For U.S. vehicles; figures from SUVLook's 2026 Sportage profile, which cites Kia Media's specifications and pricing pages, last verified September 23, 2026.

The 2026 Kia Sportage starts at $28,790 for the LX with front-wheel drive. SUVLook's profile also lists the EX at $30,590, the X-Line AWD at $33,090 and the hybrid LX at $30,490. All of these are MSRPs before destination, taxes, registration, dealer charges and options. This guide uses only those verified prices and drivetrain facts. It does not list equipment trim by trim, because we could not confirm it from a source we were able to read, and we would rather leave a gap than guess.

2026 Sportage trims and starting prices

The table shows every trim price in the profile. The profile also mentions an X-Pro Prestige AWD in its fuel-economy data, but we have no verified starting price for it, so the price is left out.

Trim Starting MSRP (before destination) Powertrain / drive Source
LX FWD $28,790 Gas, front-wheel drive Kia Media pricing
EX FWD $30,590 Gas, front-wheel drive Kia Media pricing
X-Line AWD $33,090 Gas, all-wheel drive Kia Media pricing
HEV LX $30,490 Hybrid Kia Media pricing
X-Pro Prestige AWD Not verified Gas, all-wheel drive Named in the specifications fuel-economy data only

Two things stand out. First, the gap from LX to EX is $1,800 on the gas front-wheel-drive models. Second, the hybrid LX is listed $1,700 above the gas LX and $100 below the gas EX. Those differences are simple subtraction from the published starting prices. They are not a statement about what each trim includes.

Because the starting prices differ in drivetrain as well as trim, do not read the table as a pure "which trim is nicer" ladder. The X-Line row is an AWD vehicle, so part of its premium over the EX reflects the drivetrain rather than only appearance or features. Comparing it fairly means finding an EX priced with the same drivetrain, which this guide cannot do from verified data.

What the gas Sportage trims share: engine and transmission

Kia's specifications list a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower with an eight-speed automatic transmission. That is the gas powertrain behind the gas trims in the profile. If you are comparing the LX, EX and X-Line, you are not choosing between different gas engines. The difference is drivetrain and equipment.

The profile describes all-wheel drive as "available or standard by trim." In the price table above, the LX and EX are listed with FWD and the X-Line is listed as AWD. If you want AWD on a trim listed here as FWD, ask the dealer for the exact configuration and price. We do not have a verified AWD price for the LX or EX.

The hybrid is a separate powertrain. SUVLook's profile confirms the HEV LX price but not the hybrid's horsepower or fuel economy, so we do not quote them. Check Kia's current specifications for the hybrid before comparing it with the gas models, and make sure you are comparing the same model year.

Fuel economy by drivetrain

The profile carries Kia's published gas fuel-economy figures for three configurations:

Configuration City / highway / combined mpg
Gas FWD 25 / 33 / 28
Gas AWD 24 / 30 / 26
X-Pro Prestige AWD 23 / 26 / 24

The pattern is straightforward. Choosing AWD costs 2 mpg combined compared with FWD, and the X-Pro Prestige AWD returns 4 mpg less combined than the FWD model. The X-Pro Prestige is a different configuration from the plain AWD, so do not assume a standard AWD Sportage will match its number. Always compare the label on the actual vehicle, because the same trim name can carry different tires or wheels that affect the rating.

We have no verified mpg figures for the hybrid in the profile. If fuel economy is the reason you are considering the HEV LX, get Kia's current hybrid figures and weigh them against its $1,700 starting-price premium over the gas LX. The payback depends on how many miles you drive and local fuel prices, which only you know.

AWD, X-Line and ground clearance

Kia publishes two ground-clearance figures: 7.1 inches on FWD and 8.3 inches on AWD. That 1.2-inch difference is one of the few measurable reasons to prefer AWD beyond traction. It matters on snowy roads, rutted driveways and unpaved parking areas.

The X-Line is the lowest-priced AWD trim in our verified list, at $33,090. If you live where roads get snow or loose gravel, compare the X-Line with other AWD configurations rather than assuming the cheapest trim fits your climate. We have not verified what the X-Line adds beyond AWD, so ask the dealer for the window sticker and compare the actual equipment list line by line.

