The facelifted Kia Sportage is now a two-electrified-powertrain compact SUV in Europe: a self-charging full hybrid (HEV) that makes 176 kW (239 PS, about 236 hp), and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with 212 kW (288 PS, about 284 hp) and a 13.8 kWh battery. In Germany, Kia Germany's price list of 31 August 2026 (model year 2027) puts the HEV from EUR 38,990 in the Core trim and the PHEV from EUR 43,100, also Core, now with front-wheel drive for the first time. The 2026 model year brings a restyled front end with vertical LED daytime running lights, a wider grille, a new dashboard with two 12.3-inch screens under one cover, and a new six-speed automatic in both electrified versions. Kia announced European deliveries of the HEV for October 2025 and of the PHEV for the end of 2025, and the PHEV reached Israel in August 2026. This article covers both powertrains side by side, and every figure below is labelled HEV or PHEV so the two are never mixed up.
Performance & Specs
Both electrified Sportage versions use a 1.6-litre turbocharged T-GDi petrol engine and a six-speed automatic, and both can be had with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. In the HEV the petrol engine delivers 180 PS and a 65 PS (48 kW) electric motor, fed by a small 1.49 kWh battery, lifts the system output to 176 kW (239 PS, about 236 hp). The six-speed automatic is new. Kia Germany's price list of 31 August 2026 (model year 2027) gives 7.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h for the front-wheel-drive HEV and 8.1 seconds for the all-wheel-drive HEV, with a top speed of 196 km/h for both.
The PHEV combines the same engine with a larger electric motor and a 13.8 kWh battery. System output is 212 kW (288 PS, about 284 hp). In the front-wheel-drive PHEV the 0-100 km/h time is 7.5 seconds, with 7.8 seconds for the all-wheel-drive version, and both reach 206 km/h. According to the same price list, the combined electric range (EU test procedure) is 66 km for the front-wheel-drive PHEV and the Vision all-wheel-drive version and 63 km for the Spirit and GT-Line all-wheel-drive versions, with city ranges of 85 km, 81 km and 76 km respectively; Kia's Israeli importer Telcar lists about 68-69 km for the front-wheel-drive PHEV. A note on units: Kia Europe quotes kW and PS, the metric horsepower. Several Israeli and English-language outlets print the PS figures as "hp", but 239 PS is about 236 hp and 288 PS is about 284 hp.
| Powertrain | PHEV: 1.6 T-GDi petrol plus electric motor, six-speed automatic; HEV: same engine and gearbox with a 1.49 kWh battery |
|---|---|
| Power | PHEV 212 kW (288 PS / 284 hp); HEV 176 kW (239 PS / 236 hp) |
| Drive | FWD or AWD on both |
| 0–100 km/h | PHEV 7.5 s (FWD), 7.8 s (AWD); HEV 7.9 s (FWD), 8.1 s (AWD) |
| Battery | PHEV 13.8 kWh; HEV 1.49 kWh |
| Electric range | PHEV up to 66 km (FWD, Vision AWD), 63 km (Spirit and GT-Line AWD) |
| POWERTRAIN TYPE | HEV: 1.6 T-GDi plus electric motor, 1.49 kWh battery. PHEV: 1.6 T-GDi plus electric motor, 13.8 kWh battery |
|---|---|
| HORSEPOWER | HEV 176 kW (239 PS / 236 hp); PHEV 212 kW (288 PS / 284 hp) |
| ACCELERATION | HEV 7.9 s (FWD) and 8.1 s (AWD); PHEV 7.5 s (FWD) and 7.8 s (AWD) |
| TOP SPEED | HEV 196 km/h (FWD and AWD); PHEV 206 km/h |
| DRIVETRAIN | FWD or AWD, six-speed automatic. PHEV Core trim is FWD only |
| BATTERY | HEV 1.49 kWh; PHEV 13.8 kWh |
| ELECTRIC RANGE | PHEV 66 km (FWD, Vision AWD), 63 km (Spirit and GT-Line AWD), combined, EU test procedure; Israel PHEV about 68-69 km (importer data) |
| WLTP FUEL CONSUMPTION | HEV 5.8-6.5 l/100 km, 132-147 g/km CO2; PHEV weighted 2.9-3.3 l/100 km, 67-75 g/km CO2 (Kia Germany) |
Dimensions & Practicality
| Length | 4,540 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,865 mm |
| Height | 1,650 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,680 mm |
| Boot (HEV) | 587-1,776 L |
The European Sportage is 25 mm longer than before at 4,540 mm, 1,865 mm wide and 1,650 mm tall (with roof rails) on a 2,680 mm wheelbase. The Korean version of the Sportage is longer at 4,670 mm and is not the model covered here. Boot space in the HEV is 587 litres up to the window line and 1,776 litres with the rear seats folded, and rear legroom is 996 mm. The PHEV has a smaller boot, 540 litres and 1,715 litres folded, according to Kia Germany's price list and Kia's Israeli importer. The EU kerb weight, which Kia defines with a 75 kg driver and a 90% full tank, is 1,660 to 1,795 kg for the front-wheel-drive HEV and 1,733 to 1,863 kg for the all-wheel-drive HEV; the PHEV weighs 1,842 to 1,956 kg with front-wheel drive and 1,896 to 2,010 kg with all-wheel drive.
