Next-gen Kia Sportage to go fully hybrid by 2027

The demand for pure electric cars may be declining worldwide, but the rise of electrified hybrid models is rocketing. With emission regulations not getting any looser, reports of Kia going hybrid only for a new-generation model is hardly a surprise. The next iteration of Kia’s best-selling SUV will abandon traditional petrol and diesel engines, offering only hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. 

A report published by the Korean news forum ET News confirms that the sixth-generation Sportage, codenamed NQ6, is scheduled to debut in the third quarter of 2027. 

Why is Kia phasing out petrol & diesel variants?

Kia’s decision to make the Sportage a hybrid-only SUV is driven by several key factors:

• Hybrid demand is booming – In the US, Kia and Hyundai saw hybrid sales jump 52% year-over-year, while EV sales declined by 10.4%.
• EV adoption challenges persist – High costs, charging infrastructure limitations, and range anxiety continue to slow full EV adoption.
• Regulatory shifts – Many governments are easing emission regulations and reducing EV subsidies, slowing the transition to a fully electric market.

By eliminating internal combustion engine (ICE) variants, Kia is betting big on hybrids as the immediate future of the SUV segment.

What does the Kia Sportage offer today?

The current Kia Sportage comes with various powertrain options, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid variants. 

The hybrid model, introduced last year, pairs a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor and battery, delivers a fuel economy of just 4.9L/100km.

What can you expect from the 2027 Sportage?

The 2027 Kia Sportage will introduce a more advanced hybrid system, featuring:

• Higher battery capacity for improved efficiency.
• Increased motor output for better performance.
• An extended all-electric range, with the PHEV variant offering up to 100 km of pure EV driving.

This upgrade positions the Sportage PHEV as a strong competitor in the midsize plug-in hybrid market. Since its 1993 global debut, the Sportage has continually evolved, with the fifth-generation model introducing hybrid and PHEV options alongside petrol and diesel engines, and in some instances LPG, depending on the market..

What does this mean for Kia’s future?

North America & Europe-

Hybrid SUVs are overtaking traditional petrol models in major markets like the US and Europe, where the demand for fuel-efficient alternatives continues to rise. By transitioning to a hybrid-only Sportage, Kia is positioning itself alongside market leaders like Toyota, which has seen immense success with hybrid SUVs like the RAV4 Hybrid.

Australia- 

While hybrids have been slower to gain traction in Australia, the shift is accelerating. Kia introduced the Sportage Hybrid in Australia in 2024, and demand for efficient midsize SUVs is steadily increasing. The fully hybrid Sportage could appeal to Australian buyers looking for better fuel economy, especially as fuel prices fluctuate and EV adoption remains limited.

The Sportage’s shift to hybrid-only is part of Kia’s broader electrification strategy. By 2027, Kia and Hyundai plan to introduce extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) in North America and China, offering another alternative for buyers hesitant about full EVs.

Kia Sportage hybrid vs rivals: How does it compare?

The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid starts at $45,950 plus on-road costs, while the top-of-the-line Sportage GT-Line Hybrid is priced at $55,420 plus on-road costs.

Other hybrid SUVs competing for your attention are priced similarly too. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL 2WD is a hair cheaper at $45,810, while the RAV4 Hybrid Cruiser 2WD undercuts the Sportage GT-Line Hybrid by $4010. The Nissan X-TRAIL e-Power Hybrid starts at $49,990, with the top-spec TI-L AWD variant reaching $59,540. 

Meanwhile, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is the most affordable option, starting at $45,100, while its top-of-the-line Tucson Premium N Line Hybrid AWD is priced just above $61,000, making it the most expensive among these hybrid SUVs.

Please note: Prices may vary depending on which part of Australia you purchase your car, as taxes and on-road costs differ by state and territory.