So you want to know the difference between the 2026 Kia Sportage and the 2026 Kia Telluride? For starters, the Kia Telluride, serving as Kia's award winning flagship vehicle  is the most largest and most rugged Kia SUV up to date. The Kia Sportage, on the other hand, serves as Kia's best-selling SUV and it offers strong combination of  value, practicality , advanced technology, and safety features at an easily accessible price point. Looking at it from another perspective, the Kia Telluride provides seating for up to 8-passengers, and the Kia Sportage's max seating capacity is 5-passengers. And that's just part of the review. We haven't even scratched the surface. Keep reading for an in-depth review of the 2026 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Kia Sportage pricing, engine specs, MPG, max towing capacity, and safety features.

Are you ready? Let's get started! 
 Hyundai Sportage Vs Kia Telluride 
 5 Seating Capacity  8
 129.1 cubic-feet  Passenger Volume  178.1 cubic-feet. 
 74.1 cubic-feet  Cargo Volume Behind First Row  87 cubic-feet
 39.6 cubic-feet  Cargo Volume Behind Second Row  46 cubic-feet
 N/A Cargo Volume Behind Third Row  21 cubic-feet 
 41.4-inches  First Row Legroom 41.4-inches
 41.3-inches  Second-Row Legroom 42.4-inches 
 Not Available  Third-Row Legroom 31.4-inches
 2.5L Inline 4-cylinder  Engine 3.8-liter V6
 187 hp Horsepower 291 hp 
 178 lb.-ft.  Torque 262 lb.-ft.
 8-Speed Automatic 
 Transmission  8-Speed 
 25 mpg /33 mpg /28 mpg  Fuel-Economy City/Hwy/Combined 20 mpg/26 mpg/22 mpg
 2,500 lbs.  Max Towing Capacity Lbs. 5,000 lbs.
  Max Payload Capacity Lbs.  
 108.5-inches  Wheelbase  114.2-inches
 184.4-inches  Length  196.9-inches
 73.4-inches  Width  78.3-inches
 66.3-inches  Height  69.3-inches
 17-inches Wheel Size  18-inches
 12.3-inches  Touchscreen Size  12.3-inches
 6-Speakers Speakers  6-speaker
 $28,690 - $39,590 Price Range $36,390- $53,685
 
 

2026 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Kia Sportage Exterior

When it comes down to exterior design, one of the key differences is the Kia Telluride is slightly bigger than the Kia Sportage. To demonstrate, the 2026 Kia Telluride wheelbase is 114.2-inches and the Kia Sportage's wheelbase is 108.5-inches. In addition, the Kia Telluride's max length is 196.9-inches and the Kia Sportage's length is 184.4-inches. As as width, the Kia Telluride boasts 79.3-inches and the Kia Sportage comes close with 73.4-inches. Taking this into account, the Kia Telluride is bigger than the Kia Sportage.


2026 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Kia Sportage Exterior Features

When it comes down to style, the 2026 Kia Telluride and the 2026 Kia Sportage are both inspired by Kias "Opposite United" design philosophy. The key difference is the Kia Sportage exterior design is more bold and aggressive with sharp edges and more pronounced wheel arches. We should also note that the Kia Sportage comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels. The Kia Telluride, on other hand stands out with a large grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a strong pillars to highlight it's bold rugged demeanor. To get a better look at the new Kia Telluride and Kia Sportage in Chicago, visit us today at River Oaks Kia. 

 
 

2026 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Kia Sportage Performance

If you're looking for a reliable SUV with more power and capability, the 2026 Kia Telluride is the upper choice. Off the line, the new 2026 Kia Telluride boasts a max towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, 291 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque. In addition to that, the new Kia Telluride comes standard with a powerful yet fuel-efficient 3.8L V6 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
In comparison, the 2026 Kia Sportage has a max towing capacity of 2,500 lbs. , 187 horsepower, and a178 lb.-ft. of torque. 

Inspired by a 2.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Kia Sportage can get up to 25 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined.

With this in mind, we believe the Kia Telluride is perfect for drivers seeking more power and capability. However if you're looking an affordable SUV with a better fuel-economy, the 2026 Kia Sportage is a fantastic vehicle.


2026 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Kia Sportage Interior Dimensions 

When you step inside, the Kia Telluride caters to families who need room to grow, while the Kia Sportage is perfectly sized for smaller families who value comfort and versatility. Both SUVs offer generous space, but the Telluride clearly takes the lead in capacity-accommodating up to eight passengers, compared to five in the Sportage.

Inside the Telluride, you'll find 41.4 inches of front-row legroom, 42.4 inches in the second row, and 31.4 inches in the third row. The Sportage, on the other hand, provides nearly identical front-row comfort with 41.4 inches of legroom, along with 41.3 inches in the second row-plenty for everyday family drives.

When it's time to haul gear, the Telluride again shows its size advantage, delivering 87 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, 46 cubic feet behind the second, and 21 cubic feet behind the third. The more compact Sportage still holds its own, offering up to 74.1 cubic feet behind the first row and 39.6 cubic feet behind the second.

  

2026 Kia Sportage Vs Kia Telluride Interior Features & Tech 

For drivers seeking more tech and convenience features, the Kia Sportage and the Kia Telluride are both fantastic vehicles. In fact, at the base level, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard with both the Kia Telluride and the Kia Sportage. Of course, the key differences become more significant in higher  trim levels. For instance, the new 2026 Kia Telluride comes availble with a 10-inch head-up display, 12.3-inch instrument display, a Wi-Fi  HotSpot, multiple fast charging USB-C Ports. And if that's not enough the new Kia Telluride also comes available with a Harman Kardon® Premium Surround Sound w/ HALOsonic®, 400 Watts and 8 Speakers and a Harman Kardon® Premium Surround Sound w/ HALOsonic®, 400 Watts and 10 Speakers.

As far as convenience features go, the Kia Telluride stands out with the option to upgrade to  Wood Grain Interior Accents, Leather Trimmed Seats, Driver Smart Posture Control, and a built in Thigh Cushion. As a further convenience, the new Kia Telluride also comes available with  One-Touch Sliding & Folding 2nd-Row Seats, and ventilated seats. 

With this in mind, the Kia Telluride has a slight edge over the Kia Sportage whenever it comes down to interior features and tech. 

  1. Napleton River Oaks Kia

    17151 Torrence Ave.
    Lansing, IL 60438

    • Sales: 888-711-0920
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Napleton River Oaks Kia

17151 Torrence Ave.
Directions Lansing, IL 60438

  • Sales: 888-711-0920
  • Service: 888-869-3305
  • Parts: 844-847-8438

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