Kia Sportage S 2026 Review

Without wishing to sound like a broken record, the emergence of now credible Chinese offerings is changing the market. And in the medium SUV segment, one of the most competitive classes in Australia, it has forced legacy brands to adapt on the run. Ironically, it’s what Kia (and parent company, Hyundai) did to the automotive landscape not too long ago.

In many ways, the 2026 Kia Sportage S is all about generating a competitive, value-for-money option without forgoing the quality the Korean brand is now known for. And with the price starting at $38,490 (all prices exclude on-road costs), the base model certainly hits the monetary mark.

While the S variant has always been available for the turbo-diesel ($43,890), Kia has recently added the hybrid (or HEV) to that list in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) forms. They’re price at $44,450 and $47,450 respectively.

Hyundai’s Tucson shares a lot with the Sportage, so it’s worth cross-shopping if the design takes your fancy. Otherwise, the Mitsubishi Outlander (now with Aussie suspension/steering tune), Subaru Forester and hybrid-only Toyota RAV4 are worth a look.

You can’t get any more bog standard than the 2026 Kia Sportage S... in rental-car white. Well, Clear White to be exact. And given hubcaps don’t fly with contemporary buyers, even the base model gains 17-inch alloys to raise the exterior aesthetic.

The Sportage also runs with updated styling, and it essentially looks like a mini-me Sorento. Distinct LED headlights (not the projector units found in GT-Line) and daytime running lights combine with the redesigned grille. Black plastic body cladding features, as does a shark fin antenna and Smart Key with push-button start.

Inside, the theme is more function over form, and the manually adjustable seats (six-way driver) are covered in cloth material, while the climate control is single zone. As you can imagine, the S misses out on the fancy 64-colour ambient mood lighting and LED interior lighting, too.

There are seven hues to choose from. All but Clear White are premium metallic paints and can be selected for an additional $600.

Kia’s strong seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty applies, with seven years of roadside assistance included. Servicing is every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first), while seven years (or 105,000km) of capped-price servicing is $3590 – $512.90 on average per annum.

The 2026 Kia Sportage S has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, which was awarded in 2022. It also houses eight airbags with dual ISOFIX points and a trio of top-tether anchorages.

Active safety includes autonomous emergency braking and the forward collision warning system, which combines car, pedestrian, cyclist and junction assist. Other highlights are adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning with active lane keeping as well as rear cross-traffic alert.

Impressively, the Sportage S has front and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera – but there are no surround view or blind-spot monitors.

Driver attention warning and road-sign recognition are part of the deal, too. However, the former isn’t as intrusive as other systems and there’s now a handy mute button for the audible warning for changes in speed zones. You can even deactivate the active lane keeping via the steering wheel.

Kia is mastering the art of deception within the cabin of the 2026 Kia Sportage S.

While it might look as though the base model is graced with dual 12.3-inch displays, the truth is, only the infotainment touchscreen affords that much acreage. The instrument cluster is actually a 4.0-inch unit housed between digitalised readouts for the rev counter and speedometer.

There are two key exclusions, though, with the Sportage S missing out on a Qi wireless charge pad and native sat-nav. Still, there are USB-C charging ports to keep your devices full of battery and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto solves the lack of navigation.

Elsewhere, there’s Bluetooth and voice activation as well as DAB+ digital radio and a six-speaker sound system. Even the base model affords Over-the-Air updates and connected services via the Kia Connect app for things like remote access and monitoring.

It’s no surprise that the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine found in the 2026 Kia Sportage S has the least amount of power and torque considering it lacks electrification or turbocharging.

The Smartstream G2.0 unit provides 115kW at 6200rpm and 192Nm at 4500rpm. Those figures are about average against like-for-like competition, but as a buyer it’s key to note that both outputs are produced at high engine rpm.

This means it needs to work hard during manoeuvres like overtaking on single-lane roads and highways or when accelerating to match the pace of traffic on a freeway on-ramp. It also sounds strained while doing so.

The use of a six-speed torque-converter automatic cancels out the excessive din a continuously variable transmission can create and around the CBD works appreciably well – it’s fuss free and easy to live with.

Yet on the open road, especially through hilly terrain, it can be a bit too keen to kick down as it goes in search of engine torque that isn’t there.

