In the increasingly competitive SUV market, the introduction of the 2026 Kia Sportage at the Los Angeles Auto Show is a strong reinforcement of its competitive edge. Long-time contender in this segment, Kia has displayed not just an American specification version of the Sportage, but a vehicle that has significantly improved in design and technology. 
For the North American market, the 2026 Sportage adopts a fresh design with a striking appearance, featuring vertical headlights and a reshaped grille. Depending on the trim, the front bumper's air intakes vary in shape, adding unique character to each model. While Kia's design team has not made radical innovations, the refined details certainly enhance the vehicle's appeal. 
The side profile remains unchanged but introduces new wheel designs to distinguish between trims. The X-Line features 19-inch all-season tires, while the X-Pro Prestige replaces them with 17-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tires. Subtle changes at the rear include an updated bumper and new LED tail lights, giving the SUV a fresh look from behind. 
Inside, the updates become even more pronounced. A new two-spoke steering wheel enhances user experience with a more ergonomic layout. The repositioned air vents lend a simpler and more organized feel to the dashboard, while the standard dual 12.3-inch digital displays elevate the tech experience. An optional 10-inch display is also available. 
Kia has retained physical controls for climate and audio functions centrally located for easy access. Depending on the model, buyers can enjoy luxury perks like premium Harmon Kardon audio, heated rear seats, wireless charging, and an enhanced suite of driver assistance technologies. Like before, the 2026 Kia Sportage offers a choice between ICE and hybrid engines. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine continues to produce 187 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Notably, a new 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is expected to be added in Korea. 
The hybrid setup combines a 1.6-liter turbo engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, and an electric motor, producing up to 231 horsepower thanks to a more powerful electric motor and an improved regenerative braking system. Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid version sees a slight increase, reaching a total output of 268 horsepower. The Sportage lineup includes six trims for the ICE models: LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, and X-Pro Prestige. The hybrid series now features a sporty S trim, while the plug-in hybrid is limited to X-Line and X-Line Prestige. Buyers can choose between front-wheel and all-wheel drive for both ICE and hybrid trims, but the plug-in hybrid comes exclusively with all-wheel drive. 
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