2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid: MPG, NHTSA & IIHS Safety Ratings
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid scores well across safety, fuel cost, and reliability, with NHTSA's 5-star rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation compared to 95 other value SUVs. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file, fewer than the 1.7 average for SUVs.
- Starting MSRP
- $30,490 - $40,590
- EPA Combined MPG
- 35-42 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick+
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,400 - $1,700 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 7 / 10
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $3,750 over 5 yrs
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $978 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.78
- Brand Origin
- South Korea
Priced from $30,490 to $40,590, the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid is one of 95 value SUVs. Safety ratings, recall history, and ownership costs are all covered below.
- Fuel cost $492 per year below value SUVs average
- Avg repair cost $216 per year below SUV average
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid at a Glance
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid are high published crash-test results and lower estimated fuel cost, with an above-average RepairPal reliability rating.
- safety
- fuel cost
- reliability
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA + IIHS TSP+. Safest SUVs 2026 →
- Fuel: Top 20% cheapest to fuel among hybrid SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,400. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable SUVs 2026 →
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid?
With both a 5-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS TSP+ designation, the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid has been tested by both NHTSA and IIHS crash test programs. Among SUVs, 82% earned the top NHTSA score. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 16.9%
NHTSA crash tests use full-width frontal and side impacts. IIHS tests include offset frontal impacts and intersection-type side crashes, which are common in real-world driving. Both results are shown below.
How Did the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid earned an IIHS TSP+. To qualify, a vehicle must score well across all crash test categories and demonstrate effective crash prevention technology. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | G Good |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Seat Belt Reminders | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | A Acceptable |
IIHS vehicle class: Small SUVs
A strong crash test result tells you the vehicle was well-engineered for collisions. The recall record tells you whether any defects have been found after production began.
Does the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid Have Any Recalls?
The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid has 1 recall campaign on record with NHTSA, involving ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. That is below the 1.7 average for SUVs. Recall repairs are performed at no cost at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Most recent: January 2026
Units affected: 341,416
What Do 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid. This does not mean there are no complaints. The model may not yet be tracked in the NHTSA database.
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
Families drive more miles and make more trips. That makes fuel economy one of the biggest factors in the real cost of owning the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid.
What Is the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid Fuel Economy?
At up to 42 combined MPG, the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid's most efficient trim costs an estimated $1,400 per year in fuel, $492 less than the $1,892 average for value SUVs. Real-world results will vary. Source: EPA.
Ranges from 35 to 42 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | 42 MPG | 41 | 44 | $1,400 per year |
| S | 35 MPG | 35 | 36 | $1,700 per year |
| EX | 35 MPG | 35 | 36 | $1,700 per year |
| X-Line | 35 MPG | 35 | 36 | $1,700 per year |
| SX-Prestige | 35 MPG | 35 | 36 | $1,700 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $7,000 to $8,500 depending on trim.
All trims earned EPA SmartWay certification for lower emissions and fuel cost. EPA smog rating ranges from 6 to 7 out of 10 across trims.
A family vehicle racks up miles fast. That means the hidden costs, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, matter as much as what you pay at the pump. AAA estimates them below.
What Does the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid ranges from $71,375 to $98,540 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Compact SUV (Hybrid) class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,491 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,771 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,865 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $779 per year |
| Financing | $1,086 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $10,340 per year |
Families often prioritize safety features and cargo space over horsepower. The trim table below shows how those factors vary across the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid lineup.
How Do the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid Trims Compare?
With 5 trims priced from $30,490 to $40,590, the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid offers a range of equipment levels. All trims use a Hybrid powertrain. MSRP figures below do not include destination, taxes, or dealer fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $30,490 | 42 MPG | $1,400 per year | FWD | 3,831 lbs | $71,375 |
| S | $32,790 | 35 MPG | $1,700 per year | AWD | 3,994 lbs | $90,740 |
| EX | $33,790 | 35 MPG | $1,700 per year | AWD | 3,994 lbs | $91,740 |
| X-Line | $35,690 | 35 MPG | $1,700 per year | AWD | 3,994 lbs | $93,640 |
| SX-Prestige | $40,590 | 35 MPG | $1,700 per year | AWD | 3,994 lbs | $98,540 |
The Kia Sportage Hybrid lineup has expanded from 4 trims in 2024 to 5 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $2,200 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
added 2026
- LX
- S
- EX
- X-Line
- SX-Prestige
Trims no longer available
last available 2025
- LX (FWD, AWD)
- EX (AWD)
- SX-Prestige (AWD)
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LX FWD HEV | $28,290 43 MPG | $28,790 43 MPG | — |
| LX AWD HEV | $30,090 38 MPG | $30,590 38 MPG | — |
| EX AWD HEV | $31,990 38 MPG | $32,590 38 MPG | — |
| SX-Prestige AWD HEV | $37,190 38 MPG | $37,790 38 MPG | — |
| LX | — | — | $30,490 42 MPG |
| S | — | — | $32,790 35 MPG |
| EX | — | — | $33,790 35 MPG |
| X-Line | — | — | $35,690 35 MPG |
| SX-Prestige | — | — | $40,590 35 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
Once you have settled on a trim, long-term dependability becomes the deciding factor. The section below shows the third-party reliability rating currently available.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid?
With a 4.0/5.0 reliability score from RepairPal, the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid rates above average for value SUVs. Fewer shop visits and lower repair costs are expected compared to peers. Source: RepairPal.
Reliability data tells you what to expect. Warranty coverage tells you what Kia will fix for free if something goes wrong within the covered period.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid Come With?
The warranty terms below reflect Kia's published coverage for the 2026 Sportage Hybrid. All trims share the same warranty. Coverage begins on the date of first retail sale.
| Basic Warranty | 5yr/60k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
What Are the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid Specs?
The specifications below cover engine output, dimensions, and drivetrain for the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid. These are manufacturer-reported figures and may vary by trim configuration.
EPA vehicle class: Compact SUV
| Engine | 1.6L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 232 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 121.1 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $131 - $175 |
| Torque | 271 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 13.7 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 480 - 575 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| Length | 184.4 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 73.4 in |
| Height | 65.4 - 66.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 108.5 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,831 - 3,994 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid?
- Number of available trims changed
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- EPA fuel economy ratings changed
- Recall status changed
All data shown for the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. The safety and reliability data above is especially relevant for a vehicle your family depends on. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid FAQ
Which 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 5 available trims, the LX has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $71,375, starting at $30,490 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $98,540. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid?
Vehicles similar to the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid in price and segment include 2026 Jeep Compass, 2026 Ford Escape, and 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan. The Jeep Compass is the closest in price (starting at $30,595, 4-star NHTSA, 26 MPG). Each has its own fact sheet with EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data for comparison. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 5 new trims were added, 4 trims were dropped, and the entry price increased by $2,200 for the Kia Sportage Hybrid lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid include about $862 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $117 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $979 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid a hybrid?
Yes, the entire 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid lineup uses a hybrid powertrain across all 5 trims. The most efficient trim has an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,400. Hybrid powertrains combine a gas engine with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency. See our Hybrid SUVs 2026 list.
Where is Kia based?
Kia is a South Korea-based automaker. The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid may be assembled in a different country than where Kia is headquartered. Check the window sticker or VIN decoder for the specific assembly location of any individual vehicle. See our South Korea-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Kia models are available for 2026?
Each 2026 Kia vehicle has its own fact sheet. Data coverage varies by model. See the complete Kia lineup on our Kia models page.
What is the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid safety rating?
The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and has 1 recall campaign on file. See the safety and recall sections above for the full breakdown, including IIHS results and specific recall details.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.