2027 Kia Sportage: What's New, What's Changing, and What Stays the Same

The 2027 Kia Sportage is a carry-over year with a few targeted updates, not a redesign, so if you already know the current Sportage, most of this will feel familiar. Kia refreshed the Sportage for 2026, and the 2027 keeps that look and its three-powertrain lineup (gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid) while sharpening the X-Line trim and adding front-wheel-drive hybrid choices. This guide covers exactly what is different for 2027, what the three powertrains offer, and how to shop the Sportage today.

Update type: Carry-over year with targeted updates (refreshed for 2026). Gas engine: 2.5L four-cylinder (187 horsepower) with an 8-speed automatic. Hybrid: Turbocharged 1.6L hybrid (232 combined horsepower) with a 6-speed automatic. Plug-in hybrid: Turbocharged 1.6L plug-in (about 261 combined horsepower); up to 33 miles electric range. Drive: Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (plug-in hybrid is all-wheel drive only). Seating: Five passengers. Starting price: $28,990 for the gas LX with front-wheel drive (plus $1,495 destination).

The gas X-Line trim gains a standard panoramic sunroof and a Smart Power Liftgate for 2027, which brings its standard equipment in line with the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid X-Line models. A new Road Rider Brown exterior color joins the palette, with an available two-tone roof.

The Sportage Hybrid adds front-wheel drive on more trims for 2027 (the S and EX), where front-wheel drive was previously limited to the base trim. That gives hybrid shoppers a lower price of entry if they do not need all-wheel drive. A new Hybrid X-Line with Tech Package also joins the lineup.

Kia is now building the Sportage Hybrid at more than one plant, including the new HMGMA Metaplant in Savannah, Georgia. For buyers, the practical upside is simply more hybrid availability as supply ramps up.

The headline for 2027 is that there is no headline. Kia redesigned and refreshed the Sportage for 2026, so the 2027 keeps that styling, interior, and powertrain lineup, with the targeted X-Line and hybrid updates noted above. If you are cross-shopping a leftover 2026 Sportage, the two years are very close mechanically.

BODY: Gas Sportage pricing (MSRP, before the $1,495 destination charge) runs as follows:
LX front-wheel drive | $28,990
LX all-wheel drive | $30,790
EX front-wheel drive | $30,790
EX all-wheel drive | $32,590
SX front-wheel drive | $34,590
X-Line all-wheel drive | $34,790
SX-Prestige front-wheel drive | $36,590
The Hybrid starts at $30,590 (LX front-wheel drive) and tops out at $40,690 (SX-Prestige all-wheel drive). The Plug-in Hybrid is offered in two all-wheel-drive trims: X-Line at $40,590 and X-Line Prestige at $47,390. All-wheel drive is a $1,800 option on gas trims where it is not standard. Pricing does not include taxes, title, license, or dealer fees; ask for current numbers on a specific vehicle.

The core lineup carries over. The gas Sportage still uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (187 horsepower) with an 8-speed automatic, the Hybrid still delivers 232 combined horsepower, and the Plug-in Hybrid returns unchanged. Dual 12.3-inch displays with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard, and the roomy cabin carries over. Kia's warranty coverage continues at 10 years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain.

The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 187 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available. Kia rates the gas front-wheel-drive Sportage at about 25 city, 33 highway, and 28 combined mpg.

The Hybrid pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor for 232 combined horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of torque, returning roughly 41 mpg combined in front-wheel-drive form. Choose it if you want strong fuel economy and a bit more punch.

The Plug-in Hybrid adds a larger battery for up to 33 miles of all-electric driving, enough to cover many daily commutes on electricity alone. It comes with all-wheel drive standard and about 261 combined horsepower.

The Sportage and the Sorento both serve different needs. The Sportage is a five-seat compact SUV, priced lower and easier to park, suitable for individuals, couples, and smaller families. The Sorento steps up to a larger body with an available third row, seating up to seven. If you need more room, look at the Sorento; if a right-sized two-row SUV fits your life, the Sportage is the pick.

Because 2027 is a carry-over year, a leftover 2026 Sportage can make a lot of sense if the discount is right. Go with the 2027 if you want the updated gas X-Line with its sunroof and power liftgate, the new color, or the expanded front-wheel-drive hybrid trims. Either way, we will work through the numbers with you, with no pressure. We make it EASY!

Kunes Kia of Springfield has Kia Sportage SUVs in stock, and 2027 models are added to this page as they arrive. Browse the live inventory below, then stop in for a test drive.

The 2027 Sportage is a carry-over year with targeted updates, including the gas X-Line adding a panoramic sunroof and Smart Power Liftgate, with a new color and expanded front-drive hybrid options.

No. Kia refreshed the Sportage for 2026, and the 2027 carries that design forward.

The gas Sportage starts at $28,990 for the LX with front-wheel drive. The Hybrid starts at $30,590, and the Plug-in Hybrid starts at $40,590.

Three choices: a 2.5-liter gas four-cylinder, a 1.6-liter turbo hybrid, and a 1.6-liter turbo plug-in hybrid.

About 41 mpg combined in front-wheel-drive form. The gas front-wheel-drive Sportage is rated around 28 mpg combined.

Yes. All-wheel drive is available on both the gas and hybrid Sportage, while the Plug-in Hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Call us at (888) 578-7644 or stop by Kunes Kia of Springfield to test drive the Sportage, and we will let you know as 2027 models arrive.