2026 Kia Sportage SX 2.0D AWD review

The fifth-generation Kia Sportage has been with us since 2021, and after its update in 2024 the dramatic new face of this top-selling Korean mid-size SUV has had some time to blend in on Australian roads.

Last year’s update brought about some chopping and changing, with the range-opening manual variants axed, additional hybrid models added, interior tech overhauled, and prices bumped up.

Kia has left most of that unchanged as the new year rolls around – those were only introduced five months ago, after all – except for prices.

Some variants are now more expensive than they were before, including the 2026 Kia Sportage SX 2.0D AWD on test here, which is $500 pricier than it was at launch.

Still, it’s by far Kia’s best-selling model in Australia. With 16,621 deliveries so far in 2025, the Sportage’s volume is nearly double that of Kia’s second-placed Carnival people mover, and places it fifth in Australia’s hyper-competitive mid-size SUV segment.

Moreover, sales of diesel variants (like our tester) are consistently on par with their petrol alternatives, while remaining well ahead of hybrids. All of that certainly looks good on paper, and while it’s now blending into the background, there’s no denying the Sportage is a familiar sight on our roads.

Is it as good as all that might suggest, and is the diesel the pick of the multi-powertrain Sportage lineup?

How much does the Kia Sportage cost?

The Sportage SX 2.0D AWD is $500 dearer than it was a few months ago, now priced at $46,380 before on-roads.

If you want a diesel in this segment, your options are limited. The only real player is the Mazda CX-60 D50e (from $52,240 before on-roads), though you could also weigh up the top-spec Mahindra Scorpio Z8L ($43,990 drive-away until December 31), or even the GWM Tank 300 Lux diesel ($47,990 drive-away).

Otherwise, typical rivals come from the usual mid-size SUV cohort. These include the platform-sharing Hyundai Tucson Elite AWD at $50,850 before on-roads, alongside the Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, and the all-conquering Toyota RAV4.

Each of those four SUVs has outsold the Sportage so far this year.

To see how the Kia Sportage stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

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What is the Kia Sportage like on the inside?

There’s an air of class to the Sportage’s cabin, but it doesn’t feel like Kia has done much to mask the entry-level undertones of the SX.

For a start, the clean horizontal lines on the dashboard give the car a mature look, and the way they appear to continue across the steering wheel is a subtle yet well-considered touch – even if the offset Kia logo may not be to everyone’s taste.

These straight dashboard lines create a nice perch for the mammoth screen housing, which dominates the Sportage’s interior. Unlike more expensive variants, the SX only gets one full display, leaving the instrument cluster pared back.

There’s been no compromise on the 12.3-inch infotainment display though, which offers crisp native graphics with relatively intuitive, multi-menu functionality. Wireless smartphone mirroring is standard, and we had no issues with Apple CarPlay in our week with the car.

Fortunately, Kia’s awkward three-screen layout hasn’t made its way to the Sportage, which means you get a dedicated – and importantly, clearly visible – climate control panel below the infotainment screen. Touch-sensitive as it may be, its dedicated buttons and physical knobs are a good hybrid between traditionalism and tech.

This helps the Sportage feel familiar yet fresh, even if you’ve never sat in a new car built after 2020. Similarly, the simplified instrument display mimics a traditional two-gauge setup and is graphically reminiscent of previous-gen Kias, such as the Seltos.

Again, the vibe is familiar and unintimidating. Between the two gauges is a simple 4.2-inch panel, which can be flicked through using buttons on the steering wheel. It lacks the flashiness of the higher-spec screens, but some may prefer its simplicity.

Stripped-back fittings aren’t all used to good effect in the Sportage, though. Our biggest gripe with this cabin is the sheer amount of button blanks, found primarily on the centre console.

Even though the SX isn’t a true base-spec variant, these blanks certainly make it feel like one. It’s almost like the car is actively reminding you that you couldn’t spring for something more expensive, which takes away from its otherwise well-sorted presentation.

The blanks even overshadow the fact that Kia has done away with pesky piano-black trim. Only dull, durable plastic surfaces feature in the updated Sportage, which would look clean and sensible if not for the apparent laziness in removing features.

Leaning on the door armrest reveals more base-spec impressions, as there’s no padding to mask the hard plastic. This makes for uncomfortable long-distance driving if you’re someone who likes to lounge in the driver’s seat.

Otherwise, material choice is solid. The slightly squashed steering wheel doesn’t quite float through the hands (it’s not nearly as jagged as an MG tiller can be, mind you), but its leather finish is smooth, soft, and lovely to hold.

Furthermore, its buttons are all finished in dull black plastic, clearly labelled, and satisfying to press. A set of rollers with a tasteful metallic finish offset the otherwise utilitarian plastic, and everything feels robust.

As for the seats, they’re nicely padded and very supportive. While they can be a bit slidy given their weak bolstering, there’s a good range of adjustment, even if it’s manual in the SX; electric driver’s seat movement is added with the SX+.

