If you drive the stretch between Owen Sound and Collingwood, Barrie, or the GTA on a regular basis, you already know how quickly fuel costs add up. The Highway 26 corridor and southbound routes through Grey County are long, largely highway kilometres—the kind of driving that rewards an efficient powertrain. The refreshed 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid is built around a 1.6 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with a 47.7 kW electric motor, and its combined fuel economy rating of 6.7 L/100 km makes it one of the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs available with standard all-wheel drive.
What makes the 2026 Sportage HEV worth a closer look goes beyond the fuel rating alone. This is the most substantial refresh since the fifth-generation Sportage launched three years ago, and the hybrid lineup now includes three trims—EX, the all-new EX Premium, and SX—each offering a different balance of features and technology. For Ontario drivers weighing their options in the compact SUV segment, the numbers and the new features tell a practical story.
How 6.7 L/100 km Translates to Real Savings
The 2026 Sportage HEV's combined fuel economy of 6.7 L/100 km is rated with standard AWD, meaning there is no efficiency penalty for choosing all-wheel traction. For context, the 2026 Sportage with the conventional 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine and AWD is rated at 8.9 L/100 km combined. Over a typical 20,000 km annual commute—roughly the distance a Grey County driver covers commuting to Barrie five days a week—that difference adds up.
At 6.7 L/100 km, the Sportage HEV would consume approximately 1,340 litres of regular unleaded fuel per year. The 2.5 L AWD model, at 8.9 L/100 km, would consume approximately 1,780 litres over the same distance. That is a gap of roughly 440 litres annually, which at current Ontario fuel prices can mean hundreds of dollars back in your pocket each year—without any change to your driving habits.
- 2026 Sportage HEV (AWD): 6.7 L/100 km combined, ~1,340 L per 20,000 km
- 2026 Sportage 2.5 L (AWD): 8.9 L/100 km combined, ~1,780 L per 20,000 km
- Annual difference: ~440 fewer litres consumed
What Powers the 2026 Sportage Hybrid
The Sportage HEV pairs a 1.6 L turbocharged gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine with a revised 47.7 kW permanent magnet synchronous motor. Together, the system delivers 232 horsepower through a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Towing capacity is rated at up to 2,000 lb when properly equipped, which is enough for a small utility trailer or a pair of personal watercraft headed to Georgian Bay.
The hybrid system runs on regular unleaded fuel and draws from a 52 L fuel tank. At the rated 6.7 L/100 km combined, a full tank can carry you well over 700 km before a fill-up—a practical advantage for long return trips between Owen Sound and the GTA without needing to stop.
Three Trims, Including the New EX Premium
For 2026, the Sportage Hybrid lineup expands with the addition of the EX Premium trim, positioned between the EX and the range-topping SX. This gives Ontario buyers a mid-range option that was not previously available in the hybrid powertrain.
All three trims share a common set of standard features, including dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Smart Key with push-button start, and a Shift-By-Wire shifter. The Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system also supports over-the-air (OTA) software updates, meaning your vehicle's software can improve after purchase without a dealership visit.
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Feature
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EX HEV
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EX Premium HEV
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SX HEV
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Dual 12.3-inch displays
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Standard
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Standard
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Standard
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Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
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Standard
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Standard
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Standard
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Shift-By-Wire
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Standard
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Standard
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Standard
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Harman Kardon premium audio
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–
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–
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Available
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360-degree Surround-View Monitor
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–
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–
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Available
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Available 10-inch Head-Up Display
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–
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–
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Available
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Digital Key 2.0
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–
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Available
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Available
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Refreshed Design and Interior Updates
The 2026 refresh brings noticeable exterior changes to the Sportage, including redesigned front and rear bumpers, stacked LED headlights with optional cube-style projection, and amber LED "Star Map" daytime running lights. New 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheel designs are available across the hybrid lineup, along with a new 2-spoke steering wheel inside the cabin.
Interior updates focus on daily usability. The new multi-function audio/climate touchpad sits beneath the multimedia screen, making it easier to adjust temperature or volume without navigating menus. Cargo capacity behind the second row reaches up to 1,119 L with the dual-level cargo floor lowered—a standard feature on HEV models—and rear legroom of 1,050 mm keeps passengers comfortable on longer drives. An available wireless charging pad, heated rear seats, and power-folding outside mirrors round out the comfort-focused additions.
Updated Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The refreshed Sportage HEV carries a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), with several new additions for 2026. Standard across all trims is Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 1.5 with pedestrian, cyclist, and car detection, along with Hands-on Detection (HOD) sensors that monitor whether the driver is actively holding the steering wheel.
Available on higher trims, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2 adds Direct Oncoming Detection and Avoidance, while the next-level Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) can help maintain speed, distance, and lane position on the highway—features that can reduce fatigue on longer commutes along Highway 26 or the 400-series routes. Available Parking Distance Warning covers front, side, and reverse zones, adding confidence in tighter parking situations.
Which Sportage HEV Trim Fits Your Commute?
The EX sits as the entry point to the hybrid lineup, offering the full suite of standard technology features and AWD at an accessible price point. It covers the essentials for daily commuting and weekend use without extras you may not need.
The new EX Premium is designed for buyers who want a step up in comfort and convenience—features like Digital Key 2.0 and additional interior refinements—without moving to the top of the range. For drivers who split their time between Owen Sound and longer highway routes, this trim offers a strong balance.
The SX adds the full technology suite, including the available Harman Kardon premium audio, 360-degree Surround-View Monitor, 10-inch Head-Up Display, and enhanced ADAS features. It is the right fit for buyers who want the most complete package the Sportage HEV offers.
Experience the 2026 Sportage Hybrid at Owen Sound Kia
The refreshed 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid is available now at Owen Sound Kia. With three trims to choose from, standard AWD, and fuel economy that can save Grey County commuters hundreds of dollars in fuel each year, this is a vehicle worth evaluating in person. Book your test drive today at our Owen Sound dealership and see how the numbers work for your daily route.
To learn more about the 2026 Kia Sportage HEV, visit Kia.ca
