Kia's RAV4 beater? The updated 2026 Kia Sportage shouldn't be ignored.

Video Description

#kia #sportage #rav4 #crv #tucson This week I test out the 2026 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige. This loaded #crossover has been refreshed for 2026 and offered cool looks with leading tech. But it has one thing holding it back from being great. Major updates for model year 2026: Diverse Engine Lineup Whether you’re an urban adventurer, an off-pavement explorer, or a highway commuter, there’s a Sportage for you. Both Turbo HEV and Turbo PHEV powertrains have been refined with an uptick power. Sportage ICE: 2.5-liter I-4 8-speed automatic transmission FWD/AWD 187 horsepower est. Sportage HEV: 1.6-liter turbo gasoline direct injection (GDI) and 47.7kW motor (revised system) 6-speed automatic transmission FWD/AWD 231 horsepower est. (+4 HP over previous model year) 2000 lb. towing capacity Sportage PHEV: 1.6-liter turbo gasoline direct injection (GDI) and 72kW motor (revised system) 6-speed automatic transmission AWD 268 horsepower est. (+7 HP over previous model year) 2000 lb. towing capacity Available Active AWD2 uses electro-hydraulic coupling with center-locking differential to actively distribute power between front and rear wheels depending on road and driving conditions. Add to that driver-selectable Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand)2 for X-Line, X-Pro Prestige, and all AWD models. The Sportage is Kia’s most popular vehicle, and the 2026 model builds on this with more confident exterior styling, advanced driver-focused technology, that provides a great value for consumers seeking class up interior with enhanced driver conveniences. The new front-end design features Kia’s star map lighting with distinctive amber daytime running lights. This visually striking new design is the latest evolution of Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, yielding a harmony of dynamism and strength. The refined and modern front and rear bumpers gives way to a functional and modern cabin, outfitted with Kia’s latest high-tech features and new available cabin colors and finishing accents. Connectivity and Convenience: Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay2 and Android Auto3 Available OTA (over the air) updates enhance driver experience Standard Smart Key and Dual Rear USB-C charging Available Terrain Mode (AWD only): Snow, Mud, Sand modes. Advanced Driver Assistance Features4: Standard Forward Collision Avoidance plus Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go Standard Hands-On Detection Standard Forward and Reverse Park Distance Warning The 2026 Sportage offers something for everyone, with an expansive lineup that includes a new sporty S and capable X-Line trim for the Sportage HEV. Sportage models with the turbo hybrid powertrain also get an uptick in horsepower, while X-Line, X-Pro and all AWD models gain more confidence with standard Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand).2 The robust Sportage ICE lineup includes the LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, and X-Pro Prestige trims. The Sportage X-Pro Prestige allows drivers to venture further into nature with off-road ready features. The Sportage HEV comes in LX, S (new), EX, X-Line (new), and SX-Prestige, while the Sportage PHEV comes in X-Line and X-Line Prestige. 00:00 - Is the Kia Sportage GAS any good? 00:48 - POWERTRAIN 01:55 - Exterior tour 04:04 - Cargo 04:50 - Backseat 05:59 - Front Seats 11:13 - Driving Impressions 17:12 - Cross Shopping Kia Sportage 20:39 - Final Score and Rank of 2026 Kia Sportage gas