Kia officially announced the launch of the 2026 model of its popular Sportage, featuring notable exterior and interior updates accompanied by a price increase compared to the previous model. The new car’s prices start from approximately 98,000 UAE Dirhams (about 26,700 US dollars) before destination fees, representing an increase of around 1,300 dollars over the previous model, with hybrid version prices to be announced later.
New Exterior Design Enhances Presence
The 2026 Sportage features a comprehensive refresh of the front fascia, including a wide grille surrounded by new vertical headlights that give the car a modern and bold look. The rear bumper has also been updated with redesigned taillights, along with new wheels available in sizes ranging from 17 to 19 inches, enhancing the sporty and elegant character of the vehicle.
Interior Updates Focused on Technology and Comfort
Inside, the Sportage received a more streamlined dashboard with dual 12.3-inch screens for both the instrument cluster and the central infotainment system, offering an advanced digital experience for driver and passengers. The steering wheel has been replaced with a new two-spoke design, and interior trims have been upgraded to add touches of luxury and comfort.
Trim Levels and Features
Base LX: Comes with cloth seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning, and a six-speaker audio system. It includes driver assistance features such as smart cruise control with stop-and-go, forward collision avoidance, high beam assist, lane keeping system with lane departure warning, parking distance warning, and rear occupant alert.
SX Prestige: A premium trim priced around 133,000 AED (approximately 36,200 USD), featuring power front seats upholstered in SynTex synthetic leather with heating and ventilation, heated steering wheel, curved panoramic display, panoramic sunroof, and dual-zone automatic climate control. It also includes wireless phone charging, premium Harman Kardon audio, and advanced driver aids like blind spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, highway driving assist, multiple cameras, and enhanced safety features.
X-Line AWD: A more rugged variant with unique bumpers, skid plates, glossy black accents, roof rails, and 19-inch wheels with all-season tires. Priced around 112,900 AED (about 30,700 USD).
X-Pro Prestige AWD: The top-tier trim priced near 150,000 AED (approximately 40,800 USD), featuring matte black 17-inch wheels with BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, enhancing off-road capability.
Performance and Engines
The 2026 Sportage is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with an optional all-wheel-drive system costing $1,800 in most trims, while AWD is standard on the X-Line and X-Pro versions.
Official 2026 Kia Sportage Prices in the UAE
Prices start at about 98,000 AED (26,700 USD) for the base LX trim. The EX trim ranges between 113,400 and 115,000 AED (approximately 30,900 – 31,300 USD). Higher trims like SX can reach around 136,000 AED (37,000 USD) or more. The sporty X-Line is priced near 133,000 AED (36,200 USD), while the luxury X-Pro Prestige can reach 150,000 AED (about 40,800 USD).
Prices may vary slightly depending on the dealer and optional features. The AED prices are linked to the current USD exchange rate, roughly 3.67 AED per dollar.
The 2026 Kia Sportage offers a strong blend of modern design, advanced technologies, and diverse comfort levels that cater to a wide range of consumers in the compact SUV segment. Despite the price increase compared to the previous model, the significant updates in interior and exterior design, along with performance and smart system improvements, make the Sportage a highly competitive choice in the market.
Expected to arrive soon at dealerships, the new Sportage is likely to attract buyers seeking a sophisticated family vehicle that combines elegance and practicality, providing a comfortable and safe driving experience in various conditions.
Tamara is an editor who has been working in the automotive field for over 3 years. She is also an automotive journalist and presenter; she shoots car reviews and tips on her social media platforms. She has a translation degree, and she also works as a freelance translator, copywriter, voiceover artist, and video editor. She’s taken automotive OBD Scanner and car diagnosis courses, and she’s also worked as an automotive sales woman for a year, in addition to completing an internship with Skoda Lebanon for 2 months. She also has been in the marketing field for over 2 years, and she also create social media content for small businesses.
