Cheaper 2026 Kia Sportage S Hybrids arrive

Kia Australia has quietly expanded its line-up of Sportage Hybrids, with the SX’s and GT-Line’s 173kW/367Nm electrified powertrain now available on the base S trim.

Newly added to the configurator this week, the 2026 Kia Sportage S Hybrid front-wheel drive (FWD) carries a list price of $44,450 plus on-road costs, a figure that grows to $50,990 when all-wheel drive (AWD) is added to the mix.

That predictably makes the S Hybrids dearer than the equivalent petrol and diesel versions, but the extra cash is offset by the extra power, performance and efficiency on offer.

For those in need of a refresher, the Sportage Hybrid combines a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 172kW/367Nm and will supposedly consume between 4.9 and 5.3 litres of fuel per 100km on the combined cycle.

Headline equipment on the S trim includes keyless entry, 17-inch alloys, cloth upholstery, a leather steering wheel, 12.3-inch multimedia screen, parking sensors front and rear, wireless phone projection, a front centre airbag and plenty of driver aids like lane-keep and follow assist, blind-spot collision assist, intelligent speed limit assist, and of course, autonomous emergency braking.

Kia Australia has been gradually expanding its hybrid portfolio in recent times, with additional petrol-electric variants being added to the Sorento, Carnival and now the Sportage line-ups.

carsales understands there’s no immediate rush or demand for Kia to add hybrid versions of the Sportage’s penultimate SX+ grade, however the clock’s ticking on the life expectancy of the popular and punchy turbo-diesel powertrain; the eventual forced retirement of which could pave the way for an SX+ Hybrid to materialise.

How much does the 2026 Kia Sportage cost?
S FWD – $38,490
S CRDi AWD – $43,890
S HEV FWD – $44,450
S HEV AWD – $47,450
SX FWD – $40,980
SX CRDi AWD – $46,380
SX HEV FWD – $46,450
SX HEV AWD – $49,450
SX+ FWD – $45,580
SX+ AWD – $47,580
SX+ CRDi AWD – $50,980
GT-Line AWD – $54,490
GT-Line CRDi AWD – $56,900
GT-Line HEV FWD – $57,370
GT-Line HEV AWD – $60,370
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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