| LENGTH | 4,540 mm |
|---|---|
| WIDTH | 1,865 mm |
| HEIGHT | 1,650 mm |
| WHEELBASE | 2,680 mm |
| CARGO VOLUME | HEV 587 L / 1,776 L seats up / folded; PHEV 540 L / 1,715 L |
| KERB WEIGHT | HEV FWD 1,660-1,795 kg, AWD 1,733-1,863 kg; PHEV FWD 1,842-1,956 kg, AWD 1,896-2,010 kg (EU kerb weight, Kia Germany) |
Charging & Battery
The HEV never needs a plug: its 1.49 kWh battery is topped up by the engine and by braking. The PHEV carries a 13.8 kWh battery that is charged through a single-phase 7.2 kW AC socket. Kia Germany gives about 1 hour 45 minutes for a 10-100% charge on a charger of at least 7.2 kW, and the Israeli importer lists about 2 hours for a full charge. The sources we checked give no DC fast-charging figure for the Sportage PHEV, so none is claimed here.
Kia quotes weighted WLTP consumption for the PHEV of 2.9 to 3.3 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 67 to 75 g/km, a result that depends on the plug-in rule that assumes regular charging. The HEV is rated at 5.8 to 6.5 litres per 100 km and 132 to 147 g/km. Kia Germany lists an eight-year or 160,000 km battery warranty for PHEVs from the 2026 model year, while Kia UK lists seven years or 100,000 miles on its models.
| BATTERY | HEV 1.49 kWh; PHEV 13.8 kWh |
|---|---|
| AC CHARGING | PHEV 7.2 kW single-phase |
| DC FAST CHARGING | Not stated in the sources checked |
| AC 10-100% TIME | PHEV about 1 h 45 min (Kia Germany); Israel importer about 2 h |
| WLTP CONSUMPTION | HEV 5.8-6.5 l/100 km; PHEV weighted 2.9-3.3 l/100 km |
Design & Interior
The facelift gives the Sportage a flatter, wider face with a grille Kia calls the Tiger Nose and vertical LED daytime running lights in the Star Map graphic. New front and rear bumpers, redesigned tail lights and new alloy wheels of up to 19 inches complete the exterior update, and the European car is built at Kia's plant in Zilina, Slovakia. Seen from the side the silhouette is unchanged, which keeps the car's proportions familiar.
Inside, the dashboard now carries two 12.3-inch screens under a shared curved cover, with a revised steering wheel, a minimalist gear selector and subtler ventilation outlets. Upholstery options include Dinamica microfibre, and a wireless phone-charging pad is offered. The Core entry trim is available on both powertrains in Germany, while Vision, Spirit and GT-Line sit above it on the PHEV. The HEV GT-Line can be fitted with extras such as a head-up display and electrically adjustable front seats.
Technology & Features
The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and uses LG's webOS platform for third-party apps such as Netflix and YouTube, with over-the-air updates and an AI voice assistant. A digital key lets owners use a phone instead of a card, and the car can handle payments for services such as parking. In the UK, the GT-Line S trim adds a Harman Kardon audio system and a panoramic roof.
Safety & ADAS
The Sportage carries Kia's current driver-assistance set, including smart cruise control, lane-keeping assist, highway collision avoidance and blind-spot monitoring, with the exact content depending on trim and market. The Israeli PHEV Premium trim lists seven airbags, a rear camera and collision-avoidance, lane-keeping and blind-spot systems as standard.
