2026 Kia Sportage Facelift Price and Specs: Hybrid AWD Variants and Feature Updates Confirmed

Kia Australia has confirmed the arrival of the updated 2026 Sportage range, with pricing, new features, and expanded powertrain options now detailed. The revised line-up is available in four familiar grades - S, SX, SX+, and GT-Line - with updates to design, safety systems, and infotainment technology.

New for 2026 is the introduction of all-wheel drive hybrid variants, which join the previously available front-wheel drive hybrid models. These variants use a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine combined with electric assistance, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Prices for the 2026 Kia Sportage have increased across the range compared to the outgoing model. Increases vary by variant, with entry-level petrol models rising by around $3,000 and higher-grade diesel variants increasing by over to $4,000.

The 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the SX+ and GT-Line variants has been matched with an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission, replacing the former dual-clutch setup. Other available powertrains include a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel, both continuing from the previous model year.

This is unlike the 2025 Hyundai Tucson, which lost it's 2.0-litre turbo diesel as part of it's facelift.

Exterior changes include a revised front-end design with vertically stacked headlights, a new bumper and grille, and updated tail-light graphics at the rear. All trim levels receive new alloy wheel designs, and two additional paint options - Wolf Grey and Heritage Blue - have been added to the range.

Interior updates include a redesigned two-spoke steering wheel and the standardisation of a 12.3-inch infotainment screen across all grades. Higher-spec models (SX and above) receive Kia’s new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster also included on SX+ and GT-Line grades.

A head-up display is fitted to the GT-Line, projecting selected driving information into the driver’s line of sight. Other available features include wireless phone charging (SX+ and above), ventilated front seats (GT-Line), and ambient lighting (GT-Line).

The updated Sportage range now features Kia Connect, a connected car service that enables remote features, real-time traffic and weather data, and vehicle status checks. A seven-year subscription to Kia Connect is included as standard. Over-the-air (OTA) updates are also supported for software and navigation systems.

Smart Key with push-button start is now standard across all models. Safety features remain largely unchanged on the entry-level variants, but SX+ and GT-Line trims now include Highway Driving Assist. This system combines adaptive cruise control and lane centring functionality when used on freeways.

The 2026 Kia Sportage continues to offer a choice of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive across petrol, diesel, and hybrid powertrains, depending on variant. Spare wheel type varies between models, with petrol and diesel variants fitted with a full-size spare and hybrid models receiving a temporary spare.

Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith said, “These latest refinements of the Sportage formula reinforce its competitiveness in Australia’s biggest new car segment.”

The 2026 update continues Kia’s rollout of hybrid variants across its local line-up and brings the Sportage more in line with the brand’s other models in terms of digital and connectivity features.

2026 Kia Sportage Price

Sportage S

• 2.0L Petrol FWD 6AT – $37,990 (+$2,995)
• 2.0L Diesel AWD 8AT – $43,390 (+$2,995)

Sportage SX

• 2.0L Petrol FWD 6AT – $40,480 (+$2,930)
• 2.0L Diesel AWD 8AT – $45,880 (+$2,930)
• 1.6L Hybrid FWD 6AT – $46,450 (+new)
• 1.6L Hybrid AWD 6AT – $49,450 (+new)

Sportage SX+

• 2.0L Petrol FWD 6AT – $45,080 (+$3,030)
• 2.0L Diesel AWD 8AT – $50,480 (+$3,030)
• 1.6L Petrol AWD 8AT – $47,080 (+$3,030)

Sportage GT-Line

• 1.6L Petrol AWD 8AT – $53,990 (+$4,070)
• 2.0L Diesel AWD 8AT – $56,400 (+$3,480)
• 1.6L Hybrid FWD 6AT – $57,370 (+new)
• 1.6L Hybrid AWD 6AT – $60,370 (+new)

2026 Kia Sportage Specs

Sportage S

• Powertrains:
  • 2.0L Petrol FWD (6AT)
  • 2.0L Diesel AWD (8AT)
• 12.3-inch infotainment screen (ccNC Lite)
• Kia Connect with 7-year connected services
• Over-the-air (OTA) update capability
• Smart Key with Push Button Start
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC 2)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA/LFA 2)
• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA 1.5)
• Front Centre Airbag
• Blind Spot Collision Avoidance
• Rear Cross Traffic Collision Assist
• Parking sensors (front and rear)
• Rear view camera
• Leather steering wheel
• PVC shift knob
• 17-inch alloy wheels (Petrol/Diesel)
• Cloth seats
• Electronic parking brake with auto hold
• Multi-collision brake
• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• Full-size spare wheel (Petrol/Diesel only)

Sportage SX

• Powertrains:
  • 2.0L Petrol FWD (6AT)
  • 2.0L Diesel AWD (8AT)
  • 1.6T Hybrid FWD (6AT)
  • 1.6T Hybrid AWD (6AT)
• Adds over S:
  • 12.3-inch infotainment screen with full ccNC system
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Satellite navigation
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Premium shift knob (Petrol/Diesel only)
  • Remote folding 2nd-row seats (boot release lever)
  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • 2-way driver lumbar support
  • Dial-type shift-by-wire (HEV only)
  • Full-size spare wheel (Petrol/Diesel), temporary spare (HEV)

Sportage SX+

• Powertrains:
  • 2.0L Petrol FWD (6AT)
  • 2.0L Diesel AWD (8AT)
  • 1.6T Petrol AWD (8AT)
• Adds over SX:
  • Wireless phone charger
  • Highway Driving Assist (HDA)
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Heated front seats
  • Power driver’s seat
  • Harman Kardon sound system
  • Smart power tailgate
  • Artificial leather seats
  • Privacy glass
  • 19-inch alloy wheels (Petrol/Diesel)
  • Full-size spare wheel

Sportage GT-Line

• Powertrains:
  • 1.6T Petrol AWD (8AT)
  • 2.0L Diesel AWD (8AT)
  • 1.6T Hybrid FWD (6AT)
  • 1.6T Hybrid AWD (6AT)
• Adds over SX+:
  • Head-up display (HUD)
  • Surround view monitor
  • Ambient mood lighting
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Power driver and passenger seats with memory function
  • Dynamic welcome light (front and rear)
  • 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with Blind View Monitor
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • LED interior lights
  • Alloy sports pedals
  • Dial-type shift-by-wire (all powertrains)
  • 18-inch alloy wheels (Hybrid only)
  • 19-inch alloy wheels (Petrol/Diesel only)
  • Full-size spare wheel (Petrol/Diesel), temporary spare (HEV)