Kia Sportage Hybrid vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid distinguished itself from its predecessor with a series of design updates, particularly at the front. It featured sharp, angular headlights and a blocky grille that seamlessly integrated into a modern fascia. The SUV's dramatic curves led to wide, aggressive haunches over the rear wheels, while upward-slanted lines framed the LED taillights. Kia's "Opposites United" design philosophy resulted in a distinctive crossover that stood out in its class. Inside, the Sportage Hybrid boasted a stylish interior with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display as part of Kia’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit. High-quality plastics and harmonious textures and colours enhanced the cabin's appeal. The SX trim offered unique interior finishes, including Saturn Black and Carmine Red, with synthetic leather standard across the lineup.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of packages tailored to different powertrains. The TX 350 came with the Luxury package by default, with options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The TX 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package, with the option for the F Sport 3 package. The TX's exterior featured a large grille reminiscent of the older "spindle grille" shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. Inside, the TX provided three interior colour options and ambient lighting, though material quality fell short of luxury standards. Redesigned door handles added a modern touch, but some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail.

The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid was powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a 47.7-kilowatt electric motor, delivering a combined output of 232 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. This marked a five-horsepower increase over the previous model. In Canada, the power was channelled through a six-speed automatic transmission to standard all-wheel drive, with a towing capacity of 900 kilograms. The Sportage Hybrid excelled in urban settings, thanks to its electric motor's low-end torque, though highway passing power was less impressive due to delayed transmission downshifts. The suspension was tuned for comfort, effectively absorbing bumps and minimizing road noise. With 21 centimetres of ground clearance and a new Terrain Mode button, the Sportage Hybrid was equipped for off-road adventures.

The base Lexus TX 350 featured a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid increased output to 366 horsepower. The gas model used an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid employed a six-speed automatic, offering an alternative to the typical CVT found in electrified powertrains. The TX 350 came with electronically controlled full-time AWD, while the TX 500h utilized Lexus's Direct4 AWD system for dynamic torque distribution. Drivers could choose between Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, with Sport mode enhancing throttle response. The TX 500h also included adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid, as a compact SUV, had a wheelbase over five centimetres longer than the Honda CR-V, placing it in competition with the CR-V and Toyota RAV4. It offered ample space for four adults, with reasonable legroom in both rows. The SX test car's front seats were notably comfortable, and the cabin featured numerous storage cubbies. Cargo capacity reached 2,087 litres with the rear seats folded and 1,119 litres with them in place. The Sportage Hybrid's interior controls, however, were criticized for being overly complicated, with touch-sensitive buttons requiring multiple steps for common functions.

The 2026 Lexus TX provided three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats as standard. The third row was spacious, accommodating full-sized adults comfortably. A one-touch button facilitated third-row access, though folding the second row flat was more complex. The front seats offered roominess but lacked thigh support. The TX excelled in cargo space, with 572 litres available with all seats in place, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row flat and 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. The TX could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SX trim added a 10-inch head-up display and a Harman Kardon surround sound system. Kia Connect, a subscription-based technology package, offered remote entry and climate control via a smartwatch app, along with cloud-based mapping. The system allowed for customization with effects inspired by NBA teams.

The Lexus TX's technology was a mixed bag. Its 14-inch touchscreen was user-friendly, but some features lacked refinement. Steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise and volume but were multi-functional and unlabeled, complicating their use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. A subscription was required for in-dash navigation and other features. The TX offered a clear back-up camera with an available bird’s-eye view and an Advanced Park system for automated parking. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, device connectivity was well-supported.

The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid included standard driver assist features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The top SX trim added advanced features like a Blind Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist 2. While the 2026 model hadn't been rated by safety organizations, the previous version received high marks from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The Lexus TX came with Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Adaptive cruise control was effective once set up, though the steering wheel controls were confusing. The TX received a five-star crash safety rating from NHTSA and mixed ratings from IIHS, with "Acceptable" for the driver’s side small overlap front crash test and "Good" for the passenger’s side.