Kia Sportage 2026 debuts in Vietnam with hybrid engine to challenge Honda CR-V

The 2026 Kia Sportage facelift has officially arrived in Vietnam, showcasing notable upgrades in its exterior and interior design, alongside a significant enhancement to its powertrain options. While THACO Auto has not yet disclosed the official pricing or detailed equipment list, the updated model displayed in Vietnam reveals a refreshed aesthetic. The front lighting cluster adopts Kia's new design language, similar to the Carnival and Sorento, with revised front and rear bumpers and redesigned wheels contributing to a more modern and sharp appearance. The most anticipated change is the introduction of a hybrid powertrain. Although official specifications are pending, it is likely to feature a 1.6L turbocharged gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, producing approximately 231 horsepower and 367 Nm of torque. This hybrid system is expected to be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. In the competitive C-segment SUV market, the hybrid option positions the Sportage to contend with rivals such as the Honda CR-V, which also offers a self-charging hybrid variant.