2026 Lexus TX vs 2026 Kia Sportage

The 2026 Kia Sportage showcased a refreshed styling that gave it a more rugged, truck-like appearance, ensuring it stood out in the compact crossover segment. The wide grille design, which pushed the headlights to the corners, was retained but became more rectangular, with vertical headlights and daytime running lights. This design aligned the Sportage with the larger Sorento and Telluride models, enhancing its rugged appeal. Despite these changes, the rear end remained curvaceous, creating a slight mismatch with the restyled front. The vehicle's profile highlighted a 2,755-millimetre wheelbase, longer than its competitors, with crisp body lines adding visual interest.

Inside, the Sportage featured a new steering wheel with a squared-off rim and a large rectangular centre, reminiscent of early airbag-equipped wheels. The dashboard's large air vents were removed, making the curved screen more prominent. While the materials weren't luxurious, they felt of good quality, suitable for an active lifestyle. The U.S. specification Sportage X-Pro off-road grade was not available in Canada, but the X-Line models offered off-road appearance packages with unique bumpers and tread-like stitching on the SynTex upholstery. The EX Premium trim and other models came with varying wheel sizes, adding to the vehicle's distinctiveness.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of packages depending on the powertrain, with the TX 350 featuring the Luxury package by default and options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The TX 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package, with an option for the F Sport 3 package. Higher packages included towing capability. The TX's large grille retained the spindle shape but didn't overshadow the sharp bi-LED headlights. The rear featured LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width, complemented by a small roof spoiler and optional roof rails.

Inside, the TX offered three interior colour options: standard grey, Birch, and Peppercorn. Ambient lighting added warmth, and suede trim adorned the glovebox area. However, the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics present. Redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, were a unique feature, though some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail. The TX's interior was spacious, with a third row that accommodated adults comfortably, and a one-touch button facilitated easy access to the third row. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, and the centre console, though narrow, was deep with a dual-opening lid.

The 2026 Kia Sportage offered a range of powertrains, including conventional gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. The gas powertrain featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models used a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 232 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque for hybrids, and 268 hp for plug-in hybrids. While the base engine was less powerful, it was competitive with rivals, though the transmission could have been more responsive.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 came with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 hp. The gas model had an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid used a six-speed automatic, preferred by some over a CVT. The TX 350 featured electronically controlled full-time AWD, while the TX 500h had Lexus's Direct4 AWD system, distributing torque on demand. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The 500h offered adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2026 Kia Sportage's exterior changes didn't impact interior space, which remained competitive. Headroom and legroom were comparable to rivals, with rear-seat legroom surpassing the Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4. Cargo space was 1,036 litres with the rear seats up and expanded to 2,098 litres with the dual-level cargo floor lowered. The non-hybrid Sportage could tow 1,130 kilograms, more than a CR-V but less than a RAV4. The centre console offered ample storage, with a wireless charging pad and adaptable cupholders.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and headroom for adults. A one-touch button facilitated third-row access, though folding the second row flat was more complex. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, and the centre console was narrow but deep. Cargo space was 572 litres with all seats up, expanding to 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. The TX could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when equipped.

The 2026 Kia Sportage came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM and wireless charging on most trims. The X-Line Limited featured a Harman Kardon audio system, head-up display, and digital key. The interface had sharp graphics but required frequent swiping due to large icons. Climate and audio controls shared a panel, requiring attention to avoid adjusting the wrong function.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch touchscreen, though some features lacked polish, such as manual satellite radio input. Steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise and volume but were multi-functional and unlabeled, complicating use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but occasionally conflicted with the native audio system. Smartphone connectivity required subscriptions for navigation and other features. The backup camera was clear, with an available bird’s-eye view, and the Advanced Park system could handle parking duties. The TX offered seven USB ports and wireless charging, with a 120-volt outlet in the second row.

The 2026 Kia Sportage included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning as standard. Higher trims featured Highway Driving Assist, a surround-view camera, and a blind-spot view monitor. The Sportage received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Lexus TX came with Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was slow to resume speed. The TX received five stars from the NHTSA and an "Acceptable" rating from the IIHS for the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side.