2027 Kia Sportage Review: Big Cargo, Long Warranty

The 2027 Kia Sportage suits buyers who want the most cargo space and warranty coverage for the money, with gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions to choose from. The front-drive hybrid is among the most efficient compact SUVs, and the Sportage carries an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. As with its Hyundai Tucson cousin, the base 187-hp gas engine is the weak link, so the hybrid is the version we would shortlist.

Trims and Pricing

The 2027 Sportage carries over the refresh that arrived for 2026. The main changes for 2027 are a standard panoramic sunroof and smart power liftgate on the gas X-Line (previously part of an option package), a new Road Rider Brown paint, and a new Technology Package for the hybrid X-Line. Prices below are manufacturer starting MSRPs and exclude the $1,495 destination charge.

Trim	Powertrain	FWD from	AWD from
LX	Gas	$28,990	$30,790
EX	Gas	$30,790	$32,590
SX	Gas	$34,590	—
X-Line	Gas	—	$34,790
SX-Prestige	Gas	$36,590	$38,390
X-Pro	Gas	—	$39,890
LX	Hybrid	$30,590	—
S	Hybrid	$31,290	$32,890
EX	Hybrid	$32,290	$33,890
X-Line	Hybrid	—	$35,790
SX-Prestige	Hybrid	—	$40,690
X-Line	Plug-in hybrid	—	$40,590
X-Line Prestige	Plug-in hybrid	—	$47,390

The pricing makes the hybrid easy to justify. The Hybrid LX costs $1,600 more than the gas LX FWD and brings 45 more horsepower and roughly 14 mpg better combined fuel economy. The Hybrid EX is the best all-rounder for most families, adding more equipment while keeping the choice of FWD or AWD.

Powertrain and Fuel Economy

Gas models use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque and an eight-speed automatic. Reviewers generally describe it as smooth but slow, especially with passengers and cargo aboard. Kia lists EPA ratings of 25 city/33 highway/28 combined mpg for the LX, EX, SX and SX-Prestige, 24/30/26 mpg for the X-Line, and 23/26/24 mpg for the X-Pro, which uses all-terrain tires.

The hybrid pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor for 232 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. Unlike most hybrid rivals, it uses a six-speed automatic instead of a CVT, which reviewers say gives a more natural, predictable build of power. Edmunds estimates its 0–60 mph time at about 8 seconds. The FWD Hybrid LX is EPA-rated at 41 city/44 highway/42 combined mpg, close to the Toyota RAV4 and better than the CR-V Hybrid’s 40 mpg. AWD hybrids are rated noticeably lower, so check the window sticker if mpg is your priority.

The plug-in hybrid X-Line models are all-wheel drive and offer about 34 miles of EPA-rated electric range, enough for many daily commutes on electricity alone if you can charge at home.

Interior and Cargo

Space is the Sportage’s strongest card. With the adjustable cargo floor in its lower position, the hybrid offers 39.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.1 cubic feet with them folded (36.6 and 69.3 cubic feet with the floor raised). That puts it at or near the top of the compact class and slightly ahead of the gas CR-V’s listed 39.3 cubic feet. The plug-in hybrid does not get the two-level cargo floor.

The rear seat is also roomy, and reviewers regularly praise how much legroom adults get in the back. The cabin design is bold, with a curved display panel across the dash on higher trims, and material quality is generally rated as competitive for the price.

Technology and Safety

A 12.3-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument display are standard, and higher trims get Kia’s dual panoramic display setup. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Higher trims add features such as a Harman Kardon audio system, a 360-degree camera, a blind-spot view monitor and a head-up display.

Kia includes 13 driver-assistance and safety features on the base LX and up to 22 across the range. Standard items include forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping and lane following assist, and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings, while Highway Driving Assist and reverse parking collision-avoidance are available on upper trims.

The Sportage earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the highest award, for vehicles built after May 2025. That award requires Good ratings in the small overlap front, updated side and updated moderate overlap tests, plus strong front crash prevention results. If you are shopping a used or early-build model, check the build date on the door-jamb label. We could not confirm an NHTSA overall rating for the 2027 model at the time of writing.

