The review
All EV Sales editorial review. Researched from official specifications, safety ratings and published expert reviews; not a first-hand owner review. Key facts Price from: US$30,490 (LX FWD, US, before destination) · A$44,450 (S Hybrid FWD, Australia, before on-roads) Official fuel use: 35–42 mpg combined (EPA) · 4.9–5.3 L/100 km (Australia) Power: 232 hp combined (US) · 173 kW combined (Australia) 0–60 mph: 8.0 seconds (Edmunds test) Safety: 5 stars ANCAP (2022) · IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2026, built after May 2025) Overview The Sportage Hybrid is Kia's mid-size family SUV, sharing its hybrid system with the Hyundai Tucson. A 2026 facelift brings fresh styling and more technology, and a cheaper hybrid grade has been added in Australia. It suits families who want plenty of space and a strong warranty along with lower fuel bills. Design & Interior The facelift adds new front and rear lighting, a revised steering wheel and updated air vents. A 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard in both markets. Reviewers find the layout modern and the steering wheel pleasant to hold. Entry grades use cloth seats and plenty of hard plastic, and the Australian S has only a small 4.2-inch driver display. US testers say the combined climate and media switch panel takes some learning. Driving A 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine and an electric motor produce 232 hp, or 173 kW in Australia. A six-speed automatic handles the gear changes. Edmunds recorded 0–60 mph in 8.0 seconds, quick for the class. Steering is accurate but offers little feel. US testers describe a smooth, compliant ride and a quiet cabin. Australian opinions vary: one reviewer praised the S grade's supple ride on 17-inch wheels, while another found hybrid versions the firmest-riding Sportage. Fuel economy The choice of drivetrain matters here. The EPA rates the front-drive LX at 42 mpg combined, a strong result for a vehicle this size. All-wheel-drive versions drop to 35 mpg, which trails Toyota's hybrid SUVs. Australian claims are 4.9 L/100 km for front-drive models and 5.3 L/100 km for all-wheel drive. Real-world results vary widely. CarExpert averaged 4.8 L/100 km in a front-drive S, while Drive saw 6.1–6.5 L/100 km on its launch drive. Practicality Space is a major strength. Kia quotes 41.3 inches of rear legroom, and reviewers say taller adults fit comfortably in both rows. Cargo space is up to 39.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats in the US, and 586 litres in Australia. US reviewers list Kia's long warranty as a key advantage. Australian buyers get seven years of unlimited-kilometre cover, with the hybrid battery covered for seven years or 150,000 km. Safety The 2026 Sportage earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for vehicles built after May 2025. It scored Good in every IIHS crash test. ANCAP awarded five stars in 2022, covering hybrid versions, and the rating runs until December 2028. Scores were 87% for adult and child occupants, but a lower 66% for vulnerable road users and 74% for safety assist. Automatic emergency braking and lane support are standard. Verdict The Sportage Hybrid is a roomy, quick and well-priced family SUV, especially in front-drive form. Its long warranties and strong IIHS result add to its appeal. The main drawbacks are weak all-wheel-drive economy, basic trim on entry grades and a firmer ride on some Australian versions. Buyers wanting the lowest fuel use in an all-wheel-drive SUV should compare it with a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. How we rated it Range 3.5 (excellent front-drive economy, average with all-wheel drive) · Performance 4.0 (quick and accurate, not engaging) · Safety 4.5 (IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and five-star ANCAP, modest vulnerable road user score) · Comfort 4.0 (quiet and very roomy, ride firm on some versions) · Overall 4.0. Sources Kia US 2026 Sportage Hybrid pricing: https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/models/sportage-hev/2026/pricing Kia US 2026 Sportage Hybrid specifications: https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/models/sportage-hev/2026/specifications EPA fuel economy (Hybrid FWD): https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/49456.shtml EPA fuel economy (Hybrid AWD): https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/49504.shtml CarExpert Australian S Hybrid pricing: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2026-kia-sportage-s-hybrid-new-base-model-undercuts-rav4 CarExpert review (Australia): https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2026-kia-sportage-s-hybrid-review Drive first drive (Australia): https://www.drive.com.au/reviews/2026-kia-sportage-review-australian-first-drive/ Edmunds review (US): https://www.edmunds.com/kia/sportage-hybrid/2026/ ANCAP rating: https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings/kia/sportage/92c727 IIHS ratings: https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/kia/sportage-4-door-suv/2026