Refreshed 2026 Kia Sportage Shows Up in First Official Pics
The Kia Sportage will receive a mid-cycle update for the 2026 model year, as shown today in the first official pictures from South Korea.
As we suspected, the most significant change can be found in the front, with the boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights replaced by new ones that are more in line with Kia’s latest products, such as the Sorento, Carnival and K4, not to mention the upcoming EV3 electric hatchback. Emphasizing the wide stance, the grille and bumper have a revised design that is not the same depending on the trim level.
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Naturally, Kia did some work on the wheels, giving them a look similar to those of the brand’s electric vehicles. In the rear, the LED taillights sport a new lighting signature. Customers will also have two new body colours to choose from including Wolf Grey and Heritage Blue.
Other pictures released by Kia show a refreshed interior with a brand new steering wheel that features a slightly flattened rim, offset Kia logo and sensors detecting the driver’s hands. The curved digital panel is another highlight, combining a pair of 12.3-inch screens in more upscale models and pairing with a newly available head-up display.
Redesigned air vents, expanded ambient lighting and a few updated controls (including a new fingerprint authentication system) are part of the mix. In a wise move, Kia has decided to get rid of piano black trim pieces and insert brushed surfaces instead.
Similar to the 2025 Hyundai Tucson, the Sportage will offer an infrared camera mounted on the steering column to help track the driver’s eye gaze and monitor attention levels, as well as a Baby Mode to help reduce the sharpness of initial acceleration and the potential disturbances that may upset infants or pets. Look for the same three powertrain options (gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid), but with a slight power boost for the electrified models.
Further details about the 2026 Kia Sportage, specifically for the North American market, will be shared in the coming months. We’ll keep you posted.