Kia Sales Malaysia appears to be preparing the facelifted Sportage Hybrid for Malaysia, bringing a turbo-hybrid powertrain to the currently petrol-only SUV range.
KIA SALES MALAYSIA has started teasing what appears to be the facelifted 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid. The teaser itself does not name the model outright, but the image shows the silhouette of the facelifted Sportage together with the words “Kia Turbo-Hybrid. Compromise Nothing.”
If the teaser is indeed pointing to the Sportage Hybrid, it would bring a new powertrain option to a range that is currently petrol-only in Malaysia.
The existing locally assembled Sportage is offered with either a 154PS 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine or a 177PS 1.6-litre turbo, with both front- and all-wheel-drive versions available.
The model being teased is the facelifted fifth-generation Sportage, which has already been introduced in overseas markets. Compared with the current Malaysian version, the refreshed model gets a considerably different front end with Kia’s newer Star Map lighting signature, revised bumpers and wheels, while the cabin receives a redesigned steering wheel, dashboard and centre console.
The facelift also introduces Kia’s latest ccNC infotainment system, which supports over-the-air software updates, while higher specifications in other markets can also be equipped with features such as a head-up display and Digital Key 2.
In South Korea, the Sportage Hybrid pairs a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 180PS with a 47.7kW electric motor. Kia quotes a total system output of 235 PS there, with a six-speed automatic transmission and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive depending on variant.
The facelifted long-wheelbase Sportage measures 4,685 mm long, 1,865 mm wide and 1,660 mm tall, with a 2,755 mm wheelbase. That makes it 25 mm longer than the current Malaysian Sportage, while width and wheelbase remain unchanged.
One of the more unusual additions to the hybrid overseas is a dedicated Baby Mode, which softens powertrain response to provide smoother acceleration when carrying infants or young children. Kia also offers hybrid-specific technologies such as E-Handling and E-Ride, which use the electric motor to help improve cornering stability and ride comfort.
Kia Sales Malaysia has not announced launch timing, pricing or the final local specification yet. CKD also remains unconfirmed, although it appears likely given Kia Malaysia’s agreement with Stellantis Malaysia for local assembly at its Gurun plant, which is set up to build the Sportage, Carnival and future Kia models across different powertrains.