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Caraganza Review 2026 Kia Sportage: Living in the friend-zone

2026 Sportage HEV

When I was in high school in the late 1970s (yes, I’m that old) I had a female friend. Back then the term “friend-zone” wasn’t a thing, but I knew even then that with her, I was so far in the “friend-zone” there was no hope of ever escaping, which was fine by me. She was cool, funny, smart, and engaging—but not all that good to look at. She was what became known as a “nerd,” more into science and less about looks. Had social media been around, she would’ve cared less about being “Insta-famous.”

We were close during high school, and I was glad to call her my friend. We graduated, I went into the military, and we lost touch.

Fast-forward to 1994. I’m sitting in an airport somewhere in Florida when I notice an attractive woman across from me. We made eye contact, and it took a minute, but we both realized who we were—it was my old friend from high school. And my, how she’d changed. The one-time nerd had grown into a beautiful swan. She was now an engineer for NASA, married, and had a four-year-old at home.

We kept in touch, later connected on Facebook, and I saw her family—handsome husband, beautiful kids, the whole perfect picture. The last time I saw her in person was in 2011 at one of the final Shuttle launches. She was there as part of the engineering team.

It still irritates me that while we’ve both aged, I’ve gotten fatter, uglier, and well, old—while she somehow looks even better. And don’t get me started on her kids.

So, what does any of this have to do with a car?

Well, Kia’s Sportage has had a similar glow-up. Back in 2017, I liked the fourth-generation Sportage but wasn’t a fan of its “tiger-nose” front end. It looked more like a tiger’s snout, and not in a good way. Still, it was a solid SUV—smart, capable, but not much of a head-turner.

 

The 2017 “snout” and the 2023 re-design

 

Then came 2023, and when Kia dropped off the fifth-generation Sportage for a week, it was that airport moment all over again. The once awkward compact SUV had transformed into something genuinely sharp and sophisticated. Kia’s new “Opposites Unite” design language made it look bolder, broader, and, dare I say, desirable.

Inside, the 2023 was a revelation: an upscale, tech-filled interior that could hold its own against pricier rivals. It was bigger, better equipped, and available in more trims than ever—from the base LX to the off-road-ready X-Pro Prestige. And for the first time, Kia offered a hybrid version that blended a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with electric assist for a healthy 226 horsepower.

That was the one that really got my attention.

The 2023 Sportage interior

The 2026 Model — Still a Stunner

Three years later, I found myself back behind the wheel—this time of the 2026 Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige. And just like running into that old friend again, the Sportage still manages to surprise me with how well it’s aged.

For 2026, Kia gave the Sportage a mild refresh that smooths out the more polarizing bits of the 2023 design. Gone are the “boomerang” daytime running lights that looked like something out of a science experiment. The new face is cleaner, more refined, and feels perfectly at home next to the latest Sorento and EV9. Inside, the dash has been redesigned with dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays that flow together in one sleek sweep. The steering wheel’s new, the materials feel richer, and there’s a general sense that Kia is edging closer to premium territory.

And then there’s the price. My tester—the loaded SX Prestige Hybrid—came in at $41,985. That’s not much more than the 2023 version I first tested. In today’s market, where some automakers raise prices the way airlines change fares, that’s borderline heroic.

Everything about the Sportage still feels composed and confident. The hybrid powertrain delivers its torque instantly, the ride is calm, and the cabin is whisper-quiet. The steering feels just right—not too light, not too heavy—and the suspension keeps things smooth without feeling soft.

But what really continues to set Kia apart is its Highway Driving Assist and adaptive cruise control system. It remains one of the best semi-autonomous setups I’ve tested outside of a luxury brand. It keeps you centered, maintains a safe distance, and can even bring you to a smooth stop and start again. It’s the closest thing to self-driving I’ve ever experienced—though I’ll admit, I’m still not quite ready to hand over all the controls.

The Verdict

The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige proves that Kia’s fifth-generation redesign wasn’t a fluke. Three years in, it’s still one of the most well-rounded compact SUVs on the market—efficient, stylish, and surprisingly refined.

It’s like that high school friend who never lost her charm, somehow managed to get even better with age, and still makes you shake your head in disbelief.

Only this time, instead of NASA badges and launch pads, it’s a Kia badge and a $42,000 sticker that’s just as impressive.

 

The 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige AWD
MSRP: $ 37,340
MSRP (as tested): $38,555
Engine: 2.5 liter I-4 187 horsepower @ 6100 rpm, 178 lb.-ft torque @ 4000 rpm
Transmission:8-speed shiftable automatic
Fuel Mileage (EPA): 23 city, 28 highway, 25 combined
Fuel Mileage (as tested, mixed conditions): 28 mpg
Base Curb Weight: 3543 lbs.

Exterior Dimensions (Inches)
Wheelbase: 108.5
Length: 183.5
Width, without mirrors: 73.4
Height: 66.9
Front Track Width: 63.8
Rear Track Width: 64.1
Minimum Ground Clearance: 8.3

Interior Dimensions (Inches unless otherwise indicated)
Passenger / Seating Capacity: 5
Front Head Room: 37.8
Front Leg Room: 41.4
Front Shoulder Room: 57.5
Front Hip Room: 54.8
Second Row Head Room: 38
Second Row Leg Room: 41.3
Second Row Shoulder Room: 55.6
Second Row Hip Room: 53.4
Cargo Volume to Seat 1: 60.1
Cargo Volume to Seat 2: 30.7
Cargo Volume to Seat 3: 30.7)
Cargo Space/Area Behind Front Row (cubic feet): 74.1
Cargo Space/Area Behind Second Row (cubic feet): 39.6
Cargo Space/Area Behind Third Row (cubic feet): 39.6

Warranty
5 Basic Years / 60,000 Basic Miles
10 Drivetrain Years / 100,000 Drivetrain Miles
5 Corrosion Years / 100,000 Corrosion Miles
5 Roadside Assistance Years / 100,000 Roadside Assistance Miles

Greg Engle
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