Kia Sportage vs Kia Sportage Hybrid

No model demonstrates Kia’s growth like the Sportage compact crossover SUV. The nameplate has been around since Kia’s early days in the United States, and has evolved into a true rival for popular crossovers like the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4. The current-generation Sportage was introduced for the 2023 model year; it gets revised styling for 2026.

Verdict: The refreshed Sportage arrives with the competent execution we’ve come to expect from Kia, but the X-Pro Prestige model doesn’t live up to the brand’s reputation for value.

The Sportage is big enough for family use, but not so large that it's unwieldy or difficult to park in the city or in an owner's garage. It's packed with useful technology, and boasts bold styling that stands out in a sea of similarly shaped crossovers. In its hybrid-powered form, it’s also efficient, though its mileage ratings drop dramatically with all-wheel drive (AWD).

Verdict: The 2026 Kia Sportage is sized right in between smaller subcompact and larger compact crossover SUVs, and it strikes an intriguing balance of roominess, comfort and efficiency that ought to win over plenty of American buyers.