2027 Kia Sportage Review: Specs, Hybrid & Price in USA
2027 Kia Sportage Review
2027 Kia Sportage Price, Specs, MPG & Trims Guide for USA Buyers
By Booom Racing | Updated October 9, 2026 | Prices are MSRP before the $1,495 destination charge
| 187HPGas Engine | 28MPGGas Combined | 40+MPGHybrid FWD | 74.1CU FTMax Cargo |
Introduction
The Kia Sportage SUV is the brand's best seller in America, and it is easy to see why. This Sportage Kia model is a five-seat compact crossover that sits between the small Seltos and the three-row Sorento, and it looks like nothing else in its class. It is packed with screens and safety tech, and Kia backs it with a long warranty. You can choose a 2.5-liter gas engine, a turbocharged hybrid or a plug-in hybrid, in trims that run from the simple LX to the loaded SX Prestige and the off-road-styled X Pro. For 2027, the formula stays the same, but the 2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid finally gets a cheaper way in. In this Kia Sportage 2027 review, covering the Kia Sportage 2027 Hybrid too, I break down every trim, the real prices, the known problems and how the Sportage stacks up against the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. If you are shopping for a family SUV under $40,000, read on.
What's New for 2027?
Most of the Kia 2027 Sportage lineup carries over, but there are a few changes that matter to buyers.
- The Sportage Hybrid now offers front wheel drive on the S and EX trims, which lowers the entry price.
- Hybrid production is now dual sourced, including Kia's new plant near Savannah, Georgia.
- The hybrid X Line gets a new Technology Package with a 360 degree camera, a 12.3 inch digital cluster, navigation, Harman Kardon audio and Highway Drive Assist.
- The gas X Line now includes a panoramic sunroof and a smart power liftgate as standard.
- A new Road Rider Brown paint arrives with an optional two tone roof.
- The base LX FWD price rises by $200, and the plug in hybrid returns unchanged.
2027 Kia Sportage Specs
⚙️ Engine & Performance ▶+−
| Gas Engine | 2.5L 4 cylinder | Gas Power | 187 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Gas Torque | 178 lb ft | Gas Gearbox | 8 speed automatic |
| Hybrid | 1.6L turbo hybrid, 227 hp combined | Hybrid Gearbox | 6 speed automatic |
| Plug In Hybrid | 265 hp combined | Drivetrain | FWD or AWD (PHEV is AWD only) |
| Hybrid 0 to 60 | About 7.7 sec (road test, 2026 AWD) | Gas 0 to 60 | No verified figure found |
| Hybrid Torque | 258 lb ft combined | Drive Modes | Eco, Sport, MyDrive, plus Snow, Mud and Sand on AWD |
| Fuel System | Direct plus multi port injection (gas) | Displacement | 2,497 cc, 16 valve (gas) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson strut, gas shocks | Rear Suspension | Independent multi link, gas shocks |
| Steering | Motor driven power steering, 13.7:1 ratio, 2.41 turns lock to lock | Brakes | 4 wheel disc with ABS, 12.8 in front and 11.8 in rear rotors |
| Tires | 235/65R17 or 235/60R18 by trim | AWD System | Optional on most trims, Terrain modes on AWD |
| Turning Circle | About 37 to 39 ft (non US listings) | Top Speed | No verified figure found |
💡 Real World Benefit: the gas engine is fine for commuting, but the hybrid adds real passing power and better mileage.
⛽ Efficiency & Capability ▶+−
| Gas MPG (FWD) | 25 city / 33 hwy / 28 combined | Gas MPG (AWD) | 24 city / 30 hwy / 26 combined |
| Hybrid MPG (FWD) | 41 city / 44 hwy / 42 combined | Hybrid MPG (AWD) | 35 city / 36 hwy / 35 combined |
| PHEV Efficiency | 83 to 84 MPGe, about 36 MPG when the battery is empty | PHEV Electric Range | Up to about 34 miles |
| PHEV Battery | 13.8 kWh lithium ion | PHEV Charging | About 2 hrs on Level 2 (7.2 kW charger), about 11 hrs on a standard outlet |
| Total Range | Gas about 400 miles (14.3 gal x 28 MPG), PHEV up to 427 miles | Fuel Type | Regular unleaded, 87 octane |
| Fuel Tank | 14.3 gallons | Towing | Gas up to 2,500 lbs with trailer brakes (1,653 without), hybrid 2,000 lbs |
| GVWR (gas) | 4,740 lbs FWD, 4,872 lbs AWD | Payload (gas) | About 1,043 to 1,306 lbs FWD, 1,045 to 1,269 lbs AWD |
| Cargo Behind Seats | 39.6 cu ft gas, 39.5 hybrid, 34.5 PHEV | Max Cargo | 74.1 cu ft (gas) |
💡 Real World Benefit: the plug in can cover a normal commute on about 34 electric miles with a 2 hour Level 2 charge, and the gas engine removes range worry on long trips.
