2026 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige AWD: The Brand’s Top Selling Compact Crossover

 

Highlight: In order to reduce fingerprints, Kia has developed new accent trims for the instrument panel, center console and door panels.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $42,185 (Base Trim MSRP): $30,285

Seating Capacity: 5 passenger seating

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a backup camera; a blind spot collision avoidance assist; rear cross traffic avoidance; a lane keep assist system; a lane following assist system; a high beam assist; a forward collision assist system; a vehicle stability system; a tire pressure monitoring system; a hill start assist; a hill start assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (X-Pro Prestige): 17-inch black alloy wheels; AWD; all-terrain tires; push button ignition system; a power liftgate; power folding heated mirrors; a navigation system; leather-like seating; heated/ventilated front seats; panoramic sunroof; heated windshield; a 12-inch infotainment screen; leather-like seating material; a push button ignition starter system; heated leather-wrapped steering system; smartphone digital key; a heated windshield; power liftgate; power folding heated mirrors; roof rack, rear spoiler, and rear privacy glass

Options: Wolf gray; cargo mat; carpeted floor mats; cargo cover; and carpet cargo mat with seatback protection

Other Trim Levels:

LXS

EX

GT-Line

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a Harman/Kardon audio system with AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes (test model)

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 2.5-liter turbocharged, 4-cylinder /187-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 22-city/26-hwy (test model)

Towing Capacity: 2,500 lbs

What’s New: For the 2026 model year, the fifth generation Kia Sportage wears a new front end and a 12-inch infotainment screen.

Why:

A rugged looking design

17, 18 or 19-inch wheels available (depending on powertrain)

A power panoramic roof available

Wireless charging

A premium Harmon Kardon audio system

A 360-degree mirror

Spacious interior and cargo space

A host of powertrains: gasoline, plug-in and Hybrid

A radar-activated cruise control system

A 10-inch HUD (heads up display) system is available

In-car wi-fi system available

An off-road trim available

Designed for a variety of terrains

A high-level of standard safety driving aids

A navigation system

Power folding mirrors available

Front wheel drive or AWD available depending on trim

But:

Needs more horsepower or a performance trim to match the Toyota RAV4

Heated rear seats only available in hybrid and plug-in powertrains

The dual use toggle control buttons for the infotainment system can be a somewhat confusing

Tows 1,000 lbs less than the segment leader RAV4 Woodlawn trim 

Verdict: The newly redesign compact Sportage, with its athletic appeal, is available in three powertrains: gasoline, hybrid and plug-in. Unlike the Toyota RAV4, the segment sales leader, the Sportage hasn’t dropped its gasoline powertrain.

At a starting price just over $30,000, the gasoline model is available in a variety of trims. We tested Kia’s off-road package, which is known as X-Pro.

Our highly contented X-Pro Prestige trim, with its rugged look, was outfitted with such features as 17-inch black alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, 8.3-inches of ground clearance, a roof rack and a rear spoiler.

Moreover, the Sportage was outfitted with a host of premium features, too. Those features included but weren't limited to a 12-inch touchscreen navigation system, leather-like seats heated/ventilated front seats and one of the best new-vehicle warranties in the industry.

Despite all of the forementioned attributes, Kia’s powertrain team needs to add more horsepower to the Sportage. By doing this, the Sportage becomes more competitive.

Competition: Chevy Equinox; Honda CR-V; Hyundai Tucson; Mazda CX-50; Toyota RAV4; VW Tiguan