KIA ROLLS OUT 2026 SPORTAGE HYBRID FOR NATIONAL PRESS INTRODUCTION ON THE SCENIC ROADWAYS OF LOUISVILLE

• Top selling model advances design, innovation and technology across three diverse powertrains - ICE, HEV, PHEV
• Initial NPI media driving experience will be based on HEV (ICE and PHEV models will be available in the press fleet post-event)
• "Opposites United" design philosophy takes on a more confident and refined style with Kia's LED star map lighting and distinctive amber DRLs
• More powerful turbo hybrid powertrain
• Available curved driver-centric dual 12.3-in. panoramic displays[i] with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Available new vehicle software Over-the-Air (OTA)⁹ capability enabling various ongoing changes and enhancements
• Available new 10-in. Head-up Display (HUD)[ii] (HEV and PHEV only)
• Electrified lineup becomes even more desirable with the addition of sporty S and rugged X-Line turbo hybrid trims
• Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS)[iii] suite now includes available HDA2[iv] and Front/Side/Rear Parking Distance Warning
• Available ultrawide band-based Digital Key[v] offers the ability to use eligible smartphone wallet as a vehicle key that can also be shared with other drivers via text
• New Terrain mode (Snow, Mud, Sand)³ on X-Line and all AWD trims³
• Segment-up roominess with impressive rear legroom and cargo room
• New Available Digital Features and Services[vi] through Kia Connect[vii]

August 20, 2025, Louisville, KY - The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid compact SUV took to the roads of Derby City today, the home of Churchill Downs and the birthplace of the Louisville Slugger, with an extensive list of enhancements in design, innovation, technology and convenience. As Kia's longest running nameplate, the Sportage model range undergoes its most significant change since the fifth-generation model launched more than three years ago. The 2026 Sportage delivers more of everything for today's savvy and adventurous consumers across three distinct powertrain variants - ICE, Turbo Hybrid (HEV), and Turbo Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) - with an expansive trim range that includes the rugged and capable X-Line and X-Pro Prestige trims. The media drive experience in and around Louisville is focused on the Turbo Hybrid model, as one component of the overall Sportage offering.

Exuding the brand's "Opposites United" design philosophy, the Sportage takes on a more confident look with front and rear design enhancements. Inside, the Sportage brings more technology upgrades, from Kia's innovative Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) with an available curved 12.3-inch touchscreen display¹ to a new available 10-inch head-up display² (HEV and PHEV only) that projects vehicle information including ADAS³ functions and turn-by-turn directions. There's also a roster of available ultrawide band-based Digital Key⁵ features to allow customers to use compatible smartphone wallet as a phone key, allowing them to share it via text with family or friends. Customers can also use certain capabilities like remote start/horn directly from the smartphone wallet app within applicable range.

The 2026 Sportage offers something for everyone, with an expansive lineup that includes a new sporty S and capable X-Line trim for the Sportage HEV. Sportage models with the turbo hybrid powertrain also get an uptick in horsepower, while X-Line, X-Pro and all AWD models gain more confidence with standard Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand).³

The robust Sportage ICE lineup includes the LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, and X-Pro Prestige trims. The Sportage X-Pro Prestige allows drivers to venture further into nature with off-road ready features. The Sportage HEV comes in LX, S (new), EX, X-Line (new), and SX-Prestige, while the Sportage PHEV comes in X-Line and X-Line Prestige.

The Sportage Hybrid is built at the Gwangju plant in Korea. Certain Sportage ICE trims are assembled in the U.S.,[viii] alongside certain models of the award-winning Telluride, Sorento, and all-electric EV6 and EV9 at Kia's manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia.

Eye-Catching Design

Befitting of Kia's "Opposites United" design philosophy, smooth, soft surfaces are offset by rugged, sheer forms, combining driving confidence with cutting edge modern cues. New design elements include:

• Front and rear bumpers
• Distinct styling for X-Line models
• Revised lighting:
  • Stacked LED headlight design with optional cube-style projection
  • Amber LED "Star Map" daytime running lights (DRLs)
  • LED "Star Map" taillights with transparent design (standard rear combination type)

• Newly available 17-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch alloy wheel designs

A Cabin Aimed at Connectivity, Comfort and Convenience Across All Models

Significant interior enhancements turn the Sportage cabin into a premium space with new tech and connectivity features:

• Newly integrated Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) with available 12.3-inch LCD display¹, infotainment Over-the-Air (OTA) updates,[ix] and wireless Android Auto[x] and Apple CarPlay[xi] with Kia Connect,⁷ depending on trim, can unlock the full potential of your Kia, giving you access to advanced features, such as the ability to start your vehicle remotely, precondition your cabin, check vehicle lock status, schedule maintenance, plan your route and more.
• New available 10-inch Head-up Display (HUD)² (HEV and PHEV only) compliments new technology functions; integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and turn-by-turn directions.
• Standard Smart Key with push button start offers remote start capability and available ultrawide band-based Digital Key 2.0⁵ offers the ability to lock/unlock/start using compatible smart devices without needing to carry a key fob, and also allows sharing the digital key with family and friends.
• Supports vehicle software OTA to allow vehicle software updates for eligible components to keep enriching the new ownership experience.

• Available Kia Connect⁷ services provide advanced embedded connectivity with:

• Wi-Fi Hotspot[xii] connects up to five devices to 4G LTE-based internet
• Kia Access App with compatibility through Apple and Android-based smartwatches to access features like remote climate control, door lock/unlock and more
• Peace of mind with stolen vehicle tracking and immobilization capability
• Connected Routing: Cloud-based system calculates the optimal route using real-time maps and predicted traffic info based on historical information and AI to learn the preferred routes of users
• Smart Speaker Integration lets customers use Amazon Alexa[xiii] or Google Assistant[xiv] enabled smart speakers or devices to remotely control some functions

• New Digital Features and Services⁶ through Kia Connect⁷ elevate the driving experience further by streaming music, connecting personal devices with the Wi-Fi Hotspot, and even allowing the owner to customize the infotainment experience with their favorite NBA team to showcase their team spirit. Available through the Kia Connect Store, these features allow Kia customers to personalize their car and offer the ability to add more features through OTA updates.

