2026 Kia Sportage X-PRO Prestige: Start Up, Test Drive & In Depth Review

0:00 Hey everyone, how's it going?

0:02 Thanks so much for tuning in.

0:05 Today we're going to be taking an indepth look at the 2026 Kia Sportage XPro.

0:13 As with all of my reviews, I'm going to cover all of the ins

0:16 and outs and take this thing on a thorough drive.

0:19 Of course, there's a whole lot of stuff to cover.

0:21 So, without further ado, let's go ahead and start her up and let her run.

0:27 What the[ __] For the 2026 model year,

1:01 the Sportage receives its most substantial update

1:04 since the current fifth generation model launched,

1:07 refining a platform that already marked

1:09 a major leap forward over the previous generation.

1:13 When this generation debuted, it arrived as a clean sheet redesign

1:18 built on Kia's third generation N3 platform,

1:22 replacing the outgoing architecture with a longer,

1:25 wider, and more rigid structure.

1:29 Compared to the prior Sportage, this generation grew significantly,

1:34 riding on a wheelbase more than 3 in longer and stretching over

1:38 7 in in overall length with added gains in both width and height.

1:44 Those changes translated directly into everyday usability,

1:47 delivering best-in-class rear seat legroom at launch and one

1:51 of the largest cargo areas in the compact SUV segment.

1:55 advantages that still define the Sportage three model years on.

2:00 The N3 platform also brought meaningful engineering

2:04 improvements with greater use of hot stamped components

2:08 and ultra high strength steel to increase

2:10 torsional rigidity while additional sound deadening reduced road,

2:14 wind, and powertrain noise compared to the previous generation.

2:19 Platform flexibility allowed Kia to expand

2:22 the Sportage's powertrain strategy beyond a single gasoline offering to include

2:28 turbocharged hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.

2:32 The latter introducing up to 32 mi of all-electric driving.

2:37 For 2026, Kia builds on that foundation

2:41 with further refined powertrains across the board,

2:44 including a 2 and a half liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder for gas models,

2:49 a refined turbocharged hybrid producing 231 horsepower,

2:54 and a turbo plug-in hybrid delivering 268 horsepower.

2:59 Design continues to evolve with a more

3:02 confident execution of Kia's opposites united language,

3:06 highlighted by revised front and rear fasc, updated wheel designs,

3:10 and LED star map lighting with amber daytime running lights.

3:16 Inside, the cabin receives one of its

3:18 most meaningful midcycle upgrades with a driver

3:21 focused panoramic layout integrating dual 12.3

3:25 in displays beneath a single curved panel.

3:28 wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the board and available features

3:33 such as a new 10-in head-up display and expanded digital key functionality.

3:40 The trim lineup spans a wide range of buyer priorities with the LX

3:45 serving as the valueoriented entry point focused on core safety and comfort.

3:49 The EX with upgraded upholstery and more standard features.

3:53 The SX adding advanced driver assistance systems and a panoramic sunroof.

3:58 And the SX Prestige pushing further into luxury territory.

4:03 Above those sit the adventure oriented trims where the X-line

4:07 introduces a tougher visual and functional edge with dark exterior trim,

4:12 raised roof rails, standard active all-wheel drive,

4:15 terrain modes, and a unique wheel design.

4:18 While the XPro Prestige builds on that formula with light off-road hardware,

4:23 including 17-in wheels wrapped in BFG Goodrich all-terrain tires,

4:28 additional ruggedized exterior elements, LED projector lighting,

4:32 a heated windshield and washer nozzles,

4:35 and exclusive touches like available two-tone roof schemes.

4:40 Drivetrain availability varies by trim with LX, EX, SX,

4:45 and SX Prestige models coming standard with front-wheel drive

4:49 and offering optional all-wheel drive for an additional $1,800.

4:54 While Xline and X-Pro Prestige, include active all-wheel drive as standard.

5:00 Pricing for the 2026 Sportage, including the $1,395 destination charge,

5:06 starts at $30,285 for the LX and climbs

5:11 all the way to $41,85 for the XPro Prestige.

5:17 The XPro Prestige I'm reviewing carries a total MSRP of $42,185,

5:24 reflecting options such as Wolf Gay paint, carpeted floor mats, a cargo cover,

5:30 and a carpeted cargo mat with seatback protection.

