Enhancements for SUV
Kia New Zealand has announced the Sportage has been given a facelift for model year 2026 and will be available here in seven variants.
Todd McDonald, managing director, says the Sportage has established itself as one of Kia’s best-selling models in New Zealand and abroad since it was first launched more than 30 years ago.
The refreshed versions of the SUV promise increased comfort and specifications to complement the introduction of new all-wheel drive hybrid variants.
“The new model year offers Kia New Zealand an opportunity to target a wider array of customers, from families through to fleets, thanks to an impressive range of seven different variants,” adds McDonald.
“The availability of both front and all-wheel drive systems, a unique line-up of drivetrain options in the segment, is also a significant and attractive point of difference which appeals to customers for whom 2WD is sufficient.
“Furthermore, Sportage stacks up incredibly well and outperforms key competitors in terms of power, torque and towing capacity, important ‘top of the list’ attributes for many people when considering the purchase of a new vehicle.
“We’re confident that enhancements to the fifth-generation Sportage exterior and interior design, comfort and convenience technology plus additional safety features will help it continue to be one of the best-loved new models available for sale here in New Zealand.”
The new Sportage provides the choice of a turbo petrol front-wheel drive, or a new turbo petrol hybrid capable of a combined output of 173kW and 367Nm.
There are four different trim options available, LX, Light, Earth and X-Line, with the latter three available as a hybrid front-wheel drive or hybrid all-wheel drive.
All-wheel drive hybrid models also feature different terrain modes as standard, including mud, snow or sand.
Refreshed design elements at the vehicle’s front end include a new bumper design, vertically stacked star map headlights, bold indicator lights and a new grille.
At the other end of the car are redesigned tail-light graphics and revised rear bumper elements.
All four trim levels feature new alloy wheel designs ranging in size from 17-inch for the LX and Light, 18-inch on the Earth, through to 19-inch on the X-Line.
Five different exterior colours are available across the line-up, and all 2026 Sportage variants feature a redesigned two-spoke steering wheel and a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system.
The range-topping X-Line is enhanced by having a 12.3-inch colour LCD supervision instrument cluster, while driver convenience and information access has been expanded with the addition of a head-up display.
The X-Line also features a “Black Pack” consisting of glossy black roof rails, panoramic power sunroof, alloy pedals, LED interior lights and LED front headlights.
Safety features of the updated Sportage include seven airbags as standard and active systems such as forward collision avoidance assist with junction turning assist, lane follow assist and a safe exit warning feature for when leaving the car.
Pricing starts from $43,990 plus on-road costs.
