Entry price of the 2026 Kia Sportage has gone up by a significant $5000 due to a range-wide refresh and the discontinuation of the manual gearbox.
Family Cars
Kia Australia’s facelifted Sportage family SUV has become more expensive with its latest update, and because of the discontinuation of manual version, the point of entry has shot up by $5000.
The Sportage range-opener, known as the S two-wheel drive (2WD), is now automatic only, and with the new version up $2995 over last year’s equivalent, the most affordable Kia mid-size SUV is now positioned at $37,990 before on-road costs.
This also makes it $4995 pricier than last year’s entry-level model, the S with a manual gearbox that could be had from $32,995.
The manual SX option has also been axed, which was priced at $35,550, and the automatic is now $2930 more expensive at $40,480.
Likewise, the SX+ also moves up $3030 to $45,080.
All 2WD Sportage models are powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a 115kW/192Nm output, and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Buyers opting for the 132kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine will score all-wheel-drive traction, while its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission has been replaced by an eight-speed torque converter unit – the same transmission offered in diesel versions.
The 1.6-litre engine is offered in SX+ and GT-Line trims, priced at $47,080 (+$3030) and $53,990 (+$4070) respectively.
Moving to the 137kW/416Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel line-up, S, SX, SX+, and GT-Line grades are offered, which are poisoned at $43,390 (+$2995), $45,880 (+$2930), $50,480 (+$3030), and $56,400 (+$3480) each.
The final powertrain offered in the revised Sportage line-up is the hybrid that teams the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 169kW/350Nm output.
While last year’s model only offered the front-drive SX and GT-Line grades, this year adds AWD versions into the mix.
The Sportage hybrid SX and GT-Line variants are now $3500 and $1950 more expensive than before, at $49,450 and $58,370, while the AWD-equipped versions are $49,450 and $60,370 – the latter more expensive than top-spec rivals such as the Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power, Toyota RAV4 Edge Hybrid, and new-generation Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring.
Aside from the price movements, the 2026 Sportage line-up boasts new front and rear ends thanks to reworked head- and tail-lights, as well as new alloy wheel designs.
Inside, the dashboard has been revamped with different air-vent designs and steering wheel, while the a 12.3-inch infotainment screen – featuring the latest software with connected car services and over-the-air updates – filters across the range.
New standard equipment includes keyless entry and push-button start and the latest adaptive cruise control system, with carryover features including a cloth interior, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a full-size spare wheel.
For safety, Kia has included a wide assortment of systems such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a reversing camera with rear parking sensors, speed limit assist, and a front centre airbag.
Stepping up to the SX, only the 12.3-inch infotainment screen is new this year, while dual-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels, automatic wipers, and lumbar support in the driver’s seat carryover from before.
The SX+ however, adds wireless smartphone charging, a heated steering wheel, and lane centring, on top of the 19-inch alloys, heated front seats, Harmon Kardon sound system, powered tailgate, rear privacy glass, and synthetic leather seats.
The range-topping GT-Line scores a head-up display and dynamic welcome lights, but also added are an upmarket curved screen for the instrument cluster and infotainment, interior ambient lighting, a surround-view monitor, a panoramic sunroof, LED interior lights, alloy pedals, cooled front seats, and a rotary gear selector.
The 2026 Kia Sportage is now on sale in Australia.
2026 Kia Sportage price in Australia
2026 Kia Sportage S standard features:
2026 Kia Sportage SX adds (over S):
2026 Kia Sportage SX+ adds (over SX):
2026 Kia Sportage GT-Line adds (over SX+):
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Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
