,800 pound vehicle. Even with electric motor assist that's a strain on a little engine. I'd rather not have a little turbo engine so I'll look elsewhere. Don't let me stop you though.

[@vroomgc]

@@charlesdudek7713 Honestly your response is lacking... Have you looked at how many miles Civics or Corolla's can go on small 4 cyl engines. When there is a turbo they just go along for the ride, spinning away, like I said without issues on most cars. Somehow you think hybrids will last longer, maybe you will be right but electric technology is changing fast... I'm all for hybrids I'm just saying your turbo point is off.

[@roxstix]

I'm waiting for 2026 Rav4 phev, but I may consider this Kia phev. We'll see.

[@sompasongs]

Hi Kia Sportage owners! How reliable is the Sportage and Sorento? I am shopping for an SUV.

[@janh.4479]

Great updates for the Sportage!

[@mariolafrance5806]

I own a 2024 PHEV model and I love the new design. The new steering wheel is awesome. But I have a question. No heat pump again ?????

[@sam-yau]

Curious if Kia is timing this refresh specifically to counter Toyota’s much anticipated RAV4 refresh 👀

[@mwmsjuly19]

I love my 2025 Sportage hybrid and its front end design. This update is very nice, but I like the edgier version.

[@frhaber]

I must say I prefer the front fascia of my 2023 SX Hybrid (white with red interior), however, the tech updates would be nice to have, especially wireless Android Auto.

[@jean-philippeperetti8463]

When I look at modern car paint jobs, I can't but think about that movie title: "back to the future". I swear we're going back to the sixties. LOL

[@lawrencemerrick3063]

Like it❤. Thank you guys

[@andreaspencer9813]

Thanks for watching, we have lots of First Look videos coming your way this weekend including the redesigned Tiguan, EV6/EV9 GT, Honda Passport and the Acura ADX. Looking forward to sharing it all.

[@lawrencemerrick3063]

@andreaspencer9813 looking forward to it from this Alberta boy 😉 .keep rocking it 😎

[@andreaspencer9813]

​@@lawrencemerrick3063Thank you!

[@taylorraestephenson]

Does the cream interior come with the gas model as well?

[@xavierrobinson200]

I prefer the old design tbh. But nice updates. Especially getting rid of piano black

[@etacarinae5558]

Very nice....like the look and the updates.

[@andreaspencer9813]

We do too!

[@techpappee]

It's definitely an improvement in the front-end.

[@DebinNovaScotia]

I really like this refresh. But I’m waiting for the EV3, or maybe even EV2, if it comes to Canada.

[@shinjk2527]

Great job KIA~

[@duvangonzalez7192]

Looks really good! 👍🏻

[@alanhall7213]

Do you know the "battery only" range of the plug-in version?

[@andreaspencer9813]

It's 53 km/32 miles, same as the previous model.

[@billurban1581]

@@andreaspencer9813 53km, hmm. remember the Volvo XC90 recently tested? Also rated at 53km, but Zack plugged it in and it went to 63km, 19% more range, quite significant.

[@vroomgc]

@@billurban1581 It depends on road and weather conditions and also day or night time driving on how many miles you can squeeze out of those smaller batteries

[@andreaspencer9813]

@@billurban1581 You can definitely get better range if the temperature is just right, you have smaller wheels etc. But the EPA numbers are 53 km/32 miles.

[@billurban1581]

@@andreaspencer9813 I see. I only have experience with Volvo. My S60 (41 mile battery) even with 32° F last night, charged to 49 miles. In the summer I’ve seen as high as 58. (I snapped a picture :^) I didn’t realize that other marques also go past their battery charge.

[@En-Route1]

Automakers need to bring back more entry level trims. They got greedy during the COVID years and now trim levels seem to be available only in the mid to high categories.

[@TomGroht]

What is fire risk on kia hybrid batteries?

[@JimAllder11]

Go Sportage!

[@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?

[@whyallthefuss201]

Love the new blue. The front end design is still too busy for me though

[@PBandJ25]

Fabulous redesign! Too bad it doesn't reach dealers until 3rd quarter, 2025. I can't wait that long.

[@MartyOToole-w5q]

Second quarter…

[@elliex20]

Nice car. I don't like the new steering wheel design though.

