2026 Kia Sportage Shows Its Boxy New Face And Vertical Headlights

The camouflage is starting to come off the facelifted Kia Sportage as a prototype has been spotted without bulky disguise. Thanks to the strip tease, we can see some extensive updates.

The biggest changes occur up front as the model wears an all-new grille with a rectangular design. It’s flanked by vertical headlights, which have daytime running lights at the outside edges.

More: 2026 Kia Sportage Spied With New Face And Updated Rear

Below, there’s a new bumper with vertical fog lights and a rectangular central intake. Designers also appear to have eliminated the ‘nostrils’ as the transition from hood to fascia appears far smoother.

The rest of the design largely carries over, but we can see new taillight graphics. The rear bumper is also new as it sports slender reflectors and what appears to be a center-mounted light. The model may also have a less flashy faux skid plate.

While this particular prototype is the short-wheelbase variant for Europe, some of the styling tweaks could be coming to the long-wheelbase model that is sold in the United States. Of course, only time will tell.

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There’s no word on engine updates, but the current model has an assortment of options including a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with mild hybrid technology. It produces 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) and can be connected to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Customers can also opt for a hybrid that has a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, an electric motor, and a 1.49 kWh battery pack. This setup gives the crossover a combined output of 226 hp (169 kW / 229 PS).

Kia also offers a plug-in hybrid variant, which echoes the hybrid but has a more powerful motor and a larger 13.8 kWh battery pack. It gives the crossover a combined output of 261 hp (195 kW / 265 PS) as well as an electric-only range of up to 43 miles (69 km).