In addition, Sportage offers an array of available technology to assist drivers from moment to moment:

• Multi-function audio/climate touchpad sits beneath the multimedia screen; switching between functions is now more natural, whether it's changing your preferred temperature setting or adjusting the volume
• 360-degree Surround-View Monitor[xv] with 3D view is designed to provide a bird's-eye view of the vehicle's surroundings, and for added peace of mind, Remote 360 View is accessible with Kia Connect⁷
• Harman Kardon premium audio system[xvi]
• Wireless charging[xvii] pad built inside the upper tray

Other notable interior features include:

• Optional power folding outside mirrors for parking in tight spaces
• Optional heated rear seats[xviii] (HEV and PHEV only) offer cold weather comfort for rear passengers
• New accent trims for instrument panel, center console and door panels reduce fingerprint smudges

The Sportage continues to offer a spacious interior and flexible cargo room:

• 41.3-inches of rear legroom with plenty of space to keep your rear passengers comfortable.
• Sportage Hybrid's rear cargo capacity[xix] of up to 39.5 cu-ft. of space lets you take your gear along for the journey or to tackle your weekend projects.
• Dual-level cargo floor provides flexible cargo carrying capabilities (standard on ICE and HEV; not available on PHEV).

New Trims for HEV

The Sportage adds two new turbocharged Hybrid trim levels for 2026 (S and X-Line) with the following key features:

• S Hybrid: 12.3-in. touchscreen display with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Fr/Rr USB-C charging ports, Smart Key with push button start, power driver's seat with heated front seats, Blindspot Collision Warning (BCW)/Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance (RCCA)/Safe Exit Assist (SEA), heated outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicator, 18-in. dark alloy wheels, and gloss black grille and window trims.
• X-Line Hybrid: 12.3-in. touchscreen display with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Fr/Rr USB-C charging ports, Smart Key with push button start, wireless charging, power driver's seat, SynTex seating with heated front seats, BCW/RCCA/SEA, heated outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicator, panoramic sunroof, overhead LED interior lighting, smart power liftgate, roof rack, 19-inch black alloy wheels and gloss black grille, bumper, badging and window trims.

Diverse Engine Lineup

Whether you're an urban adventurer, an off-pavement explorer, or a highway commuter, there's a Sportage for you. Both Turbo HEV and Turbo PHEV powertrains have been refined with an uptick power.

• Sportage HEV: 1.6-liter turbo gasoline direct injection (GDI) and 47.7kW motor (revised system)
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • FWD/AWD
  • 232 horsepower (+5 HP over previous model year)
  • 2000 lb. towing capacity[xx]

• Sportage ICE: 2.5-liter I-4
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • FWD/AWD
  • 187 horsepower
  • 2500 lb. towing capacity²⁰

• Sportage PHEV: 1.6-liter turbo gasoline direct injection (GDI) and 72kW motor (revised system)
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • AWD
  • 268 horsepower (+7 HP over previous model year)
  • 2000 lb. towing capacity²⁰

Available Active AWD³ uses electro-hydraulic coupling with center-lock to actively distribute power between front and rear wheels depending on road and driving conditions. Add to that driver-selectable Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand)³ for X-Line, X-Pro Prestige, and all AWD models.

Ruggedness Extended to Hybrid: X-Line

The 2026 Sportage now offers the rugged X-Line trim for the Sportage Hybrid model. It comes standard with an Active AWD³ system with Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand)³ and a unique tread-like stitching pattern on SynTex synthetic leather-trimmed seats.

Sportage X-Line blends confident and rugged design:

• 8.3-inch ground clearance
• Unique front and rear bumper
• Kia's LED star map lighting and distinctive amber DRLs complimented with dark styling elements for a more aggressive image
• Active All-Wheel Drive System³ with Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand)³
• Side mirrors, roof rack and window surrounds finished in gloss black for a distinctive look
• Raised roof rack to support adventure-ready accessories
• Exclusive 19-inch wheels with all-season tires

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems³ for Sportage All Models

As with all offerings across the Kia product portfolio, Sportage boasts a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.[xxi] New features to Sportage in this area include:

• Standard Auto Emergency Braking w/ Pedestrian, Cyclist, & Junction Turning Detection technology: Uses a front radar and camera to scan the road ahead for potential obstacles while available Junction Crossing Detection technology scans for vehicles in front that may be approaching from the left or right sides when turning through an intersection. Both are designed to alert the driver or, in certain circumstances, automatically apply the brakes to help prevent a collision.
• Optional Forward Collision Avoidance Assist w/ Direct Oncoming Detection & Avoidance plus Highway Driving Assist 2: Employs forward-facing camera, radar sensors, and navigation data. The available system can assist with maintaining a predetermined speed and distance from the vehicle detected ahead of you in certain circumstances. The system can also assist with steering wheel control when changing lanes (activated by the turn signal) and evasive steering assist.
• Standard Hands-on Detection (HOD): Direct HOD sensor is designed to determine whether the driver is holding the steering wheel, issuing warnings when it no longer detects the driver's hands touching the steering wheel.
• Optional Parking Distance Warning: Forward/Side/Reverse (PDW-F/S/R): Designed to provide a warning to help avoid a collision with pedestrians or objects around the vehicle at low speeds.

Kia America - about us

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.

For media information, including photography, visit https://www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert

* Select trims of the 2025 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

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