[@saleemakhtar87]

Looks good!!!

[@ahmednour1610]

When this model will be available; 2025 or 2026 ?

[@gobear83]

Kia seems ahead of the curve…. Nice vehicle

[@neilsar1]

Even though I like the current edgy front facade design, I like the new one better. BTW, Gloria and Zach -- Spor-TAGE sounds so much more sophisticated.

[@drewkotchan4081]

I think Kia makes some of the best looking vehicles out there there. The new front end is handsome enough but I prefer the previous (current) one.

[@Fuentes6544]

Ouiiiii love the color 😍😅

[@Jerry-gi2lj]

Piano black on the outside is even worse than piano black on the inside.

[@gobear83]

Love the new lipstick…..

[@Coco-9995]

Would like it with 6 cylinder

[@foggyblues13]

that would be sweet

[@AThirstyPhilosopher]

I was never a fan of the boomerang headlamps. This version might have just made it back onto my list of possible next vehicle. Thanks for the video!

[@velboone6041]

I love it

[@electropainted]

hell yeah!

[@maxk3309]

Very nice vehicle.

[@benoitmurray85]

I love the front face lift! Finally!!! Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto! Wow! They finally decided to pay for rights or what? Lol

[@jeffb.6642]

They've always had it on the smaller screens. I guess they finally settled their dispute with Apple/Google about the navigation thing. lol

[@marktuyet]

Still think our 2024 Mazda cx-5 is one of the best looking small SUVs on the road .

[@AH_Amg]

The new 2025 hybrid Cx50 is even better, looks better than the outdated cx5 and with toyota reliable powertrain

[@PHOTOCONVENTION]

I'm not even sure we should call it non-luxury anymore. That interior is gorgeous. I also love the trend of light blue. You two tested a jetta in a similar colour that I quite like. My favourite colour this year though goes to that mini.

[@locuus]

Love the spare tire. The look is better than the current for sure.

[@andreaspencer9813]

Yes, same! It's so nice the hybrid has a spare, you don't see that very often anymore.

[@Jgjginkg244]

All of sudden, Sportage is more norm than Tucson!! 😂

[@CedroCron]

Although it's nice, a simple fender bender would get expensive in a hurry thanks to the big LED headlights and big plastic grill. Even a simple bump would be a problem. And in most parts of Canada with really expensive insurance premiums and people wanting to pay out of pocket rather than going through their insurance company it's gonna get expensive in a hurry or your premiums will go up if it's a hit/run like my mom when she got hit in a parking lot here in Ontario and couldn't get the drivers info when he took off and she didn't get the full license plate number in time. Her insurance went up because she made a claim even though it was a hit/run. Remember that when you buy these fancy exterior cars and a simple bump costs you thousands either out of pocket or insurance premium increases! Our insurance in this country is a joke in most places!

[@kennethawesome]

Looks very good outside but inside is the total opposite (which you will see while driving). The steering wheel and old style shifter are mid.

[@davidnguyen3275]

Exterior gloss black is not practical to me. With that being said, 2026 model seems nice, with all the new features.

[@JimStarritt]

Love the new Blue!!!

[@baileyalexander7839]

Wow, no fingerprint scanner to start the vehicle like the refreshed Hyundai Tucson has? The Tucson is the clear winner here-this new Sportage just doesn't impress, especially the interior. That new steering wheel is awful!

[@jeffb.6642]

Pressing the start button isn't good enough? Yikes. I'd imagine you'd really have a tantrum if you got into a car that you had to start by turning a key in the ignition.

[@LB20278]

Sorry, Andrea, but what you called a gas model is actually a hybrid.

[@andreaspencer9813]

The gas model has the traditional shifter and the hybrid and PHEV a dial shifter. I just think when editing the clips were mixed up. I can assure you I know which model I was in. The darker grey is the gas model, lighter interior the hybrid and the tan interior is the PHEV.

[@MartyOToole-w5q]

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

[@foggyblues13]

The previous version looks way better. This one isn't bad, just less interesting. The previous front lights were nicer and more distinctive. I loathe the front lights being yellow. I would not buy the vehicle just for that reason alone. Lastly, that blue finish is horrible. Okay, back to my happy self. lol

[@ffotograffydd]

I wonder why the USA pronounces this car’s name differently to every other country. It’s weird.

