2026 vs. 2027 Kia Sportage, side by side. Same 187-hp engine and EPA ratings. Most 2027 trims list $300 higher. Online purchases include a 7-day / 400-mile money-back.
View 2027 Sportage →Atlanta's Kia Sportage Comparison
2026 Kia Sportage vs. 2027 Kia Sportage: Which One Is The Best?
Short answer: for most buyers, the 2026 Sportage is the better value. The 2026 and 2027 Sportage share the same engine, transmission, EPA ratings, cargo space and dimensions. The difference is price and, on the X-Line, standard equipment. The X-Line's $1,800 increase includes a panoramic sunroof and power liftgate that cost $1,500 as a 2026 option, so its net increase is $300.
Shop Your Way
Buy a Sportage Online. Or Visit Nalley Cars.
Nalley Cars listings show photos, VIN, trim, mileage and price before you visit. Shop with Clicklane, value your trade and arrange delivery.
Spec Sheet
2026 vs. 2027 Kia Sportage: the specs side by side.
Pricing comes from Kia America's 2026 Sportage pricing release (May 7, 2025) and its 2027 Sportage pricing release (August 26, 2026). Specifications come from Kia's published key specs and the 2026 and 2027 Sportage data cited in the table notes.
← Swipe to see all columns →
| Pricing | 2026 Kia Sportage | 2027 Kia Sportage | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP, LX FWD (before destination) | $28,690 | $28,990 | 2026 ($300 less) |
| EX FWD MSRP (before destination) | $30,490 | $30,790 | 2026 ($300 less) |
| X-Line AWD MSRP (before destination) | $32,990 | $34,790 | 2026 ($1,800 less, but the 2027 includes equipment that cost $1,500 in 2026) |
| Top trim MSRP, X-Pro Prestige AWD (before destination) | $39,590 | $39,890 | 2026 ($300 less) |
| Destination charge | $1,395 | $1,495 | 2026 ($100 less) |
| AWD price increase over FWD (LX and EX) | $1,800 | $1,800 | Tie |
| Trim lineup | 9 price points across 6 trims | 9 price points across 6 trims | Tie |
| Powertrain & MPG | 2026 Kia Sportage | 2027 Kia Sportage | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | |||
| Engine | 2.5L GDI inline four-cylinder | 2.5L GDI inline four-cylinder (2,497 cc) | Tie |
| Horsepower | 187 @ 6,100 rpm | 187 @ 6,100 rpm | Tie |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | Tie |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | Tie |
| Drive | FWD on LX, EX, SX and SX-Prestige; AWD optional on LX, EX, SX-Prestige; AWD standard on X-Line and X-Pro Prestige | FWD on LX, EX, SX and SX-Prestige; AWD optional on LX, EX, SX-Prestige; AWD standard on X-Line and X-Pro Prestige | Tie |
| Fuel Economy | |||
| EPA combined, FWD (city / highway) | 28 (25 / 33) | 28 (25 / 33) | Tie |
| EPA combined, AWD (city / highway) | 26 (24 / 30) on LX and EX; 24 (23 / 26) on X-Pro Prestige | 26 (24 / 30) on LX and EX; 24 (23 / 26) on X-Pro Prestige | Tie |
| Fuel tank capacity | 14.3 gal | 14.3 gal | Tie |
| Dimensions & Cargo | 2026 Kia Sportage | 2027 Kia Sportage | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | |||
| Overall length | 183.5 in (KBB) | 184.4 in (Kia key specs) | Verify on window sticker; sources differ |
| Wheelbase | 108.5 in | 108.5 in | Tie |
| Width | 73.4 in | 73.4 in | Tie |
| Height | 65.4 in | 65.4 in (FWD and AWD) | Tie |
| Ground clearance, FWD | 7.1 in (LX) | 7.1 in minimum | Tie |
| Ground clearance, AWD | 8.3 in (LX) | Not in sources reviewed for 2027 | Check spec sheet |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | Tie |
| Cargo | |||
| Cargo behind second row (low floor) | 39.6 cu ft | 39.6 cu ft | Tie |
| Cargo with rear seats folded | 74.1 cu ft | 74.1 cu ft | Tie |
| Comfort, Safety & Tech | 2026 Kia Sportage | 2027 Kia Sportage | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infotainment | 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, standard | Carryover; Kia says most of the gas lineup carries over unchanged | Tie |
| Heated front seats | Standard on EX | Carryover | Tie |
| Blind-spot collision warning | Standard on EX | Carryover | Tie |
| Panoramic sunroof | EX Panorama Roof Package, $1,000 option | Standard on X-Line | 2027 on X-Line |
| Power liftgate | X-Line Premium Package, $1,500 option | Standard on X-Line | 2027 on X-Line |
| New exterior color | Not applicable | Road Rider Brown, with two-tone roof available on X-Line | 2027 only |
Edge column: "2026" or "2027" marks the year with the lower price or higher figure in that row. Sources: Kia America's 2026 Sportage pricing release (May 7, 2025) and 2027 Sportage pricing release (August 26, 2026); Kia's 2026 options table for package prices; EPA ratings for FWD and AWD as published in Kia-sourced key specs and KBB; KBB for 2026 length; Kia's 2027 key specs for 2027 length. Destination for 2026 is $1,395 in Kia's PR Newswire release; a Kia Media copy of the same release lists $1,445, so confirm the destination charge on the window sticker. Confirm all figures on the window sticker before you decide.