| ADAS LEVEL | Driver-supervised assistance (no SAE level stated by Kia) |
|---|---|
| ADAS FEATURES | Smart cruise control, lane-keeping assist, highway collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, rear camera; content varies by trim and market |
Available Versions
| VERSION | POWER | 0-100 | TOP SPEED | DRIVETRAIN | BATTERY | EV RANGE | PRICE | KEY DIFFERENCES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportage HEV Core (Germany) | 236 hp | 7.9 s | 196 km/h | FWD | 1.49 kWh | — | EUR 38,990 | Entry HEV, no plug |
| Sportage HEV GT-Line AWD (Germany) | 236 hp | 8.1 s | 196 km/h | AWD | 1.49 kWh | — | EUR 51,190 | Top HEV trim, all-wheel drive |
| Sportage PHEV Core FWD (Germany) | 284 hp | 7.5 s | 206 km/h | FWD | 13.8 kWh | 66 km | EUR 43,100 | New FWD PHEV, Core trim is FWD only |
| Sportage PHEV Vision AWD (Germany) | 284 hp | 7.8 s | 206 km/h | AWD | 13.8 kWh | 66 km | EUR 47,600 | Lowest-priced AWD PHEV; Spirit and GT-Line AWD have 63 km |
| Sportage PHEV Premium (Israel) | 284 hp | 7.5 s | 206 km/h | FWD | 13.8 kWh | 68-69 km | NIS 219,900 | Single trim, importer Telcar |
Pricing & Availability
In Germany, Kia Germany's price list of 31 August 2026 (model year 2027) shows the Sportage HEV from EUR 38,990 and the Sportage PHEV from EUR 43,100, both for the Core trim. The lowest-priced all-wheel-drive PHEV is the Vision at EUR 47,600, followed by the Spirit at EUR 51,800 and the GT-Line at EUR 55,000; the Core is front-wheel drive only. All of these are Kia's recommended retail prices including 19% VAT. That makes the plug-in EUR 4,110 more expensive than the HEV at the entry level. In the UK the HEV is priced from GBP 34,895 for the Pure and GBP 37,395 for the GT-Line, with the all-wheel-drive GT-Line S at GBP 44,195. Kia UK's price page also lists the PHEV from GBP 38,595, rated at 283 bhp (Kia UK's figure), while its Sportage model page still describes the plug-in as available soon, so UK PHEV availability should be confirmed with a dealer.
In Israel Kia's importer Telcar began selling the facelifted HEV with the EX trim at NIS 195,900 and the Premium at NIS 206,900, prices as of January 2026. The PHEV followed on 5 August 2026 in a single Premium trim at a list price of NIS 219,900, with an introductory NIS 5,000 discount that brought it to NIS 214,900 until 11 September 2026; that offer has now ended, so NIS 219,900 is the price to expect. In the United States, which gets its own specification, Kia lists the 2027 Sportage Hybrid from USD 30,590 and the Plug-in Hybrid from USD 40,590, excluding destination.
How It Compares
The Sportage's closest relative, the Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid, matches the Kia's 212 kW (288 PS) output and 13.8 kWh battery in Germany, where Hyundai quotes an electric range of up to 70 km and a starting price of EUR 45,690 (recommended retail price for the Select with front-wheel drive, plus delivery costs), against up to 66 km and EUR 43,100 for the Sportage PHEV Core. The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is listed in Germany from EUR 45,490.70, a promotion price that includes Toyota's E-Auto bonus and applies to cash purchase or Toyota financing, plus delivery costs; Toyota quotes up to 137 km of electric range on the combined EAER measure, far more than the Sportage or the Tucson. Toyota's German page shows different power figures in different places, so power is left out of the comparison. All prices are German prices, converted at 1 EUR = 1.1269 USD (about USD 51,488 for the Tucson and USD 51,263 for the RAV4). The Sportage's strength is its lower entry price, while its relatively small battery caps its electric range below both of these rivals.
- HEV makes 176 kW (239 PS / 236 hp) from EUR 38,990 in Germany and needs no plug
- PHEV adds front-wheel drive for the first time, with 212 kW (288 PS / 284 hp), 7.5 s to 100 km/h and 206 km/h
- 587 to 1,776 litres of boot space in the HEV, a 2,680 mm wheelbase and two 12.3-inch screens
- PHEV electric range of 63 to 66 km is shorter than the up to 70 km Hyundai quotes for the Tucson PHEV in Germany and the up to 137 km Toyota quotes for the RAV4 PHEV, and no DC fast-charging figure is published
- The PHEV costs EUR 4,110 more than the HEV in Germany, and the HEV is 0.4 s slower to 100 km/h than the front-wheel-drive PHEV (7.9 s against 7.5 s) and 0.3 s slower with all-wheel drive (8.1 s against 7.8 s)
The Sportage HEV is the straightforward choice: 236 hp, no plug and a German price of EUR 38,990. The PHEV is the better buy for a driver who can charge at home, because its 13.8 kWh battery gives 63 to 66 km of electric range and its weighted consumption of 2.9 to 3.3 litres per 100 km is far below the HEV's 5.8 to 6.5. Its 284 hp also makes it the quicker of the two, at 7.5 seconds to 100 km/h in front-wheel-drive form. The trade-offs are a battery smaller than some rivals and a EUR 4,110 premium over the HEV. A solid, well-equipped compact hybrid SUV with a sensible choice of drivetrains.