On the centre console you’ll find the funky T-bar shifter fitted to non-hybrid Sportage models (and seen in other Kias like the K4), along with adjustable cupholders and a phone-sized cubby. There’s no wireless phone charging until the SX+, but you do get two USB-C ports and a 12V outlet as standard.

There’s a reasonably sized storage box under the padded central armrest, though the door cards won’t hold large bottles, unlike some rivals. Not necessarily a deal-breaker, but it will mean you’ll have to use the passenger-side glovebox to keep larger containers out of sight.

Moving to the second row reveals generous leg and head room. It’s easily among the larger mid-size SUVs in this department, and when combined with a serviceable bench seat that can accommodate three adults, you’re left with a practical and spacious commuter.

There are also two rear-facing air vents (albeit without an extra climate zone) and USB-C ports on the back of the centre console as standard, along with a soft fold-down armrest when the middle seat is unoccupied. Of course, the SX’s spartan theme carries through, but it’s a little less grating than it is up front.

The boot, meanwhile, is a very spacious area. Its 543 litres of on-paper seats-up capacity is slightly smaller than in a RAV4, but the floor is flat, long, and wide enough for practically anything you could throw at it – or in it.

Folding the rear seat backs down reveals a cavernous 1829L of capacity, enough for bulkier items like TVs or flat-pack furniture. It’s all very versatile, and you’d be surprised what can fit if you’re clever with your packing.

Better yet, all petrol and diesel Sportage vehicles get a full-size alloy spare wheel, a key advantage over the hybrids and their inferior space-savers.

To see how the Kia Sportage stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

Somewhat unique in this segment is the Sportage’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which outputs 137kW of power and 416Nm of torque. All diesel variants are all-wheel drive and feature an eight-speed torque-converter automatic.

Our week with the car primarily involved highway driving, albeit often in heavy traffic. The fuel economy recorded by the Sportage was still impressive, giving credence to the fact it’s well-suited to a diesel engine.

To see how the Kia Sportage stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

How does the Kia Sportage drive?

The Sportage has long been a solid vehicle to drive, and this facelift doesn’t appear to have undermined that reputation.

But if you’ve never really experienced a Sportage, it’s all too easy to overlook it in favour of any other mid-size SUV currently on sale in Australia. It’s once you get behind the wheel that its worth becomes apparent, and even if it isn’t earth-shattering, you won’t be disappointed.

The big surprise is the diesel engine under the bonnet. While such engines were more common in passenger cars and light-duty SUVs about 10 or 15 years ago, they seem to have fallen out of fashion – unless you go for a ladder-frame off-road SUV, a ute, or a more expensive Euro car – despite improved capability and generally better fuel economy.

Kia talks big by continuing to offer diesel power with the Sportage, and it walks the walk with excellent all-around performance. Torque is the drawcard; there’s plenty of it to go around, and it feels relatively effortless compared to a petrol equivalent.

Agricultural as the engine may sound, it’s smooth, and this all-wheel drive powertrain makes a lot of sense. Pair it with the competent eight-speed torque-converter auto and you have a very liveable commuter.

The steering, meanwhile, is appropriately weighted and suits an SUV with the demeanour of the Sportage. This is a product of both the well-tuned setup and a nicely sized steering wheel, both working together to ensure the car works with you in every way it can.

Diesel power means there’s no electric regeneration to worry about either, which gives you a consistently predictable brake pedal. We only say this because hybrid cars – including Toyotas – often combine regenerative and friction braking into the brake pedal, which can make it awkward to brake smoothly, particularly in traffic.

Despite the name, the Sportage isn’t a sporty vehicle, which means everything we’ve mentioned so far is designed to be unintimidating.

This carries through to the ride, which is noticeably on the firmer side but without being crashy or uncomfortable – Aussie drivers tend to prefer this approach, so that’s a good thing.

It makes the Sportage feel more confident around turns, while staying stable on the freeway. The small-ish 18-inch wheels of the SX (compared to 19s on higher grades) help with comfort, and the extra sidewall rubber also helps to insulate road noise.

That said, there’s generally a good baseline for refinement in the Sportage, even if the diesel isn’t completely silent. Wind noise is acceptable, and the level of road noise won’t leave you with a headache on longer drives.

The only real annoyance isn’t uncommon for Hyundai Motor Group products: the speed limit warning. As in any other new Kia, it’ll beep at you incessantly for exceeding the speed limit by any amount, but fortunately it can be turned off by holding the ‘Mute’ button on the steering wheel.

You’ll have to do this every time you jump in, but at least you can do it while you’re already moving.

We’d be surprised if anyone is game enough to leave this on, as the car often picks up the wrong speed limit; for example, it may mistakenly read and display a 70km/h off-ramp sign instead of the real 110km/h limit on a freeway.

