2026 Kia Sportage Trim-Levels Comparison
The Kia Sportage is a medium sized SUV with a spacious cabin, a large boot (which beats many of it's rivals in this segment), excellent quality interior, dual 12.3-inch screens on all models and a range of engines for most tastes; from a petrol option, to full hybrid or plug-in hybrid models, AWD is also available as you move up the range. The Sportage is also extremely competitively priced.
Demand for medium sized SUVs in the UK is unprecedented, in September 8 out of the top 10 best sellers are small or medium SUVs/Crossovers, with just the Vauxhall Corsa and VW Golf breaking the trend.
It says a lot about Kia and the Sportage that it sells it such big numbers in a highly competitive segment. It competes with familiar vehicles like the Nissan Qashqai and some of the less familiar Chinese offerings which are rapidly growing in popularity, the JAECOO 7 and BYD SEAL U are selling very well in the UK, both models feature a long list of standard equipment and they are extremely competitively priced.
The 2025/2026 model features three trim-levels: the Pure, GT-Line, and GT-Line S. Former trim-levels like the boringly named ‘2’ and ‘3’ and no more, they are essentially replaced with the entry-level Pure model. The mild hybrid engine is phased out for a choice of a petrol, full self-charging hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
The Kia Sportage Pure Model
Engines
The Pure model is available with the 1.6 T-GDi petrol engine (147bhp) with 6-speed manual gearbox (it also be had with a 7-Speed DCT automatic), and there is a 1.6 T-GDi HEV full hybrid (235bhp). Both engines are punchy enough, the petrol model can get you from 0-60mph in a tad under 9 seconds according to official figures, while the full hybrid is as you’d expect sharper off the mark, achieving 0-60mph in potentially just under 8 seconds.
Economy figures for the petrol (manual) models is around the 45mpg mark, while the full hybrid could potentially offer a tad over 50mpg. That said the full hybrid will set you back around £3500 more.
Standard Equipment
The Pure model features as standard; 17-inch alloy wheels, all round LED lights, silver roof rails and heated door mirrors with integrated LED indicators.
Inside you get twin 12-3-inch screens (driver display and touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment system features integrated navigation, if you prefer Google or Apple Maps, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available, and if you are missing AI while on the go, don't worry ChatGPT is integrated. Cloth interior and dual zone automatic air conditioning are also included.
Driver aids and safety tech include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection, lane keep assist, driver attention warning, rear parking sensors, reversing camera and trailer stability assist (it utilises electronic stability control system to automatically detect and correct trailer sway).
Optional Extras
A panoramic sunroof and metallic paint are available at an extra cost.
The Kia Sportage GT-Line Model
Engines
You get a choice of the 1.6 T-GDi petrol engine (147bhp) with 6-speed manual gearbox (also available with a 7-Speed DCT automatic), and there is a 1.6 T-GDi HEV full hybrid (235bhp).
Standard Equipment In Addition To The Pure Model
You get 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels on petrol models and 19-inch on hybrid models, GT-Line styling which includes a gloss black grille, windows surrounds and skid plates, privacy glass and front fog lights are also included.
Inside the GT-Line builds on the Pure model with leather/suede interior, heated front seats/steering wheel, ambient lighting and alloy pedals.
The list of driver and safety tech is expanded with the addition of blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
Available Options
A panoramic sunroof and premium Harman Kardon audio system are available.
The Kia Sportage GT-Line S
Engines
You get a choice of the petrol, full hybrid or a plug-in hybrid, the plug-in offers potentially over 40 miles in full electric mode. AWD can also be had with the hybrid and plug-in models.
Standard Equipment
The top spec builds on the GT-Line model with the addition of the following standard equipment: adaptive headlights, panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate and roof rails in gloss black.
Inside it adds to the GT-Line spec with ventilated and heated front seats, heated rear seats, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function and customisable ambient lighting. The audio system gets an upgrade too with a premium Harmon Kardon system as standard, there's also a head-up display and digital key.
The driver assistance tech is further upgraded over the GT-Line model with the addition of a semi-autonomous highway driving assist system, parking collision avoidance, blind spot view monitors, 360 camera and front parking sensors.