New Kia Sportage For Sale in Spartanburg SC

A Look Inside the 2026 Kia Sportage in Spartanburg, SC

The 2026 Kia Sportage arrives with a fresh look and a host of upgrades that make it one of the most appealing compact SUVs on the market. On the outside, Kia has refined the Sportage's styling with a more upright and prominent grille, vertical LED daytime running lights, reshaped air intakes, and updated wheel designs. The rear has also been restyled with modern LED taillights for a sharper, more contemporary finish. Inside, the cabin now features a redesigned dashboard layout with dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays that seamlessly integrate the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. A new flat-top and flat-bottom steering wheel, along with upgraded materials, give the interior a premium touch. Technology has taken a leap forward with features like a head-up display, fingerprint authentication, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an enhanced Highway Driving Assist system.

Kia offers the 2026 Sportage in a range of trims to suit different needs and budgets. Gas-powered models start with the LX at around $28,690, followed by the EX, X-Line, SX, and SX-Prestige, with top trims reaching the high $30,000s. Hybrid models start near $30,000, delivering impressive fuel economy and strong performance, while the Plug-In Hybrid variant offers even more efficiency and capability. The PHEV lineup begins with the X-Line AWD model priced from $40,490 and extends to the X-Line Prestige AWD, which starts at $47,190. Across the range, buyers can choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive depending on the trim and powertrain.

Safety remains a strong selling point for the 2026 Sportage, with Kia equipping every model with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies. Standard features include forward collision-avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and a backup camera. Higher trims and available packages bring advanced systems like remote parking assist, Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change capability, a surround-view monitor, safe exit warning, and driver attention alerts. The Sportage has historically earned top marks in crash testing, including IIHS Top Safety Pick recognition, and the 2026 model is expected to continue that performance.

Under the hood, the Sportage offers three main powertrain options. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid version combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor to generate 227 horsepower, while achieving around 38 miles per gallon. For maximum efficiency and performance, the plug-in hybrid delivers 261 horsepower and up to 34 miles of all-electric driving range. This variety ensures that whether drivers prioritize fuel savings, all-electric commuting, or traditional gas power, there's a Sportage configuration to fit their lifestyle.

If you're ready to get into a new Sportage for a great price, contact Benson Kia in Spartanburg and greater Anderson, SC today!

Q: What is the main difference between the Kia Sportage Gas and Sportage Hybrid models?
The primary difference lies in the powertrain and fuel efficiency, which also impacts performance. The standard Kia Sportage (Gas) is powered by a 2.5-liter four cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower. In contrast, the Kia Sportage Hybrid (HEV) features a 1.6-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, delivering a more powerful combined output of 231 horsepower, which is an upgrade for the 2026 model year. For those seeking maximum power and efficiency, the Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) version uses the same turbocharged engine setup but with a larger battery, generating a potent 268 horsepower. While the Gas model's main advantage is a lower starting price point, the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models offer superior fuel economy and noticeably greater power.

Q: Which Sportage model offers better performance?
The Sportage Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) models offer superior performance. The Hybrid system provides an immediate electric torque boost, resulting in a combined 231 horsepower in the 2026 Hybrid model-a significant increase over the gas model's 187 horsepower. This makes the hybrid feel quicker and more responsive, especially during acceleration and highway merging.

Q: How much better is the fuel economy in the Sportage Hybrid compared to the Gas model?
The fuel economy difference is substantial, making the hybrid a clear winner for savings at the pump. The Sportage Gas model with Front Wheel Drive (FWD) is estimated to achieve 28 MPG combined, based on 25 MPG city and 33 MPG highway. By comparison, the Sportage Hybrid FWD version delivers an estimated 43 MPG combined, with 42 MPG in the city and 44 MPG on the highway. Choosing the FWD Hybrid over the Gas model can nearly double your city fuel economy.

Q: What is the fuel economy for the Sportage models with All-Wheel Drive (AWD)?
For models equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD), the Sportage Gas model is rated for 23 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. The Sportage Hybrid AWD model achieves a much better estimated 38 MPG combined. The Sportage Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) is unique, as it offers approximately 34 miles of all-electric driving range before seamlessly switching to hybrid mode, where it achieves an estimated 35 MPG combined.

Q: What are the starting price points and available trim levels for the 2026 Kia Sportage?
The 2026 Kia Sportage is offered across three powertrains, with different trim structures. The Gas-powered Sportage starts near $28,690 for the base LX trim and also includes the EX, X-Line, SX, and SX Prestige trim levels. Hybrid models are available in the LX, a new S trim, EX, a new X-Line trim, and the top-tier SX Prestige, with the Hybrid starting near $30,000. Finally, the Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) lineup begins at approximately $40,490 for the X-Line AWD model, which is also offered in an X-Line Prestige AWD trim. Please note that these are approximate Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) figures and do not include destination charges or any applicable dealer offers.

Q: What are the most significant upgrades for the 2026 Kia Sportage model year?
The 2026 model year introduces a mid-cycle refresh with major upgrades to technology, styling, and powertrain options. On the exterior, drivers will notice a bold, more upright front fascia, new vertical LED headlights with distinctive amber Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), and a redesigned grille and bumpers. Inside, the cabin features an updated dashboard with a new curved digital display setup that integrates the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system into dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays. New technology includes standard Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ across the lineup, an available 10-inch Head-Up Display (HUD), and the convenient Digital Key feature. Under the hood, both the Hybrid and PHEV models receive a slight horsepower increase for the 2026 model year. Furthermore, the Hybrid lineup expands with the introduction of two new trim levels: the sporty Sportage S Hybrid and the rugged Sportage X-Line Hybrid. Finally, for improved off-road confidence, all All Wheel Drive (AWD) trims now include a new Terrain Mode for better control in snow, mud, or sand.