Pricing by Trim
Most 2027 trims cost $300 more. The X-Line costs $1,800 more, with equipment included.
Kia's MSRP for each trim, before destination, with the destination-inclusive price for each year. Nalley listing prices for individual vehicles follow below.
← Swipe to see all columns →
| Trim | 2026 MSRP | 2027 MSRP | Change | 2026 with destination | 2027 with destination |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX FWD | $28,690 | $28,990 | +$300 | $30,085 | $30,485 |
| LX AWD | $30,490 | $30,790 | +$300 | $31,885 | $32,285 |
| EX FWD | $30,490 | $30,790 | +$300 | $31,885 | $32,285 |
| EX AWD | $32,290 | $32,590 | +$300 | $33,685 | $34,085 |
| X-Line AWD | $32,990 | $34,790 | +$1,800 | $34,385 | $36,285 |
| SX FWD | $34,290 | $34,590 | +$300 | $35,685 | $36,085 |
| SX-Prestige FWD | $36,290 | $36,590 | +$300 | $37,685 | $38,085 |
| SX-Prestige AWD | $38,090 | $38,390 | +$300 | $39,485 | $39,885 |
| X-Pro Prestige AWD | $39,590 | $39,890 | +$300 | $40,985 | $41,385 |
The X-Line change includes the panoramic sunroof and power liftgate that were the $1,500 X-Line Premium Package in 2026. Priced that way, the 2027 X-Line is $300 more than the 2026 X-Line with the package ($34,490).
Nalley Cars Listing Prices
Prices as displayed on Nalley Cars 2026 Sportage listings. Listings change with inventory and offers, so confirm the current price before you visit. Nalley had no 2027 gas Sportage listings in the results reviewed.
| Vehicle (Nalley Cars listing) | MSRP shown | Dealer fees | Nalley discount | Price shown | Final price after Kia Customer Cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New 2026 Sportage EX FWD, Gravity Gray | $32,790 | $1,098 | −$984 | $32,904 | $32,154 |
| New 2026 Sportage EX FWD, Panthera Metal Gray (includes EX Panorama Roof Package) | $33,850 | $1,098 | −$1,692 | $33,256 | $32,506 |
| New 2026 Sportage SX-Prestige FWD, Ebony Black | $38,460 | $1,098 | −$1,923 | $37,635 | $36,885 |
Listing MSRP can include options and destination, so it will not match Kia's base MSRP. Dealer fees are the $1,098 dealer service charge and title service fee shown on the listings. Listing prices exclude tax, tag and government fees. Kia Customer Cash is shown only where the listing lists it.
Which One Is Best?
The 2026 is the better value. The 2027 makes sense in two cases.
The two model years share engine, transmission, EPA ratings, cargo and dimensions. The difference is price, and in one case, standard equipment.
💰 Choose the 2026 for the lower price
On most trims, the 2027 costs $300 more in MSRP and $400 more with destination. The EX FWD is $31,885 with destination in 2026 and $32,285 in 2027.
🏔️ Choose the 2027 X-Line if you want the equipment standard
The 2027 X-Line includes the panoramic sunroof and power liftgate. In 2026, those came in a $1,500 package on the X-Line. Net of that package, the 2027 X-Line is $300 more.
🔧 Engine and mileage don't decide it
Both years use a 187-hp, 178 lb-ft engine with an 8-speed automatic. EPA ratings are 28 mpg combined for FWD and 26 for AWD on LX and EX.
