The Kia Sportage, a compact sport utility vehicle, debuted in 1993. Now in its fifth generation, the 2026 model is a mid-cycle refresh, with a revised front-end design, new lighting, new wheels, and updated technology. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models also get a modest bump in horsepower.

I previously tested the internal combustion engine (ICE) Sportage and noted several shortcomings. This plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version addresses most of those criticisms, resulting in a well-rounded utility.

Styling is nearly identical to the ICE Sportage. Its bold design showcases Kia’s newest incarnation of their “Opposites United” design language. Kia finished my test vehicle in Shadow Matte Gray, an optional $595 color. Paired with black trim, a black grille, and black wheels, the Sportage telegraphs a business casual look, upscale but not flashy.

Sportage Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Sportage PHEV offers a spacious two-row interior. My test vehicle featured perforated and quilted Terra-Cotta brown SynTex seating surfaces, creating a handsome two-tone cabin.

SynTex feels like a wetsuit, resembles leather, and cleans extraordinarily easily. Pet hair doesn’t embed in the material, and spills wipe away easily.

A softly padded steering wheel continues the interior’s two-tone theme. A panoramic sunroof and interior accent lighting add touches of luxury.

A curved OLED instrument panel and infotainment display dominate the dashboard. This gives the cabin a high-tech appearance with legible displays even in direct sunlight.

Kia placed several USB-C charging ports throughout the cabin.  Plenty of grab handles and deeply sculpted door pulls make it very easy to close the door once you are seated.

Hooks mounted behind the front headrests offer a particularly clever detail. This allows grocery bags, handbags, or backpacks to hang securely out of the way.

Generous cargo capacity adds up to 34.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expands to roughly 64 cubic feet with seats folded.

I found little to criticize. The small secondary gauges (fuel and temp) are small and difficult to see. Kia could improve the HVAC controls. The current system requires toggling between HVAC and infotainment. The heads-up display (available only on hybrid models) lacks a dimmer control.

On-Road Manners and Off-Road Prowess

The plug-in hybrid system operates imperceptibly. I found it difficult to discern when the vehicle switches between electric propulsion and the gasoline engine. My overall impression: smooth, refined, and quiet.

While the gasoline-powered Sportage has adequate power, the PHEV version feels punchy. The electric motor adds power like a supercharger, delivering immediate torque.

In stop-and-go driving, the vehicle typically runs on electric power alone. This boosts efficiency. During testing, the mileage never dipped below 30 mpg and peaked at 37 mpg around town.

Transitions between regenerative and friction braking are handled smoothly. Most drivers would not notice the transition unless they watched the instrument panel display.

While not a sports car, the Sportage feels satisfyingly agile for a compact SUV, with comfortable steering weight, linear throttle response, and crisp brake response.

Driver assistance systems include Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Lane Following Assist. The suite of features performed well during a drive between Reno and the San Francisco Bay Area. Stretches of time exceeding an hour required no driver intervention. The Sportage maintained speed, following distance, and lane position competently.

In sharp turns, or when lane markings are difficult to see, the Sportage can make abrupt steering corrections. The driver needs to remain vigilant.

Another minor quirk occurs in adaptive cruise mode while driving downhill. The system tries to maintain speed by cycling regenerative braking, resulting in jerkiness.

I took the Sportage through rough, high-desert terrain with no roads or trails. Regular cars get bogged down in this kind of soft soil. Even some four-wheel-drive vehicles have difficulty traversing this kind of landscape.

The Sportage glided over raw land with aplomb. The vehicle had no difficulty crossing open desert, dropping into washes, and climbing out the other side.

Under the Hood of the Sportage PHEV

A 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor powers the Sportage PHEV. Combined output is 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Power is put to the pavement by a conventional six-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter and paddle shifters.

All-wheel drive (AWD) with selectable terrain modes is standard.

The plug-in hybrid battery provides approximately 34 miles of electric-only driving when fully charged. A convenient EV/HEV toggle allows the driver to force the vehicle into electric-only mode.

DC fast charging is not supported. Charging is limited to Level 2, which takes roughly 2 hours to fully recharge the battery.

Sportage PHEV Economy and Pricing

Fuel economy is one of the Sportage PHEV’s strengths. EPA fuel economy estimates 36 MPG (combined) on gasoline only, and 83 MPGe. In my gasoline-only testing, I achieved a maximum range of 291 miles. I could have added 34 miles to the range, had I been able to fully charge the battery. I averaged 32.4 mpg in more than 860 miles of mixed driving.

The hybrid battery occupies some of the space normally used by the fuel tank, giving the PHEV version an 11-gallon capacity. An upside to a smaller fuel tank is savings at the pump. Even with gasoline over $5 per gallon, filling the tank cost me roughly $40.

MSRP for the Sportage PHEV X-Line Prestige AWD is $49,730, including destination.

Sportage PHEV Verdict

The gasoline-powered Sportage is very good, but the plug-in hybrid version is excellent.

Performance and efficiency are enhanced by the PHEV powertrain. The interior is handsome, the technology is intuitive, and the driving experience is refined.

Overall, I found the Sportage PHEV an excellent daily driver, equally suited to commuting, everyday errands, snowy days, and blazing trails.