Big Space for Everyday Life

The 2026 Sportage looks like it was designed for people who live full lives but do not want to drive a huge vehicle. Inside, it offers 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and more than 74 cubic feet with the seats folded, according to Kia USA. That is more room than many midsize SUVs. The cabin feels open and light, with wide seating and a smart dashboard layout that wraps the driver comfortably without crowding the passenger side.

As someone used to a compact sedan, I was surprised by how natural it felt to sit higher off the ground. Visibility improves instantly, and that alone makes daily driving easier. For loading groceries, sports gear, or luggage, the difference in space is night and day.

Power and Fuel Economy

The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 187 horsepower paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EPA rates it at 32 miles per gallon on the highway, which is impressive for an SUV this size. For drivers ready to save even more on gas, the Sportage Hybrid bumps combined efficiency to up to 43 MPG, according to FuelEconomy.gov.

That hybrid version is the one that interests me most. It keeps the power delivery smooth while cutting fuel stops nearly in half compared with my Forte. For anyone commuting or taking weekend trips, that makes real financial sense.

Price That Feels Manageable

The 2026 Kia Sportage starts at $28,690 for the LX trim and runs to about $33,000 for the EX and SX models with extra features, according to Kia USA. Even fully loaded, it lands well below the price of most midsize competitors. That makes it accessible for someone upgrading from a smaller car without jumping into luxury territory.

I remember paying less than $20,000 for my Forte a few years ago, so crossing the $30,000 line gave me pause. But once you sit inside the Sportage, you understand where the money goes: quieter cabin, better tech, and materials that actually feel premium.

Tech and Comfort Upgrades

Every Sportage includes dual 12.3-inch displays that merge the instrument cluster and infotainment screen, giving it a modern, almost futuristic feel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with Kia’s Drive Wise suite of safety tools. That includes forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention alerts.

The higher trims add remote smart parking and a surround-view monitor that lets you see the car from every angle. As someone who still occasionally misjudges parking spots, that feature alone is tempting.

Built for the Way People Actually Drive

The reason the Sportage stands out is that it is built for practical use. It drives light for its size, turns sharply, and absorbs bumps better than expected. It feels like a natural upgrade from a sedan instead of a leap into a truck-like SUV.

For drivers who like Kia’s dependability but want more comfort and capability, the Sportage feels like the obvious next move. It is large enough for family life and road trips but efficient enough for daily commuting.

Why I Am Considering the Switch

What I like most about the Sportage is how it fits into real life. It gives me the flexibility to haul gear, travel comfortably, and still avoid high maintenance and gas costs. It feels familiar yet more capable, like a grown-up version of the car I already trust.

For anyone outgrowing their compact sedan, this model is worth test-driving before the year ends. The Forte has been great, but the Sportage seems ready for what comes next.

Sources

Kia USA

FuelEconomy.gov

‍

‍