The team at AutoYa has taken a creative leap by imagining the unannounced 2026 Kia Sportage GT through CGI renderings. Their YouTube channel, along with its satellite brand AutoYa Interior, has envisioned both the exterior and interior of this potential high-performance variant of Kia’s popular compact SUV.
The Competitive Compact Crossover Market
Compact crossover SUVs have dominated the global automotive scene since the late 2010s. In the U.S. market, while the Ford F-Series remained the best-selling vehicle in 2024, the Toyota RAV4 secured the top spot among single-model sales, outperforming even the Ford F-150. This highlights the intense demand for compact SUVs, a segment where models like the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Chevrolet Equinox, Mazda CX-5, and Jeep Cherokee fiercely compete alongside the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.
What’s New for the 2026 Kia Sportage?
Kia unveiled the refreshed 2026 Sportage at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show, showcasing design updates influenced by the larger Sorento SUV and Carnival MPV. It also comes packed with advanced technology, including Kia’s latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) with a 12.3-inch curved display.
Under the hood, the 2026 Sportage offers:
- A 2.5-liter inline-four with 186 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and either FWD or AWD.
- A Turbo Hybrid producing a combined 231 horsepower.
- A Turbo Plug-in Hybrid delivering 268 horsepower with AWD.
A Sportage GT? The Digital Concept
For enthusiasts craving more power, AutoYa has envisioned a 2026 Kia Sportage GT, a high-performance version with upgraded suspension, sportier design elements, and a more aggressive stance. The digital concept suggests a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine from the now-discontinued Kia Stinger, potentially pushing 300 horsepower (304 PS).
The renderings also showcase a refined, tech-focused interior with premium finishes, performance-oriented seats, and a selection of vibrant CGI color options.
Will Kia Build It?
While there’s no official word from Kia about a Sportage GT, this digital interpretation raises an interesting question: Should Kia create a high-performance variant to rival the segment’s top power players? With automakers increasingly focusing on sportier trims and electrified performance models, a powerful Sportage GT could be a game-changer.
What do you think—should Kia take this concept and turn it into reality?