Kia has released a new entry-level hybrid version of its Sportage mid-size crossover SUV, with a sub-$45,000 price tag that makes it more affordable than both of its chief rivals.
The new 2026 Kia Sportage S HEV (hybrid) has been priced at $44,450 before on-road costs, undercutting the cheapest version of the upcoming new-generation 2026 Toyota RAV4 range – the GX Hybrid FWD ($45,990 plus on-roads).
Kia’s new Sportage hybrid price-leader reduces the admission price of the petrol-electric mid-size SUV lineup by $2000 compared to the existing SX HEV ($46,450 plus ORCs), but still commands a $5960 price premium over the equivalent non-hybrid, front-wheel drive Sportage S, which uses a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.
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Until February 29, 2026, Kia Australia is now also offering 2025-built versions of the new Sportage HEV S variant for $44,490 drive-away, making it cheaper than the entry-level, front-drive 2026Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, which is currently available for $44,990 drive-away, though its list price (excluding ORCs) is lower than the Kia’s at $42,850.
National drive-away deals are also now available for the pre-existing Sportage hybrids, including the SX HEV FWD at $48,490 ($46,450 plus ORCs), the SX HEV AWD at $51,990 ($49,450 plus ORCs), the GT-Line HEV FWD at $59,490 ($57,370 plus ORCs), and the GT-Line HEV AWD at $62,990 ($60,370 plus ORCs) – excluding Western Australia where all grades are $1000 pricier.
Pricing for a new entry-level Sportage S hybrid all-wheel drive variant has also been revealed ahead of its arrival in local showrooms, at $47,450 plus ORCs or, until the end of this month, $49,990 drive-away.
Compared to the existing Sportage SX hybrid, standard equipment missing from the new base S grade include native satellite navigation, rain-sensing wipers, two-way driver’s lumbar adjustment, and gloss black exterior trim, while its wheels shrink from 18- to 17-inch alloys.
However, standard features continue to include a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Kia Connect, adaptive cruise control, DAB+ digital radio, 4.2-inch driver’s display, six-speaker audio, cloth seat trim, and leatherette steering wheel trim.
Hybrid versions of the Kia Sportage incorporate a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine combined with an electric motor and a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.
Combined outputs are listed at 173kW of power and 367Nm of torque, and combined fuel consumption is listed at 4.9L/100km for front-drive configurations (5.3L/100km for AWDs).
The addition of the two new base hybrid grades brings to 15 the total number of Sportage variants now available, and the number of hybrid model grades to six.
While the recently upgraded fifth-generation Sportage remains the only mainstream (sub-$60,000) mid-size SUV still available with a diesel engine, its sixth-generation successor is expected to be offered only with hybrid and plug-in hybrid power when it’s released in the second half of next year.