Reliability and Warranty

Kia’s warranty is one of the best in the segment:

• Basic: 5 years/60,000 miles
• Powertrain: 10 years/100,000 miles (original owner)

The current-generation Sportage has been on sale since the 2023 model year, and the 2.5-liter gas engine is shared with several other Kia and Hyundai models, so its basic hardware is familiar. As with any vehicle, run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup before buying. Unlike Hyundai, Kia does not include a multi-year complimentary maintenance plan, so budget for routine service from the first oil change.

Which Sportage to Choose

With 13 versions across three powertrains, the Sportage lineup can be confusing. A few simple rules narrow it down.

• Lowest price: the gas LX FWD at $28,990 is the cheapest way in, but it is also the slowest and, at 28 mpg combined, far thirstier than the hybrid that costs $1,600 more.
• Best fuel economy: the Hybrid LX is the only FWD-only hybrid trim and carries the 42 mpg combined rating. If you live where winters are mild, this is the pick.
• Best all-weather value: the Hybrid S or EX with AWD costs under $34,000 before destination and adds traction without moving to the pricier X-Line.
• Rugged look: the X-Line and X-Pro add AWD and outdoor styling, but the X-Pro’s all-terrain tires cut its rating to 24 mpg combined.
• Plug-in: the PHEV X-Line makes sense only if you can charge at home and most of your daily driving fits within its roughly 34-mile electric range.

For most households the Hybrid EX hits the best balance of price, features and economy. Spending more mainly buys appearance and luxury features rather than better core capability.

How It Compares to the Honda CR-V

The Sportage starts lower than the CR-V ($28,990 plus destination versus $32,315 including destination for the CR-V LX) and has a much longer warranty: Honda offers 3 years/36,000 miles basic and 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain. Its FWD hybrid is also rated slightly better on fuel (42 mpg versus 40 mpg), and it is cheaper, since the CR-V Hybrid starts at the Sport trim. The Sportage also offers a plug-in hybrid, which the CR-V does not.

The CR-V’s gas engine is more efficient (30 mpg combined FWD versus 28 for the Sportage) and stronger, and reviewers tend to rate the Honda higher for ride quality and overall refinement. Honda resale values are also traditionally strong. Our Honda CR-V vs Kia Sportage comparison covers the matchup in more detail. You can also compare the numbers in our CR-V cargo space, CR-V fuel economy and CR-V warranty guides.

Who Should Buy It

The 2027 Sportage is a strong choice for families who carry a lot of gear, high-mileage drivers who want an efficient hybrid without a big price jump, and buyers who keep their cars for many years and value long powertrain coverage. The Hybrid LX FWD is the efficiency pick; the Hybrid EX is the best overall balance.

Shoppers who want brisk acceleration from a gas engine, or who need the most comfortable ride, should drive the CR-V and RAV4 back to back with the Sportage before deciding.

FAQ

Which Kia Sportage gets the best gas mileage?

The front-wheel-drive Sportage Hybrid LX, EPA-rated at 42 mpg combined. Among gas models, the LX, EX, SX and SX-Prestige are rated at 28 mpg combined.

How much can the Kia Sportage tow?

Gas Sportage models are rated to tow up to 2,500 lb with trailer brakes. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models have their own ratings, so check Kia’s specifications for the exact trim before hitching up.

Is the Kia Sportage the same as the Hyundai Tucson?

They share platforms and powertrains, but the bodies, interiors, tuning, trims and warranties differ. Hyundai adds complimentary maintenance; Kia does not.

Is the 2027 Sportage an IIHS Top Safety Pick?

Sportage models built after May 2025 earned the 2026 Top Safety Pick+. Check iihs.org for updates specific to 2027 production.

How we rate: scores are based on published specifications, EPA estimates, IIHS/NHTSA results, warranty coverage and the consensus of independent expert reviews. Prices are manufacturer starting MSRPs and change often — confirm with a dealer.