📐 Dimensions & Weight ▶+−
| Length | 184.4 in | Width | 73.4 in |
| Height | About 66 to 67 in by trim | Wheelbase | 108.5 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,434 to 3,827 lbs (gas) | Wheels | 17 to 19 inch alloys by trim |
| Ground Clearance | 7.1 in (8.3 in X Line) | Front Legroom | 41.4 in |
| Rear Legroom | 41.3 in | Front Headroom | 39.6 in (37.8 in with panoramic sunroof) |
| Rear Headroom | 39.1 in | Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in | Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in |
💡 Real World Benefit: the long wheelbase gives the Sportage 41.3 inches of rear legroom, which is more than the RAV4's 37.8 inches and a big reason the back seat feels roomy for adults.
🛡️ Safety ▶+−
| IIHS | 2026 Top Safety Pick+ (built after May 2025) | NHTSA | 5 star overall (2026 rating) |
| Standard Tech | Forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist | Upper Trims | 360 camera, blind spot view monitor, Highway Drive Assist |
| Basic Warranty | 5 years or 60,000 miles | Powertrain Warranty | 10 years or 100,000 miles |
💡 Real World Benefit: the 10 year powertrain warranty and the hybrid battery coverage lower your long term risk.
Variants (Trims & Pricing)
Prices below are MSRP before Kia's $1,495 destination charge.
| Trim | Gas (2.5L) | Hybrid | Plug In Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $28,990 FWD / $30,790 AWD | $30,590 FWD | Not offered |
| S | Not offered | $31,290 FWD / $32,890 AWD | Not offered |
| EX | $30,790 FWD / $32,590 AWD | $32,290 FWD / $33,890 AWD | Not offered |
| SX | $34,590 FWD | Not offered | Not offered |
| X Line | $34,790 AWD | $35,790 AWD | $40,590 AWD |
| SX Prestige | $36,590 to $38,390 | $40,690 AWD | Not offered |
| X Pro | $39,890 AWD | Not offered | Not offered |
| X Line Prestige | Not offered | Not offered | $47,390 AWD |
You may see the name GT Line in other countries, but US buyers get the X Line and SX Prestige instead. To build a Kia Sportage with your own options, use the Build and Price tool on Kia.com.
Trim by Trim Features
Features below come from 2026 trim data, and the 2027 gas lineup is mostly a carryover, so confirm details for your exact car on Kia.com.
| Trim | What You Get | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| LX | 17-inch wheels, cloth seats, 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, LED projector headlights | Budget buyers |
| EX | Adds 18-inch wheels, SynTex seats, power driver seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate, blind spot monitoring, wireless phone charger, power liftgate | Most families |
| SX | Adds dual 12.3-inch displays with navigation, Harman Kardon audio, driver memory seat, power folding mirrors, SiriusXM | Tech lovers |
| SX Prestige | Adds 19-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, power passenger seat, extra cameras, LED Cube headlights | Loaded daily driver |
| X Line | Standard AWD, rugged styling, Terrain modes, and for 2027, a panoramic sunroof and smart power liftgate on the gas model | Weekend trips |
| X Pro Prestige | Tops the gas range with a heated windshield and all-terrain tires | Light off-road use |
EV/Hybrid Version
The 2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid pairs a 1.6-liter turbo engine with an electric motor for 227 hp, and it is the version I would point most buyers toward. It gives you about 40 to 42 MPG combined on Front Wheel Drive trims and mid-30s with AWD, which is a big jump over the gas model's 26 to 28. The plug-in hybrid adds a larger battery for around 34 miles of electric driving, so short daily trips can use almost no gas at all. The trade-off is price, since the plug-in starts at $40,590 and trunk space shrinks to 34.5 cubic feet behind the seats. Kia covers the hybrid battery for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Check any model's official ratings on fueleconomy.gov, and use the calculator below to see what you could save on fuel.
