Toyota RAV4 hybrid rival now cheaper! 2026 Kia Sportage gets cheaper hybrid variants as it battles with SUV competitors Honda CRV, Hyundai Tucson and MG HS

Kia has just launched a cheaper hybrid version of its popular Sportage family SUV.

A Sportage hybrid can now be bought in the entry-level S grade, with the front-wheel drive variant starting from $44,450 (before on-road costs), while the all-wheel drive starts from $47,450.

The brand has been rolling out hybrid variants across its Sportage range since mid-2025, with this latest S grade hybrid completing the set.

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Hybrids have become an increasingly popular choice for buyers in Australia, as many manufacturers move add them to product lineups.

The Sportage S hybrid gives Kia a more affordable rival to the other big-hitters of the hybrid segment.

The most affordable hybrid before the new S grade was the SX, which is $2000 more expensive

The hybrid Sportage is now cheaper than a comparative Toyota RAV4, which is one of the best-selling cars in Australia, starting from $45,990, before on-roads.

2026 Kia Sportage hybrid

A Sportage hybrid is still more expensive than its sister car, the Hyundai Tucson, with its hybrid variant starting from $42,850 (before on-roads).

The Sportage trails the outgoing RAV4 and the Tucson in the sales charts.

The Sportage hybrid employs a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine and electric motor, producing 169kW and 350Nm.

The hybrid variants of the Sportage offer a big step up on fuel economy, with the FWD offering 4.9L/100km, while the AWD sits at 5.3L/100km.

2026 Kia Sportage hybrid

The Sportage was recently updated in Australia, resulting in a noticeable price increase across the range.

Other purely internal-combustion options available on the Sportage are a 2.0-litre petrol, 1.6-litre turbo-petrol and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines.

This latest Sportage update, has been part of a broader push from Kia to introduce hybrid offerings across its product lineup.

Late last year, Kia unveiled several new hybrid models for its Sorento SUV. The incoming Seltos will feature a hybrid set-up for the first time when it launches in late 2026.

2026 Kia Sportage hybrid pricing Australia (before on-road costs)