5:34 Buyers can choose from 11 exterior colors on the XPro,

5:38 including four two-tone combinations,

5:41 with this combination representing a $595 upcharge.

5:47 The 2026 Sportage is offered with a fresh lineup of alloy wheels with each

5:53 trim offering a unique design to distinguish it from the rest of the lineup.

5:58 Diameters range between 17 and 19 in.

6:03 The XPro Prestige features 17 by7in matte black off-road wheels.

6:09 In contrast to the Xline,

6:11 which is fitted with 19 by 7 1/2 in gloss black wheels,

6:16 the X Pro wheels stylistically are very similar to the Xline,

6:21 which uses a combination of contrasting geometric shapes such as squares,

6:26 triangles, and an octagon with lug covers that offer a cleaner look.

6:32 The XPRO's wheels are wrapped in 23565 BFG Goodrich all-terrain tires.

6:38 A compact spare tire can be found in the cargo area.

6:43 The brakes are a simple but effective setup consisting of 12.8 in internally

6:48 ventilated discs in the front and 12-in solid discs in the rear.

6:53 Each disc is paired with a single piston caliper.

6:57 Four-wheel, four channel,

6:58 four sensor ABS with electronic brake force distribution is standard

7:03 along with driver selectable downhill brake control and hill start assist.

7:09 The parking brake is electrically operated

7:11 and features a selectable auto hold function.

7:15 The switch to manually toggle it on or off is on the left side of the dash,

7:20 while autoh hold can be toggled by a button in the center console.

7:25 The brakes perform as you'd expect for the segment with good pedal

7:28 feel that's responsive and progressive

7:31 with consistent performance after multiple harder stops.

7:35 As in years past, the Sportage's suspension

7:38 tuning is less sport and more comfort.

7:41 It's an allround mildmannered daily driver that's easy to live with.

7:46 As expected, there's some body roll when pushed hard into corners,

7:50 but I always felt it was controlled and predictable.

7:53 The suspension design consists of McFersonson struts in front with coil springs,

7:58 gas shocks, and a stabilizer bar.

8:01 The rear suspension is a multi-link design

8:04 that also incorporates gas shocks and a stabilizer bar.

8:08 All-wheel drive trims benefit from 8.3 in of ground clearance,

8:13 which is8 in more than you get on frontwheel drive models.

8:18 This also applies to the Xline and X Pro.

8:22 The Sportage steering is a motordriven rack and pinion

8:26 setup that features a 13.7 to1 overall ratio.

8:30 It offers a well-waited feel that gives you an appreciable amount of feedback.

8:35 It takes 2.41 turns to go from lock to lock and the turning diameter is 38.6 ft.

8:43 The unique two-spoke steering wheel is leatherwrapped on all trims

8:46 with thick bolstering up top and a flattened bottom section.

8:51 It also features a variety of controls on the upper

8:53 spokes that allow easy access to cruise control,

8:56 audio, vehicle information, hands-free telephone and voice commands,

9:00 and even drive and if equipped, the terrain modes.

9:05 The steering wheel is manually adjustable for tilt and reach.

9:09 And on the Prestige trims, including the XPro, the steering wheel is heated.

9:14 All trims feature a wide panel display that incorporates two screens,

9:19 one for the instrument cluster and one for the infotainment system.

9:23 The standard setup on the LX, EX,

9:26 and SX incorporates a 4.2 in multi-information display,

9:31 as well as a digital speedometer and tachometer.

9:35 Offered on the SX and X-line and included on the Prestige

9:39 trims is a more premium setup referred to as the supervision cluster.

9:44 A curved panoramic type display

9:46 that offers greater functionality and prettier graphics.

9:50 While the standard setup can be altered in color,

9:53 either manually or according to the drive mode,

9:56 the more premium setup can be reconfigured in layout and style from different

10:01 colors and fonts to traditional or digital

10:04 readouts for the speedometer and tachometer.

10:07 It too has a similar driver's information system

10:10 in the middle that incorporates things like trip and fuel info,

10:14 navigation, and driver assistance information.

10:19 The 2026 Sportage offers a smart stream G2

10:23 and a 12 L direct injected and multiport injected gasoline engine

10:28 as well as available 1.6 L direct injected turbocharged

10:32 hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains that offer noticeable performance gains.