Fuel Cost Calculator
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Performance Review
On paper, the gas Sportage is built for calm driving. With 187 hp and a curb weight over 3,400 pounds, it is smooth and quiet in town, but it does not feel quick when you load it with passengers and merge uphill. The 8-speed automatic keeps things refined. The hybrid is the better driver, with 227 hp and strong low-speed pull from the electric motor. The plug-in has the most power and the smoothest around-town feel. Kia does not publish 0 to 60 times, but a Clean Fleet Report road test of the 2026 hybrid AWD in Sport mode measured about 7.65 seconds, and I did not find a verified figure for the gas model. The X Line and X Pro add more ground clearance, 8.3 inches on the X Line, which helps on gravel roads and snowy driveways.
Exterior Design
The Sportage still has one of the most distinctive faces in the segment. Slim LED daytime lights wrap into a wide grille, and the sharp body lines keep the shape from looking bland. The X Line adds rugged cladding and now comes with a panoramic sunroof, while the new Road Rider Brown paint with a contrast roof gives it a fresh outdoorsy look. Upper trims move to larger 19-inch wheels, and the X Pro leans into a tougher stance. Overall, it looks more expensive than its price.
For 2027, the new color is Road Rider Brown, with an optional two-tone roof. Ebony Black and Snow White Pearl show up on current 2027 and 2026 hybrid listings, but I could not find Kia's complete 2027 palette, so check the color list on Kia.com before you order. Interior options on the 2027 hybrid run from Saturn Black cloth on the LX and S, to perforated SynTex in black or black and Misty Gray on the EX, quilted Terracotta Brown or black on the X Line, and quilted Carmine Red, black and Misty Gray, or black on the SX Prestige.
Kia Sportage Interior & Technology
Inside, upper trims get a wide curved display that combines a digital cluster with the main touchscreen, and the layout is clean with real buttons for the most used climate controls. Front seats are comfortable and the rear seat has useful legroom thanks to the long wheelbase. Cargo space is 39.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats in the gas model and 74.1 with them folded. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, but wireless connection depends on the trim, so confirm it on the window sticker. Higher trims add navigation, premium audio and ventilated seats. You also get luxury car features such as a smart key with remote start, plus an available 10-inch head-up display.
Safety Features
The 2026 Sportage earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for models built after May 2025, with Good ratings in the small overlap, moderate overlap and updated side tests. The 2027 model is a mostly unchanged carryover, but I could not find a separate 2027 IIHS release, so check the IIHS site for the build date of the exact car you buy. NHTSA gave the 2026 model five stars overall. Forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist come standard, while a 360-degree camera, blind spot view monitor and Highway Drive Assist move up the trim ladder.
Common Problems
- Kia issued recall SC361 in January 2026 for certain 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid and Sportage PHEV vehicles, so search your VIN on NHTSA.gov before you buy.
- Owner complaint data for the earlier 2024 model points mostly to electrical, driver assist and speed control issues.
- Some owners report overly sensitive collision warnings and lane-keeping nudges.
- Infotainment lag or random restarts show up in owner forums from time to time.
- Older Kia and Hyundai models without immobilizers were targeted by thieves, so check any used car carefully.
Solutions
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov and ask the dealer to complete every open recall before you drive away.
- Most driver assist sensitivity can be adjusted in the vehicle settings menu.
- Ask for the latest infotainment software update at your first service visit.
- Keep every service record, because the warranty is your protection if something fails.
Reliability & Cost of Ownership
RepairPal rates the Sportage 4 out of 5 (Excellent) and ranks it 7th among 29 compact SUVs. It puts average yearly repair and maintenance at $406, compared with $473 for the class, and the chance of a severe repair at 11% versus 13% for the class. Consumer Reports expects the 2026 Sportage to be more reliable than the average new car, and iSeeCars gives the nameplate 7 out of 10 with an average lifespan of about 132,000 miles.
On ownership cost, Kelley Blue Book estimates a five-year cost to own of $48,751 for a 2026 Sportage Hybrid, including $14,848 of depreciation. CarEdge puts average insurance near $2,006 a year and maintenance plus repairs near $8,455 over the first 10 years. These are estimates for older and current model years that change with your state, driving record and trim, so get a real insurance quote before you buy.