Otherwise, we had no issues with the Sportage’s safety gear, as functions like adaptive cruise control work reliably. The SX lacks Kia’s more advanced Highway Driving Assist system, but the only real omission is navigation-based cruising.

Topping it off is good outward visibility, which makes it easy to place the car on the road. It certainly doesn’t feel small, but being able to comfortably see your surroundings helps build confidence in drivers used to smaller cars.

The SX doesn’t get fancy cameras that give you a top-down view when parking, or display views of your blind spots when indicating, but that doesn’t take away from the drive experience. If anything, it makes for a more analogue affair, which tech-phobic owners may prefer.

To see how the Kia Sportage stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

What do you get?

There are four trim levels available for the Sportage.

2026 Kia Sportage S equipment highlights:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Full-size alloy spare wheel
• LED headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• Power folding mirrors
• Roof rails
• Rear spoiler
• Cloth seats
• Premium steering wheel trim
• PVC gear selector
• 12.3-inch infotainment system
• ‘Basic’ digital instrument cluster
  • 4.2-inch multifunction display
• Kia Connect Services
• Over-the-air updates
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wireless Android Auto
• Retractable cargo cover
• Smart key with push-button start
• Remote engine start
• Single-zone air-conditioning
• 6-speaker audio
• 12V power outlet – cargo area
• USB-C charger in front console
• Rear air vents

Sportage SX adds:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Space-saver spare wheel (hybrid)
• Rain-sensing wipers
• 2-way driver’s seat lumbar support
• Premium shift selector (petrol, diesel)
• Dial-type shift selector (hybrid)
• Remote folding second-row seats
• Dual-zone climate control

Sportage SX+ adds:

• 19-inch alloy wheels – Petrol, Diesel
• Artificial leather upholstery
• Powered driver’s seat adjustment
• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Wireless phone charger
• Harman Kardon premium sound system
• Power tailgate
• Rear privacy glass

Sportage GT-Line adds:

• 19-inch black alloy wheels (petrol, diesel)
• 18-inch alloy wheels (hybrid)
• LED projector headlights
• Dynamic welcome light
• Memory function – driver seat
• Power front passenger seat
• Ventilated front seats
• Head-up display
• Heated steering wheel
• Dial-type shift selector (petrol, diesel)
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Interior ambient lighting
• Panoramic sunroof
• LED interior lighting
• Alloy sports pedals

To see how the Kia Sportage stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

Is the Kia Sportage safe?

The 2026 Kia Sportage boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted by sister organisation Euro NCAP on the pre-facelift model in 2022.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• 8 airbags, incl:
  • Front
  • Front-centre
  • Side
• Smart Cruise Control 2
  • Emergency assistance
• Autonomous Emergency Braking
  • Pedestrian, cyclist detection
  • Junction assist
• Blind-spot assist
• eCall with SOS button
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Intelligent speed limit assist
• Lane centring
• Lane-keep assist
• Multi Collision Brake
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Reversing camera
• Tyre pressure monitor

Sportage SX+ adds:

• Highway Driving Assist
  • Navigation-based semi-autonomous highway mode
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Lane centring

Sportage GT-Line adds:

• Reverse Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Blind-spot view monitor
• Surround-view camera

To see how the Kia Sportage stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

How much does the Kia Sportage cost to run?

Kia backs its Australian lineup with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Servicing for diesel Sportage models is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.

Individual capped-price service costs for diesel Sportage models are detailed below:

For context, Sportage models fitted with the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine require servicing every 12 months or 10,000km, as do hybrids.

Compared to the segment-leading RAV4, for which Toyota offers five years of capped-price servicing, the Sportage is more expensive to service. Both have the same service intervals, but over five years Kia’s challenger totals $2708 to service, while the RAV4 costs just $1350.

The CX-5, meanwhile, costs $3193 over seven years, and the Outlander costs $2740.

To see how the Kia Sportage stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Take Kia Sportage

Kia has done a good job of updating the Sportage to keep up with the times, without compromising anything that made the pre-facelift version a strong choice in the mid-size SUV world.

Highlights include strong interior tech, updated to match every other new Kia, which avoids the ergonomic shortfalls we’ve seen in some of Kia’s newest electric vehicles, like the EV5. We’re glad that the three-screen arrangement (infotainment-climate-instruments) hasn’t yet been carried over to the Sportage.

Kia’s classy interior design language makes this SUV feel all the more premium from behind the wheel. Don’t forget that surprisingly good diesel either, which is the perfect powerplant whether you want to use the Sportage as a straightforward runabout, or a long-distance tourer.

Things like the swarm of button blanks aren’t ideal, nor is the speed limit warning, even if there’s a workaround for the latter. They don’t ruin the experience, but those who don’t like being reminded they’re in a budget-minded SUV might prefer a more expensive Sportage.

That said, while you may get more gear in a petrol-powered front-drive SX+, the all-wheel drive SX is great, particularly if you’re not too bothered by flashy gear and the latest hybrid tech. The diesel makes it even better.

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