10:38 The standard 2 and 1/2 L engine produces 187 horsepower

10:42 at 6,100 RPM and 178 pound- feet of torque at 4,000 RPM.

10:50 It's built using aluminum for the block

10:52 and head and features four valves per cylinder,

10:54 variable valve timing, and a 13:1 compression ratio.

10:59 The engine is paired to an 8-speed [music] automatic transmission.

11:03 And when it comes to performance,

11:04 the Sportage does leave a little to be desired.

11:08 It does prioritize everyday efficiency over outright speed.

11:12 Hitting 60 mph with all-wheel drive takes about 9 seconds.

11:17 No, you're not going to find stellar

11:19 acceleration with most of its direct competitors either,

11:23 including the Hyundai Tucson, which is the Sportage's mechanical cousin,

11:27 but it is on the slower end of the competitive set.

11:31 That being said, I did very much enjoy driving this.

11:35 The transmission shift responsiveness was reasonably

11:39 quick and the changes were smooth.

11:41 Around town, it felt plenty quick.

11:44 It's honestly a pleasant commuter.

11:47 All gas trims have a traditional console-mounted gear selector.

11:51 Simple and straightforward.

11:53 You simply press the brake and pull it back to engage.

11:56 While in drive, you can tip the shifter

11:59 over to the left to activate tiptronic shifting.

12:03 When it comes to fuel economy,

12:04 the gas setup is rated between 25 mp gallon in the city

12:08 and 33 mp gallon on the highway with front-wheel drive and 24 city,

12:14 30 highway with all-wheel drive.

12:17 The X Pro with its increased ride height, all-wheel drive,

12:21 and meteor tires is rated at 23 city, 24 highway.

12:27 During my week of driving this example, I averaged around 24 mp gallon.

12:32 Regular unled is the fuel of choice and the tank capacity is 14.3 gall.

12:39 The available active all-wheel drive system uses

12:42 electro-hydraulic coupling with a center locking differential

12:46 to actively distribute power between the front

12:48 and rear wheels dependent on road and driving conditions.

12:53 In addition, you also get driver selectable terrain modes,

12:57 including snow, mud, and sand.

13:00 The standard drive modes include normal, sport, and my drive.

13:06 The ladder allows you to tailor powertrain

13:08 behavior and steering feel to your liking.

13:11 It's customized from the infotainment system.

13:15 For the powertrain, there's an extra mode called smart,

13:18 which will enable the powertrain to adapt

13:20 its behavior according to your current driving style.

13:42 Heat.

13:53 Heat.

14:14 Heat.

14:24 Heat.

14:37 Heat.

14:42 Heat.

14:50 [snorts] The interior for 2026 represents one of the most

15:16 meaningful areas of improvement in this midcycle refresh.

15:19 fresh, presenting a cabin that feels more premium,

15:23 more connected, and better executed across the lineup.

15:27 The overall design is clean and modern

15:29 with comfort and adjustability scaling logically by trim level,

15:34 including available power adjustable front seats,

15:37 integrated memory settings for the driver seat and outside mirrors,

15:41 and optional power folding side mirrors

15:43 that make maneuvering in tight parking situations easier.

15:48 Available heated rear seats add an extra layer

15:50 of cold weather comfort for second row passengers,

15:54 while new accent trim finishes across the instrument panel,

15:57 center console, and door panels are designed to reduce

16:00 fingerprint smudging and give the interior a cleaner, more refined appearance.

16:06 The adventure focused Xline and X-Pro Prestige trims introduce their own

16:12 rugged identity and unique detailing with the X-Pro Prestige specifically

16:17 having all of the bells and whistles and quilted Saturn black

16:21 syntax seat upholstery that reinforces

16:24 its upscale yet outdoors oriented mission.

16:28 If you want a bolder, more expressive interior look,

16:32 the SX Prestige offers perforated and quilted carmine red syntax upholstery,

16:38 something I wish Kia had made available on the XPro as well.

16:43 As I mentioned, the XPro further separates itself with exclusive cold

16:48 weather features such as a heated windshield and heated washer nozzles.

