My week reviewing the Kia Sportage X-Pro coincided with California’s “atmospheric river” rain storm. The system brought high winds, torrential rainfall, flooding and mudslides.

On two occasions while traveling over the Santa Cruz Mountains, I encountered flooded roadways. The X-Pro easily forded a creek that overflowed Highway 17. The water was more than a foot deep, replete with tree branches, mud and rocks flowing over the roadway. 

The hazard stalled several motorists, but the Sportage X-Pro had no difficulty. The SUV was a rugged, durable companion.

Styling

The compact KIA Sportage crossover utility was introduced to the U.S. market in 1993. Now in its fifth generation, the 2026 model year gets a mid-cycle refresh. Changes are mostly cosmetic, with the Sportage now wearing Kia’s updated “Opposites United” corporate styling employed across the lineup.

My test vehicle was finished in the increasingly popular color, “Wolf Grey.” It’s difficult at first glance to tell the Sportage apart from other Kia SUVs or even the Carnival minivan. The front clips are nearly identical, but distinctive, with bold DRLs and a compound-style headlight array.

The Sportage X-Pro adds ruggedness to its appearance, thanks to bold body cladding and aggressive BF Goodrich K03 off-road-rated tires.

Behind the wheel

The X-Pro is the most well-disciplined vehicle I’ve ever driven from Kia. The Sportage name is appropriate, because it feels sporty. It handles competently with minimal body roll. Pitching and bobbing is well controlled. It’s a comfortable and quiet ride.

Power is adequate around town. The start-stop system is imperceptible. The 2.5-liter gas direct injection 4-cylinder engine makes 187 horsepower and 178 pound feet of torque. On the highway, plan ahead before passing.

The Sportage incorporates Kia’s excellent adaptive cruise control system. This model doesn’t have auto lane change. It’s a more basic version, but it works well.

Interior Appointments

The Sportage inside is more traditional in its appearance, with dark colors and a conventional layout. It makes use of Kia’s corporate steering wheel functions, controls, digital instrument panel and infotainment system, all of which work exactly like its siblings. It’s a good thing.

I noticed the omission of the ability to put the speedometer display in the center of the instrument cluster. This model also doesn’t have a head-up display, which is odd considering the X-Pro Prestige is the top level trim.

I was constantly reminded of the HUD’s omission by an enormous black plastic panel filling the area intended to house the HUD. Hybrid models have HUDs.

The Kia does have creature comforts like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a giant moon roof that encompasses the first and second row.

The Sportage is also remarkably comfortable and roomy with ample shoulder room, hip room, leg room, and head room, even for this 6-foot-3 reviewer. The back seat is tight, but commendable for a compact SUV. The X-Pro rides at the perfect height for easy ingress and egress.

The Verdict

I ended my week with the Sportage with admiration. I wish the styling was more unique, but I like Kia’s design language.

The X-Pro Prestige trim offers a good mix of utility, capability, durability, economy and a strong selection of creature comforts. What the X-Pro lacks in power, it makes up with composed handling, satisfying drivability and impressive fuel economy. The EPA fuel economy estimates: 23 miles per gallon in the city, 26 mpg on the highway.

Despite heavy weather, I observed a better-than-expected 26 mpg of mostly highway driving. The 2026 KIA Sportage X-Pro MSRP as tested is $42,055 (including destination), and it’s recommended.

Visit: https://www.kia.com/us/en/sportage

_{Cover photo: 2026 KIA Sportage X-Pro Prestige AWD – Photo Copyright © John Berg 2026}