For most urban and suburban driving, front-wheel drive remains the cheaper way in and returns better published mpg. The right choice depends on where you drive, not on the trim name. An AWD badge also does not change braking distance on ice, so tires matter as much as the drivetrain.

Space: published figures apply to the model, not one trim

Kia's published interior and cargo figures are listed for the Sportage generally, with a few conditions. They are the factory specifications in the profile:

Measurement 2026 Sportage
Overall length 184.4 in
Overall width 73.4 in
Wheelbase 108.5 in
Front legroom 41.4 in
Rear legroom 41.3 in
Front headroom 39.6 in without sunroof; 37.8 in with sunroof
Cargo behind the second row 36.6 to 39.6 cu ft, depending on cargo-floor position
Maximum cargo 69.3 to 74.1 cu ft, depending on cargo-floor position

The sunroof matters if you are tall. It reduces published front headroom by 1.8 inches, which is why a vehicle with a sunroof can feel different from one without it. Test the specific vehicle you intend to buy. Our tall-driver small SUV guide compares the Sportage with its rivals on these numbers.

The cargo ranges exist because the Sportage has a dual-level cargo floor. The figures depend on the floor position you choose. A rigid item still needs a measurement of the actual hatch opening and floor length, because cubic feet do not prove that a box fits.

Towing: one verified number

Kia lists 2,500 pounds of towing with trailer brakes. The profile does not break that figure out by trim, powertrain or drivetrain, and it does not list an unbraked rating. Treat 2,500 lb as a headline figure and confirm the rating for your exact vehicle in the owner's manual and on the door-jamb label before you buy a trailer. For context against other compact SUVs, see our SUV towing capacity comparison.

Which Sportage trim should you consider?

These are SUVLook editorial suggestions based on the verified price and drivetrain facts, not a road test.

  • LX FWD ($28,790) if the lowest starting price matters and you do not need AWD. It also has the best published gas mpg of the configurations listed.
  • EX FWD ($30,590) if you want to step up from the base trim. Ask the dealer for the exact equipment difference, since we have not verified it.
  • X-Line AWD ($33,090) if you want AWD and the higher 8.3-inch ground clearance as a starting point, then compare it with other AWD configurations.
  • HEV LX ($30,490) if you want to evaluate the hybrid. Get its current mpg and specifications first, since they are not in our verified data.
  • X-Pro Prestige AWD if you have already seen it in a dealer listing. Ask for the price and compare its 24 combined mpg with the plain AWD figure of 26.

The most useful final comparison is between two specific vehicles on the same lot. Ask each dealer for the window sticker, then compare drivetrain, roof equipment, destination charge and options. A cheaper starting price can disappear once a package is added.

Sportage versus Tucson

The Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson are close relatives and often cross-shopped. SUVLook publishes a Tucson versus Sportage comparison that places both profiles side by side. Use it when you are choosing between the two models rather than between Sportage trims.

What this guide does not cover

Kia Media's pages could not be opened directly during this update, so the trim facts come from the SUVLook profile, which records its Kia Media sources. That limits what we can say. We have not verified standard equipment per trim, the hybrid's powertrain figures, the destination charge, or prices for the X-Pro and other trims. If a number you need is missing, it is missing on purpose rather than estimated.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the cheapest 2026 Kia Sportage?

The LX FWD starts at $28,790 before destination, taxes and options, according to Kia Media.

Does the Sportage come as a hybrid?

Yes. The profile lists an HEV LX at $30,490. SUVLook has not verified the hybrid's other specifications, so check Kia's current page.

Which Sportage trims come with AWD?

The X-Line AWD is listed at $33,090, and the profile says AWD is available or standard depending on trim. Confirm the AWD price for other trims with a dealer.

How much can a 2026 Sportage tow?

Kia lists 2,500 lb with trailer brakes. Confirm the rating for your exact trim and drivetrain in the owner's manual.

Does a sunroof change the headroom?

Yes. Published front headroom falls from 39.6 inches to 37.8 inches with a sunroof.

Sources

Prices and specifications can change, and next-model-year pages may differ. Use the VIN and window sticker for the exact vehicle.