16:54 Technology begins with Kia's newly

16:57 integrated connected car navigation cockpit system,

17:01 which uses a 12.3 inch LCD touchscreen and on higher trims pairs

17:07 it with a customizable digital instrument

17:09 cluster to create a wide panoramic layout.

17:13 The screens are highly configurable, easy to read even in bright daylight,

17:18 and respond much like a modern smartphone

17:21 with intuitive touch inputs and extensive split

17:24 screen functionality that allows drivers to customize

17:27 what information is shown at any given time.

17:31 Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

17:34 integration are standard across all trims.

17:37 Bluetooth multiconnection allows two devices to be

17:40 paired simultaneously for phone calls and streaming audio.

17:44 And traditional media features such as AM, FM, HD,

17:48 satellite radio, USB connectivity,

17:50 and integrated voice controls are all supported.

17:54 Additional infotainment functionality includes features such

17:58 as voice memo recording, a valet mode,

18:01 access to weather information and sports scores,

18:04 and available invehicle video playback functionality when parked.

18:09 For quieter moments, Kia also includes a Sounds of Nature ambient

18:14 audio system that offers a variety of calming soundsscapes,

18:18 allowing the cabin to feel more like a peaceful retreat when stationary.

18:23 A key visual and functional element of the dashboard

18:26 is the digital audio and climate control

18:28 interface positioned beneath the central screen which toggles

18:32 between media and HVAC functions to control temperature,

18:36 fan speed, seat heating and ventilation,

18:39 audio volume and track selection through a single touch sensitive panel.

18:44 It looks sleek and futuristic and helps keep the dashboard visually uncluttered,

18:50 especially at night when the backlighting subtly

18:52 shifts depending on which mode is active.

18:55 Though, in my opinion, traditional physical knobs and buttons would still be

19:00 easier and less distracting to use while driving,

19:03 particularly for quick adjustments without taking your eyes off the road.

19:08 The electrified Sportage variants expand the technology

19:11 offering further with an available 10-in head-up display,

19:15 which projects navigation prompts, driver assistance alerts,

19:19 and turnbyturn directions directly into the driver's line of sight.

19:24 Charging needs are addressed through a wireless charging

19:27 pad positioned at the front of the center console,

19:30 along with USB type-C charging ports for both front and rear passengers.

19:36 audio files can opt for the Harmon Carton premium audio system for a richer,

19:41 more immersive listening experience.

19:44 It's a 400W system that consists of eight speakers.

19:49 When equipped with the connected car navigation cockpit system,

19:53 Kia Connect enables a deeper digital ecosystem,

19:57 including infotainment and eligible vehicle software overthe-air updates

20:02 that allow supported features to expand over time.

20:06 Through the Kia Connect store, owners can access a growing library of optional

20:11 digital features such as music and video streaming services,

20:15 enhanced personalization options, and expanded Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity.

20:22 Additional convenience features enabled through

20:24 Kia Connect include remote engine start, cabin preconditioning,

20:29 vehicle lock status monitoring, maintenance scheduling,

20:32 connected routing that includes cloud-based traffic data,

20:36 and learned driving habits,

20:38 smartwatch capability through the Kia Access application,

20:42 stolen vehicle tracking and immobilization,

20:45 and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capable of connecting up to five devices.

20:52 A standard smart key with pushb button start includes remote start capability.

20:57 While available, ultra wideband based digital key 2.0

21:01 premium allows compatible smart devices to lock, unlock,

21:05 and start the vehicle without carrying a physical key fob,

21:08 and it also supports secure digital key sharing.

21:13 Safety and driver assistance technology are

21:16 comprehensive and layered across the lineup.

21:18 Beginning with standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist,

21:23 and vehicle detection,

21:25 hands-on detection that monitor steering wheel engagement,

21:28 lane keeping assist, lane following assist, blind spot collision warning,

21:33 rear cross traffic collision avoidance, and driver attention warning.

21:37 Available systems build from there to include forward

21:40 collision avoidance assist with direct oncoming detection and avoidance,

21:45 highway driving assist 2 with lane

21:47 change assist and navigationbased speed control.

21:51 Evasive steering support and expanded parking assistance featuring

21:56 parking distance warning for the front, sides, and rear.

