Verified year comparison
What changed on the Kia Sportage?
Compare only the features our editors have verified. A blank cell does not prove the vehicle lacks a feature—it means the cited guide does not cover that year.
Official configuration changes
Powertrain and efficiency by researched year.
This table compares the complete EPA-tested configuration set for each researched year, independently of feature-guide coverage.
Documentation matrix
Verified feature coverage
Scroll horizontally on a phone. Select two years above to highlight them and see the documented differences.
| Feature and equipment note | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Choose the Sportage PHEV Charging-Connector Lock ModeVerified only for the 2025 U.S.-market Sportage Plug-in Hybrid in Kia's shared HEV/PHEV manual. The non-plug-in Hybrid has no external charging inlet. | Not covered by this guide | Covered by this guide |
| Enable Green Zone EV Drive on the Sportage HybridVerified in the shared 2025 U.S.-market Sportage HEV/PHEV digital owner's manual. Recognition depends on built-in navigation data, driving history and installed software. | Not covered by this guide | Covered by this guide |
| Enable Smart Regeneration and Interpret AUTOVerified in the shared 2026 U.S.-market Sportage Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid digital owner's manual for equipped vehicles. | Covered by this guide | Not covered by this guide |
| Move the Sportage Forward or Backward From the Smart KeyVerified in the 2025 U.S.-market Sportage HEV/PHEV digital owner's manual only for vehicles equipped with Remote Smart Parking Assist and the directional smart key. | Not covered by this guide | Covered by this guide |
| Open the Sportage Liftgate Hands-FreeVerified in the shared 2025 U.S.-market Sportage HEV/PHEV digital owner's manual for vehicles equipped with Smart Liftgate and a smart key. | Not covered by this guide | Covered by this guide |
| Override Scheduled Charging for One Immediate SessionVerified for the 2025 U.S.-market Sportage Plug-in Hybrid with scheduled charging. It does not apply to the non-plug-in Hybrid. | Not covered by this guide | Covered by this guide |
| Release a Stuck Sportage PHEV Charging Connector in an Electrical FailureVerified only for the 2025 U.S.-market Sportage Plug-in Hybrid. This is an emergency mechanical release, not the routine disconnection method. | Not covered by this guide | Covered by this guide |
| Remote-Start the Sportage With the Smart KeyVerified for the 2025 U.S.-market gasoline Sportage when equipped with the smart-key Remote Start button. | Not covered by this guide | Covered by this guide |
| Save a Custom Power-Liftgate Height on the SportageVerified in the shared 2025 U.S.-market Sportage HEV/PHEV digital owner's manual. It requires the optional power liftgate and does not apply to a manual liftgate. | Not covered by this guide | Covered by this guide |
| Set the Sportage PHEV Portable Charger CurrentVerified for the portable ICCB described in the 2025 U.S.-market Sportage PHEV manual. Portable cable supply and control-box design can vary by market or accessory kit. | Not covered by this guide | Covered by this guide |
| Set the Sportage Power Liftgate to a Custom HeightVerified in Kia's 2026 U.S.-market Sportage gasoline digital owner's manual for vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. | Covered by this guide | Not covered by this guide |
Important: this matrix compares published documentation coverage, not every factory option. The equipment/trim control filters the scope labels recorded on guides; it is not a factory build matrix. Confirm an individual vehicle in its window sticker, owner portal or dealer build record.