✅ Compare final prices, not MSRP
Dealer discounts and Kia customer cash can change the result. Nalley's 2026 EX FWD listings show final prices from $32,154 to $32,506. Compare the final price on each vehicle, including dealer fees.
Atlanta Driving Guide
How the Sportage handles Atlanta's commutes, decks and weather.
Fuel costs use EPA combined ratings at $3.00 a gallon. Both model years share the same ratings, so the costs match.
Fuel for a daily commute
A 50-mile round trip over 250 workdays is 12,500 miles a year. At 28 mpg combined, FWD costs about $1,339 a year in fuel. At 26 mpg combined, the LX and EX AWD cost about $1,442.
Parking decks and tight garages
The Sportage is 73.4 inches wide and 65.4 inches tall. Its wheelbase is 108.5 inches. Length is 183.5 inches on the 2026 (KBB) and 184.4 inches on the 2027 (Kia key specs).
Passengers and cargo
The Sportage seats five. Behind the second row it holds 39.6 cubic feet, and with the rear seats folded it holds 74.1 cubic feet. The cargo floor sits on two levels.
AWD and X-Pro
AWD adds $1,800 to the LX and EX in both years. It costs 2 mpg combined compared with FWD. The X-Line and X-Pro Prestige come with AWD as standard, and the X-Pro is rated 24 mpg combined.
What your commute costs in fuel
Estimated yearly fuel at $3.00 a gallon, using EPA combined ratings. Both model years show the same cost for the same drivetrain.
| Miles per year | 2026 FWD (28 mpg) | 2026 AWD, LX and EX (26 mpg) | 2027 FWD (28 mpg) | 2027 AWD, LX and EX (26 mpg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10,000 | ~$1,071 | ~$1,154 | ~$1,071 | ~$1,154 |
| 12,500 | ~$1,339 | ~$1,442 | ~$1,339 | ~$1,442 |
| 15,000 | ~$1,607 | ~$1,731 | ~$1,607 | ~$1,731 |
| 20,000 | ~$2,143 | ~$2,308 | ~$2,143 | ~$2,308 |
Head-to-Head
The 2026 vs. 2027 questions Sportage shoppers ask most.
Prices are Kia MSRP before destination unless noted.
Equipment: heated front seats and blind-spot collision warning are standard on the 2026 EX
2027 wins on: no package to order, and the equipment is standard
Same in both: 187 hp, 8-speed automatic, 39.6 / 74.1 cu ft of cargo
Direct answers, with sources noted.
What changed on the 2027 Sportage?
Kia raised most gas trims by $300 and the X-Line by $1,800. The X-Line now includes a standard panoramic sunroof and smart power liftgate, and it comes in a new Road Rider Brown exterior color. Destination rose from $1,395 to $1,495. Kia says most of the gas range carries over.
Is the 2026 or the 2027 the better value?
For most buyers, the 2026. It costs $300 less on each trim before destination, and the specs match. The 2027 makes more sense if you want the X-Line's sunroof and liftgate without ordering a package, or if the 2026 trim you want is not available.
Does the 2027 Sportage have more power or better mileage?
No. Both years use a 2.5-liter engine rated 187 hp and 178 lb-ft with an 8-speed automatic. EPA ratings are 28 mpg combined for FWD and 26 mpg combined for AWD on LX and EX, and 24 mpg for the X-Pro Prestige.
Which trim is the best value in 2026?
The EX FWD at $30,490 MSRP is the most common comparison point. A 2026 EX review lists standard heated front seats, a power rear hatch and blind-spot collision warning. AWD adds $1,800 to either the LX or the EX.
Is there a hybrid Sportage?
Yes. Kia lists the 2027 Sportage Hybrid from $30,590 MSRP and the Plug-in Hybrid from $40,590 MSRP, both before a $1,495 destination charge. The hybrids are priced separately from the gas models on this page.
Can I buy a Sportage online from Nalley Cars?
Yes. Nalley Cars listings say Shop with Clicklane and offer easy delivery. Eligible online purchases include a 7-day / 400-mile money-back. Nalley Cars is at 6655 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30328, GA, and you can call (678) 831-4910.
How much cargo space does the Sportage have?
The Sportage has 39.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, in both model years.
See Photos, Features and Pricing. Then Buy Online or Visit Nalley.
Compare the 2026 and 2027 Kia Sportage, then buy online with Clicklane or visit Nalley Cars in Atlanta. Eligible online purchases include a 7-day / 400-mile money-back.