22:00 A 360° surround view monitor with a 3D

22:04 view and remote 360°ree view through Kia Connect.

22:09 Passive safety is handled by a full

22:11 airbag system that includes dual front airbags,

22:15 front seatmounted side impact airbags, fulllength side curtain airbags,

22:19 and rear seat side airbags providing

22:22 comprehensive protection for occupants in both rows.

22:27 The rear seat of the Sportage remains one of its strongest attributes,

22:31 combining generous space with thoughtful comfort and usability features.

22:36 As a two row vehicle with seating for up to five,

22:39 the rear bench can accommodate three passengers without too much fuss.

22:44 Though the center position is still best suited for shorter

22:47 trips due to its slightly firmer cushion and narrower footwell.

22:52 Child seat accommodations are also well-andled

22:55 with clearly marked lower latch anchors on the outboard positions and top

22:59 tether anchors for all three seating positions.

23:03 All three headrests are height adjustable with the center headrest

23:07 designed to be more compact to help preserve rearward visibility.

23:12 And if it's not needed, there's a padded fold down armrest with integrated

23:16 cup holders that adds comfort for outboard passengers.

23:20 Rear seat amenities vary by trim,

23:22 but higher trims and packages, like I touched on earlier,

23:26 can include heated outboard rear seats and a large

23:29 panoramic glass roof that extends over the second row,

23:33 allowing plenty of natural light into the cabin.

23:37 In terms of space, the Sportage continues to lead

23:40 its segment with 41.3 in of rear legroom,

23:44 translating into a very adult-friendly space.

23:48 I'm 5' 10 in and with the front seat set to where I would comfortably sit,

23:53 I had ample knee and headroom.

23:56 Entry and exit are easy thanks to wideopening

23:59 rear doors and a relatively low step-in height.

24:03 The rear seatbacks recline via levers at the base of the outer

24:06 cushions and lean back far enough

24:09 to noticeably improve comfort on longer drives.

24:12 Cushioning is supportive without feeling too firm,

24:15 and the synthetic leather upholstery matches

24:18 the look and feel of the front seats.

24:21 Practical touches round out the space,

24:23 including adjustable rear console air vents

24:26 with a small storage pocket beneath them.

24:28 Dual USB charging ports integrated into the front seatbacks,

24:33 seatback storage pockets and hooks, bottle holders in the lower door panels,

24:37 overhead LED lighting, grab handles, and coat hooks.

24:43 Cargo space is another area where the Sportage really delivers.

24:47 Not just in terms of raw volume,

24:49 but in how usable and well-laid out the space actually is.

24:53 With the rear seats in place, you get up to 39.6 cubic feet of cargo room,

24:59 which is more than enough for groceries, luggage, or weekend gear.

25:04 Folding the second row expands total capacity to just over 74 cubic feet.

25:11 The rear seatbacks use a 60/40 splitfolding design and can be

25:16 dropped easily using the pull handles located right inside the cargo area.

25:22 Once folded, they lock into place and create a flat practical load floor,

25:27 provided the cargo floor is set in its upper position.

25:31 One of the Sportage's standout features back here is the dual level cargo floor,

25:36 which is standard on gasoline and hybrid models.

25:40 It allows you to reposition the floor lower for extra vertical cargo height

25:46 or keep it raised for a flatter load surface and hidden underfloor storage.

25:51 The setup adds real flexibility, though it's worth noting the dual level

25:55 floor is not available on the plug-in hybrid.

26:00 Depending on trim level and package,

26:02 the Sportage is also available with a smart power liftgate,

26:06 which is one of the more userfriendly systems out there.

26:09 Instead of waving your foot under the bumper,

26:12 it simply recognizes the smart key when you stand behind the vehicle.

26:16 It beeps a few times and it opens automatically after a short delay.

26:21 You can also disable the smart system if you want.

26:25 The liftgate is height adjustable,

26:27 which is handy for low garages or shorter users.

26:31 The cargo area includes multiple tie down hooks,

26:34 integrated LED lighting, and a 12volt power outlet.

26:38 A retractable cargo cover is available if you wanted to keep items out of sight.

26:44 Well everyone, that's going to wrap it up for this video.

26:46 I hope you all enjoyed.

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26:58 I'll see you guys on the next one.

27:00 Take care.