2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid and PHEV First Look: More Trims, More Money

In 2026, the Sportage Hybrid and PHEV not only received updated looks, but their production for the North American market was also moved to Georgia. The hope, of course, was to help lower the cost of the electrified compact SUV in the face of tariffs, as those models were previously manufactured in and imported from South Korea. But as it enters the 2027 model year, pricing appears to have risen by nearly $2,000 over the 2026 model despite only minor changes. At least Kia will now offer the S and EX in front-wheel drive (FWD), giving customers two new lower-priced options in the middle of the lineup.

Two New FWD Trims

Yes, for 2027, the Sportage Hybrid gains two new FWD trim options. This is good news for people who prioritize efficiency over all else, as one of the drawbacks of AWD is the fuel economy hit caused by the extra weight of—and power from—the hardware needed to drive the rear wheels. That should help keep a little more money in the pockets of S and EX buyers, as EPA figures rise to 40/42/41 mpg city/highway/combined, versus 35/36/35 mpg for the AWD models.

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But you will be spending a decent chunk of change to buy either of those, or any Sportage Hybrid, for 2027. Across the board, the Kia hybrid costs $1,795 more than it did in 2026, with a starting price of $32,085 for the LX FWD and $42,185 for the line-topping SX-Prestige AWD. The new S FWD starts at $32,785, and the new EX FWD carries a $33,785 MSRP.

If you want extra all-electric driving range, the X-Line and X-Line Prestige plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants cost $1,595 and $1,695 more, respectively, than the 2026 versions. That brings the starting price of a Sportage PHEV to $42,085, with the top-tier variant ringing in at $48,885.

The 2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid Is Still Very Competitive

In the wider view of the compact hybrid SUV market, the 2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid and PHEV are not out of touch with their competition. The starting price of a Toyota RAV4, for example, is $33,495, and the PHEV version starts at $43,095; the Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid starts at $37,080 and doesn’t offer a PHEV version. Although the Subaru Forester Premium Hybrid starts at $34,730 and doesn’t offer a PHEV variant, it does come standard with AWD. That’s not much more than the Sportage Hybrid S AWD’s $34,485 MSRP.

But You’re Still Getting Mostly the Same Equipment From 2026

If you’re wondering what you’re getting for that extra money, it’s not much besides U.S. production. The biggest change comes with the Hybrid X-Line trims and their Tech package. It follows the same updates as the gas-only 2027 Sportage X-Line, adding a 360-degree surround-view camera and blind-spot monitor, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen, a Harman Kardon audio system, driver’s seat memory, reverse parking collision avoidance assist, side parking sensors, Highway Driving Assist, and LED foglights.

The 2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid and PHEV are expected to arrive at your local Kia dealer later this year.