[@thebluemambawarriortv9845]

The Korean spec have heated rear seats, nts why this wasn't specked with it

[@mtbmike1328]

Not a fan of the gas model shifter!

[@MAXBLU04]

Under powered for my liking..but love the new look

[@WyattMullin]

Good luck trying to buy an HEV or PHEV in Canada. Had a deposit for 2 years and it never arrived. Will look elsewhere.

[@JMS83]

I really like the blue color but the wheels don't look good

[@IntrepidRobot]

I love my boomerang headlights! I don't like this new design up front as it looks too much like all there other models, nothing distinctive.

[@KenCheng]

You say "Sportáge" I say "Sportage" let's call the whole thing off

[@littlsuprstr]

Glad they ditched the boomerangs in the front. The headlights on these look like they're set to blind people at night.

[@bradxboujee7746]

The refreshed 2026 model definitely looks better imo…. More sleek & classy looking front end especially. Either way both Kia & Hyundai are making some fantastic cars inside and out. We have quite a few Kia/Hyundai vehicles in the family. All have been very satisfied 👍

[@davidlgti1]

"Sport-Aaahge" lol

[@alejandroavila2646]

I think it's pronounced Shortage

[@shichynwang]

Current style looks a lot better😂😂😂

[@BertrandRacicot]

Everything looks cool for the new 2026. But the front for me is ugly. The gaz only trim should be out for 2026. Make more production of hybrid and phev.

[@jeffb.6642]

Really don't like this trend now that all automakers are doing by having one ultra-wide screen stuck to the dashboard, it looks cheap and sterile

[@davidjym]

2026 already ......

[@LetMeCook86]

Toyota should be embarrassed! Kia and Hyundai are 20 years ahead of them in lighting design, design language, technology and EV. Where’s the ‘26 RAV4? It’s delayed! 😂

[@daniel0223-i8s]

Hyundai-Kia has sold more than Japanese brands such as Honda and Mazda Nissan from the immortal durability myth. Is it because millions of consumers in Europe and the United States who bought Hyundai-Kia in 2023 have less intelligence than you? Or are you not just a Japanese car fanboy brainwashed by the durability myth? Does the immortal durability Toyota not raise the price as much as the German car, and is the Hyundai-Kia car similar in price? Exactly 20 years ago, there were many Sony Parasonic Doshba fanboys in North America, but now there is no single person on Earth who ignores Samsung and LG to recommend the quality of Japanese TVs and Japanese smartphones.

[@lgbunbury]

Winner winner chicken dinner!

[@JeffreyReiber]

Nice design, garbage reliability

[@glennelliott708]

Got rid of the Mitsubishi grille

[@vlogospheer]

Those amber LEDs are gross. Then went white on other models why back to those... ?

[@michaelb.1456]

Yeah I like white boomerang lights more 😊

[@1ricky77333]

Too small for big person.

[@NYCGRKKouros]

The front grill of this design looks like a mouthful of gritting teeth----I'm on the fence.

[@mdnowshad]

Kia always confused me next year they will come up with another major refresh.

[@kingriderone]

Why change what isn’t broke I like the sportage the way it is in 2025 that’s why I’m buying one. So yes change the black console dash because the sun reflects off it and hits you in the eyes but that’s it. The front end is sporty don’t change it. KIA is doing what Toyota does and making all their vehicles look the same from the front, I hate that. The Toyota front ends are ugly on everything except the Camry and Celica . Now Kia is going to follow them and it’s a big mistake. It’s why I bought the Kia and not the Toyota.

[@richardb9591]

Wow - the wheels on the 2026 Sportage are extremely ugly. Kia really needs to improve the design and look of their wheels. Otherwise the overall look of the vehicle is quite okay, but I'm not a fan of the gloss black exterior accents. The updated interior design is very good.

[@StrikeFirst01]

I don't recommend kia mine got stolen when i was in the US by the Kia boys.

[@evdanielsson7]

the newer Hyundai/KИ products now come standard with engine immobilizers which drastically reduces the risk of theft.