Auto Guide
2026 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid
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Review and specifications

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid

The Sportage plug-in hybrid takes the regular hybrid version a step further. It uses a 1.6-liter turbo engine, an electric drive, and a larger battery than the regular hybrid. It is rated at 34 miles of electric propulsion before transitioning to regular hybrid operation, in which it gets 31 mpg overall in our tests. It is quite easy to remain in electric power during urban and suburban drives. For high power demands, the gas engine kicks in. It takes about two and a half hours to charge the battery on 240-volt, and can also be done on regular 120-volt overnight. Other aspects mirror the Sportage line with a firm, steady, and comfortable ride, responsive and secure handling, and a relatively quiet cabin. The rear seat is roomy, and the cargo area is generous for the class. Controls are mostly easy to use. AEB with pedestrian detection, AEB highway, LKA, LDW, LCA, BSW, and RCTW are standard.

Market value
$40,490
Fuel
Plug-in hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
5
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2026
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability 3/5
Data updated December 9, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Plug-in hybrids
Body style
4-door SUV
Drive type
AWD
Transmission
Automatic, 6-speed
Category
Compact SUVs
Generation began
2023

Pricing

Original MSRP range
$40,490 - $47,190

Ratings

Road test score
90/100
Reliability
3/5
Expert recommendation
Recommended

Fuel economy

EPA city
36 MPG
EPA highway
35 MPG
EPA combined
35 MPG
Tested city
27 MPG
Tested highway
34 MPG
Tested overall
31 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,260
Cruising range
380 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
2.7 sec
0-60 mph
7.4 sec
60-0 mph braking
130 ft
Avoidance speed
55 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
184 in
Width
73 in
Height
67 in
Wheelbase
109 in
Weight
4,105 lb
Maximum load
925 lb
Towing capacity
2,000 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
6 in
Front leg room
43 in
Rear head room
5 in
Rear leg room
30.5 in
Cargo volume
38 cu ft
Luggage
4+2+0

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
6/10
Greenhouse gas score
9/10
SmartWay
Yes

Brand context

About Kia

For almost any modern vehicle category, there’s a Kia that’s worth considering buying. Among small and midsized SUVs, models like the Sportage and Sorento rank near the top in their respective classes for their nice interiors, ride comfort, and appropriately powerful engines. SUVs like the Telluride have ride comfort, interior space, and overall value that earn it regular placement near the top of Consumer Reports’ ratings. Fuel economy across the brand is generally good, but hybrid and plug-in hybrid options are available for even more miles per gallon. Plug-in hybrid options have useful all-electric driving range. Kia EVs are generally competent, ranging from compact sedans up to a three-row SUV. Kia’s reliability scores have been improving, but other brands score higher in our rankings. Specific Kia models have earned our recommendation among used cars.

Vehicle ID: 34667 First published: December 4, 2025 Updated: December 9, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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