The Kia Sportage has been named the "Best Family SUV of the year" by the British publication What Car?
The magazine said the Kia Sportage was redesigned in 2025 and said the gas-powered version of the 2026 edition of the popular SUV "does a commendable job," but the publication said its reviwers really prefer the hybrid version of the car. The recognition marked the fourth consecutive year that the magazine named the Kia Sportage the top family.
"Unless you’re prepared to spend far more money on a BMW X3, you won’t find another family SUV that’s notably better to drive than the Sportage," the magazine said. "It strikes a pleasing balance between comfort and agility, having a supple ride at all speeds and good cornering poise."
The comments come
as American interest in hybrids is elevated.
In the first half of 2026, 22% of shoppers said they would consider a hybrid vehicle, which was up from 20% in 2025, according to Kelley Blue Book. By comparison, only 10% of car shoppers said they would consider buying a fully-electric model during the first half of 2026, according to the group.
In 2025, 13.9 million non-plug-in hybrid vehicles and 1.7 million plug-in hybrid vehicles were registered on U.S roads, according to the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuel Data Center. By comparison, the agency said there were 5.6 million fully electric cars and more than 240 million gasoline-powered cars registered nationwide last year.
The spotlight on the Kia Sportage is also happening as Americans' views of family cars appear to be shifting along generational lines with traditional sedans supplanting SUVs. according to a recent study from the website Compare.com. The study showed:
- Sedans make up 80% of the favorite cars of people between 18 and 29 years old, or Generation Z .
- Sedans also made up 60% of the favorite cars of people between 30 and 45 years old, or Millennials.
- Among Gen X drivers, sedans acccounted for about 50% of their favorite cars.
- And for Baby Boomers, sedans accounted for 30% of the favorite cars.
The USA TODAY Cars team gathered some information for consumers who may be considering the Kia Sportage.
What to know about the 2026 Kia Sportage
The 2026 Kia Sportage starts at $28,690 in the U.S. The vehicle's top level trim retails for $39,590. The vehicle is available in six trims, ranging from the entry level LX to the top of the line X-Pro Prestige.
Kia says the 2026 Sportage has a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine and comes with 17-inch or higher-alloy wheels. It is available in gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid formats.
The Sportage has a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Sportage gets an estimated 25 mpg in city driving and 33 mpg on highways, according to Kia. It features driver assistance technologies like blind-spot warning, forward collision avoidance assistance, lane departure warnings and lane keep assistance.
The Kia Sportage is available in 13 colors. The vehicle contains two rows and seats five passengers. The Sportage does not offer a third-row option.
What we loved and didn't like about the 2026 Kia Sportage
Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press reviewed the 2026 Kia Sportage when it was first released in August 2025.
Mark highlighted the 2026 Sportage's updated locks and interior, but he also noted the hybrid versions had decreased fuel efficiency.
Mark said he "drove a loaded SX-Prestige AWD from downtown Louisville through rolling riverside roads, small towns, major state roads and heavy traffic on Interstate 65."
He said he loved the Sportage's "big, clear 12.3-inch touch screen" that is standard, and its wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which was standard on all Sportages for the first time in 2026. Previously, the popular features were only available on some Sportage trim levels.
Mark also noted the Sportage had plenty of rear leg room. "The backs of the front seats have handy hooks for purses, jackets, etc.," he wrote.
In addition to the decreased fuel economy, Mark noted the Sportage HVAC and audio controls left more to be desired.
"Kia retained clunky flat-panel HVAC/audio controls that require you to push a small icon of a fan or a triangle to switch an adjoining set of flat touch points from climate to audio functions and vice versa," he wrote.
Mark concluded that the 2026 Kia Sportage is one of the cheapest hybrid compact SUVs, which he said was a compelling reason to consider buying it.
"While its fuel economy declined, it’s still far better than you’ll get with any non-hybrid," Mark wrote. "The 2026’s new lights freshen its exterior appearance, while updates like the crisp HUD and 12.3-inch touch screen add to the appeal of an attractive and accommodating cabin. Cargo space is good."
Contributed: Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press.
Keith Laing is an automotive reporter on the National Trending Desk at USA TODAY. Contact Keith at klaing@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kia Sportage named best family SUV again. Why this hybrid stands out