Despite being the lightest (1610kg) variant, the Sportage S struggles the most with its kerb weight. And this has a flow-on effect at the bowser.

While you might pay less initially, the 2026 Kia Sportage S is the thirstiest powertrain.

Officially, the 2.0-litre engine returns 8.1L/100km. However, that figure proves elusive in the real world. Throughout a week behind the wheel, which includes various city, suburban, highway and road-testing routes, the S drinks 9.2L/100km on average.

It does claw some ground back by being able to use cheaper 91 RON unleaded petrol. With a 54-litre tank, the theoretical range is 831km. 

Now in its fifth generation, the Sportage is underpinned by the latest Hyundai-Kia N3 platform. It’s widely used, too, and features within everything from sedans, SUVs, MPVs and vans.

Safe to say, it’s accommodating. Which is the vibe felt behind the wheel of the 2026 Kia Sportage S. Unsurprisingly, it feels most at home within the city or suburbia. The localised steering tune is light where you want it to be and the ride quality is cushy as a result of the softer suspension and chubby tyres.

While the lack of engine grunt isn’t ideal outside city limits, it’s acceptable within them. The positive trade-off is that the front axle is rarely overwhelmed with the Nexen tyres providing decent purchase from a standstill despite their eco rating.

Yes, this won’t matter to most, but if you do value dynamics, the S probably isn’t the Sportage to choose. The forgiving ride quality continues on country roads, but it’s a bit too lenient overall and it can’t quite conceal body roll. Without the need to regen, though, the brakes feel consistent through the pedal and ‘normal’ to use.

There are driving modes, selected via the prominent steering wheel-mounted button. However, apart from tweaking the throttle, gearbox behaviour and steering, not much changes. And that’s okay, because the fact that the Sportage S is comfortable and easy to get on with will mean more to the buyer demographic. 

As a base for higher models to build on, the 2026 Kia Sportage S works well. Yet it’s a case of the less you spend, the less you get.

Apart from the steering wheel being covered in leather, which is appreciated, there isn’t much in the way of soft-touch materials. However, the build quality is certainly up to par with what we now expect from Kia and the cloth seats are comfy. Having the same infotainment as more expensive models is a nice touch, both visually and ergonomically.

The Sportage S doesn’t come with the steering column mounted gear selector, yet space in the centre console is still useable with storage areas and clever cup holders. However, the blanked-out buttons are a constant reminder you didn't pay enough for seat heating or ventilation.

As are the climate controls for the single-zone arrangement, meaning you’re left guessing what temperature you’re selecting without defined figures. It is pleasing to see that the switchable digital display carries over though, with both media and climate being accessible within the same interface.

The Sportage S also does things right that more expensive offerings often don’t. Noise, vibration and harshness levels are well suppressed, outward vision is clear and there’s even a full-size spare wheel hiding underneath the boot floor.

Its case strengthens in the back, especially for families. Toe, leg, shoulder and headroom for rear-seat passengers of all shapes and sizes is impressive. The doors open wide to aid placing car seats, while there’s rear air vents, map pockets, USB-C ports, door bottle holders and a fold-down centre arm rest.

At 543 litres, cargo capacity is another pragmatic win. Fold the 60/40-split rear seats and the figure grows to 1829L with a flat area to load longer items. There are a few handy hooks and tie points as well as a 12v outlet, but it’s a bit cruel that the S doesn’t gain the remote rear-seat release lever.

Few medium SUVs come with a bigger carsales' tick of approval than the Sportage. While the Korean automaker is quickly moving up the hierarchy in just about every measure, it hasn’t turned its back on value.

Having the 2026 Kia Sportage S start at less than $40k is proof of that.

Yet, the 2.0-litre engine isn’t really up to the task, and with the other powertrains within the Sportage lineup being so good, its flaws come to the fore. Plus, the Sportage HEV S makes a very strong case for itself.

However, if the lowest possible price means something to you, then the Sportage S retains appeal. What’s more, a lot of the reasons why Kia’s medium SUV is so popular with carsales and the buying public remain.

2026 Kia Sportage S at a glance:
Price: $38,490 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 115kW/192Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.1L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 184g/km (ADR combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2022)