Kia’s compact plug-in SUV isn’t exactly a standout, but that’s what makes it so good.
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Surprisingly fun to drive
Usable hybrid range
Dual-function control bar
Some safety features optional
Too expensive?
What’s the most competitive segment in the auto industry today? If you said small SUVs, you’ve been paying attention. It’s a segment dominated by familiar names that sell in huge volumes. Our subject here isn’t necessarily among them in terms of sheer numbers, but the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV (tested here in X-Line Prestige trim) might just be worth your consideration.
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Kia has been steadily refining and improving the Sportage for years, and the one we have here is the top of the model line in terms of power, amenities, and equipment, with rugged touches like standard AWD and terrain modes—but does it have what it takes to challenge massively popular rivals like the Toyota RAV4 PHEV ? Let’s get into it.
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Matte Paint or Nah?
Matte paint is somewhat played out at this point, and more conventional paint options will no doubt prove more popular, but we kinda liked our Sportage’s flat gray finish and the interesting tricks it plays with the Kia’s modest sculpting. If nothing else, it sets the Sportage apart from a huge herd of small and medium SUVs —and that’s a good thing, because despite a face-lift for 2026 that sees an updated front fascia and new taillights to bring the Sportage’s looks in line with the rest of Kia’s offerings, it still looks a lot like it did in years past.
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Inside it’s much the same story, but as it turns out, the unassertive nature of the Sportage’s interior is a major component of its appeal. Even the restyled dash and revised displays—comprising two 12.3-inch screens, the big news for 2026—are arranged in such a way that they meld seamlessly. Screen height is ideal, and the layout of the center console, which houses the engine stop/start button, the shifter for the six-speed transmission, and a wireless charger, is space efficient without awkward compromises to usability.
The seating is comfortable and surprisingly spacious, especially up front, and Prestige-trimmed Shortages like ours get good-looking quilted seats in what Kia calls Terracotta Brown, providing an attractive if somewhat unusual contrast with the gray exterior. The rear seats have plenty of room for two adults to sit in comfort, and you’ll find the Sportage’s cargo area is spacious enough for many tasks even with the rear seats upright, although the PHEV does pay a small space penalty compared to gas and traditional hybrid variants. That’s to fit the 13.8-kWh battery under the rear seat and cargo floor.
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The one interior feature that will drive you up a wall is the combined climate and media control panel. It will confuse you, it will not become intuitive with use (it never did for us, at least), and it will require an unreasonable number of inputs to get basic adjustments made. Make sure you try it out on a test drive and see for yourself if you can stand it.