2027 Kia SportageMotorTrendRoomy cabinStrong techHybrid optionsSlow with gas engineUnimpressive gas fuel economyNot especially fun to driveThe 2027 Kia Sportage should continue as Kia's bold, tech-forward answer to the compact SUV mainstream. Fresh off a 2026 refresh that sharpened its styling and upgraded its cabin tech, the Sportage remains focused on space, value, and standout design rather than sporty driving.Compact SUV competitors include the Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-50, and Honda CR-V.What's NewAfter a significant 2026 refresh, the 2027 Kia Sportage is expected to carry over with only minor packaging, color, or feature changes.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe compact SUV should continue with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, along with the fresher styling, updated cabin tech, and expanded hybrid lineup introduced for 2026.This page will be updated with more insights and photos as information becomes available.What We ThinkThe 2027 Sportage should remain one of the stronger picks in the compact SUV segment, especially for shoppers who care about style, space, tech, and value. After last year's refresh, the Sportage's biggest strengths are still its upscale cabin, generous packaging, and bold design, but not its gas-only powertrain.The exterior refresh gave the Sportage a sharper family resemblance to newer Kia models such as the EV9, while the cabin continues to feel more premium than expected for the class. Available features like a panoramic dual-screen display and head-up display help the Sportage feel modern and tech-forward.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder remains the weak point. It is not especially quick, refined, or efficient, which makes the hybrid versions much easier to recommend. Those models bring smoother acceleration and better fuel economy without giving up the Sportage's everyday practicality.Fortunately, the Sportage does plenty well beyond the engine bay. Its ride is comfortable, its interior is impressively roomy for a compact SUV, and clever details such as flexible cupholders and built-in bag hangers make it feel thoughtfully designed.The gas Sportage may not fix its biggest dynamic shortcomings, but it continues to lean hard into the things Kia does well. For many compact SUV buyers, that should be enough to keep it near the front of the pack.Top-Ranked Competitors:Nissan RogueMazda CX-50Honda CR-VMotorTrend TestedThe gas-only 2027 Sportage will remain the lineup's weak link. Its 2.5-liter inline-four produces 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic and either front- or all-wheel drive.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn MotorTrend testing, a Sportage X-Pro AWD needed 9.3 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is slow even by practical compact SUV standards.The Sportage Hybrid is the version that feels more in step with the rest of the package. Its 1.6-liter turbo-four and electric motor combine for 231 hp and 258 lb-ft, routed through a six-speed automatic with front- or all-wheel drive.We tested a Sportage Hybrid AWD at 7.3 seconds to 60 mph, a major improvement over the gas model and quick enough to make the SUV feel more livable in everyday driving.The plug-in hybrid is quicker still. With a larger battery, a 1.6-liter turbo-four, and an electric motor, the Sportage PHEV makes 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.AdvertisementAdvertisementStandard AWD and a six-speed automatic remain part of the setup, and in our testing, a Sportage PHEV X-Line AWD Prestige reached 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. That makes the electrified Sportages not just more efficient, but also noticeably better to drive.MPGs and RangeThe gas-only Sportage has acceptable but not especially impressive efficiency. Using 2026 EPA figures, front-drive models are rated at 25/33 mpg city/highway with about 400 miles of range, while AWD versions dip to 24/30 mpg and roughly 372 miles. This year's model should do about the same.The 2027 Sportage Hybrid is the clear efficiency play. FWD models are rated at 40/42 mpg and an estimated 562 miles of range, while AWD versions return 35/36 mpg and about 480 miles.The plug-in hybrid adds a different advantage: PHEV AWD models are rated at 83 mpg-e combined and can travel up to 33 miles on electricity alone, with 470 miles of total range.Safety Ratings and FeaturesEvery 2026 variant of the Sportage except the untested plug-in hybrid picked up NHTSA's top distinction, a five-star overall safety rating, and we expect this year's model to perform similarly. It should do well in IIHS testing, too; last year's model earned high marks with a 2026 Top Safety Pick+ award.AdvertisementAdvertisementStandard driver assist features include:Automatic emergency brakingLane keepingFront and rear parking sensorsAdaptive cruise controlDriver focus monitoringBlind-spot monitoring with a blind-spot-view screen and rear cross-traffic monitoring are also available.Cargo Space and Interior RoomThe Sportage seats five and feels especially roomy for a compact SUV, with a cabin that makes smart use of its footprint. Rear legroom and cargo capacity compare favorably with rivals such as the Nissan Rogue and Mazda CX-50, helping the Kia stand out as one of the segment's more practical choices.TechnologyInfotainmentThe Sportage's tech setup starts with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB outlets throughout the cabin. With the lowest gas trims, a 4.2-inch information screen is integrated in the gauge cluster, but most Sportages come with a 12.3-inch driver display.Sound SystemA six-speaker audio system is standard. Higher trims upgrade to an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system.Available UpgradesAvailable tech and convenience upgrades include a digital key, wireless phone charger, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding side mirrors, power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power liftgate.ValueStandard FeaturesPricing for the 2027 Sportage is not expected to climb much from the previous model year, which should help Kia's compact SUV maintain its strong features-per-dollar appeal. Every version includes a large touchscreen and smart interior packaging that creates plenty of usable space.AdvertisementAdvertisementStandard equipment also includes acoustic windshield glass, rear privacy glass, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote start, and automatic headlights with automatic high-beams.Recommended TrimAssuming the 2027 Sportage carries over with 2026 trims and equipment, the EX looks like the best pick for most shoppers. It adds meaningful upgrades over the base model, including heated front seats, a larger driver screen setup, wireless charging, and added convenience features, without pushing too far into luxury-trim pricing.
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