Tips for Buyers
- The hybrid EX FWD at $32,290 is the sweet spot for most families.
- The gas EX is the value pick if you want the biggest screens without paying hybrid money.
- Skip the plug-in unless you can charge at home every day.
- Choose AWD only if you need it, because it costs money and reduces fuel economy.
- Compare a 2026 Kia Sportage leftover with the 2027 model, since the Sportage 2026 and Sportage 2027 are nearly the same car and the older one may have bigger discounts.
Kia Sportage Price in USA
The 2027 Sportage starts at $28,990 for the gas LX FWD, which is $30,485 with destination. The hybrid starts at $30,590 and the plug-in at $40,590, both before the $1,495 destination fee. Fully loaded versions climb to about $40,690 for the hybrid SX Prestige and $47,390 for the plug-in X Line Prestige. For comparison, the 2026 Kia Sportage price started at $28,790 for the gas LX FWD, and Kia hybrids in 2026 like the Sportage Hybrid started at $30,290, so the 2027 models cost about $300 more at the entry level. Use the calculator to estimate your monthly payment.
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Competitors Comparison
The Sportage's main rivals are the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. Rival figures below are 2026 numbers from Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book, and prices include destination.
| Head to Head | 2027 Kia Sportage | 2026 Toyota RAV4 | 2026 Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $30,485 (gas LX FWD) | $33,350 | $32,370 |
| Base Powertrain | Gas 187 hp | Hybrid on every trim | Gas |
| Cheapest Hybrid | $32,085 (LX FWD) | $33,350 | $37,080 |
| Best Combined MPG | About 40 to 42 hybrid | Up to 44 | Up to 40 hybrid |
| Plug-in Option | Yes | Yes | No |
The RAV4 wins on efficiency and the CR-V on cabin space and polish, but the Sportage counters with bolder styling, a loaded feature list, and a hybrid that costs thousands less than the CR-V version.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low starting price at $28,990
- Hybrid and plug-in options
- Long 10-year powertrain warranty
- Roomy back seat and modern cabin
- Top safety results on the 2026 model
Cons
- Gas engine is only 187 hp
- Hybrid mileage trails the RAV4
- Recent instrument panel recall
- Plug-in costs $40,590 and up
- Wireless phone connection varies by trim
FAQs
Is the 2027 Kia Sportage reliable?
RepairPal rates the Sportage 4 out of 5 (Excellent), and Consumer Reports predicts the 2026 model will be more reliable than the average new car. Kia's 10-year powertrain warranty adds protection, and you should check recalls by VIN on NHTSA.gov.
How much does it cost to maintain?
RepairPal puts average yearly repair and maintenance at about $406 for the Sportage, versus $473 for compact SUVs. Routine service follows the owner's manual, and costs vary by dealer and region.
Which trim is the best value?
For most buyers, I like the hybrid EX FWD at $32,290. Budget buyers should look at the gas EX.
How fuel efficient is it?
The gas model gets 26 to 28 MPG combined, and the hybrid gets roughly 40 to 42 on Front Wheel Drive trims. The plug-in offers up to about 34 electric miles.
Is it good for families?
Yes. The rear seat is roomy, there are 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats, and the safety record is strong.
Does it have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, both are available. Wireless connection depends on the trim.
Is All Wheel Drive available?
Yes. AWD is offered on most trims; the plug-in is AWD only, and the hybrid now offers Front Wheel Drive on LX, S and EX.
What is the difference between the Kia Sportage Hybrid 2026 and Kia Sportage Hybrid 2027?
The two are very close. The 2027 model adds Front Wheel Drive on the S and EX hybrid trims, a new X Line Technology Package, and Georgia production, and the entry price is about $300 higher.
Is there a Kia Sportage GT Line in the USA?
No. GT Line is a trim name used in other countries, and US buyers choose from LX, EX, SX, X Line, SX Prestige and X Pro instead.
Is it a better value than the RAV4 or CR-V?
It starts cheaper and offers a much cheaper hybrid than the CR-V, though the RAV4 is more efficient.
Conclusion
Sources: Kia America pricing releases, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, Consumer Reports, RepairPal, iSeeCars, CarEdge, IIHS and Clean Fleet Report. Figures are as found in October 2026 and can change.
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