Kia has worked hard to keep the compact Sportage fresh over the last few years, and the 2026 model’s update was particularly important, given that the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 are completely new for this model year. A feature-packed interior and a bold look are among the Sportage’s many virtues, as is a low starting price. But if you prefer to lease, Kia is running no less than four fresh deals on the Sportage this January. Here’s a look at what’s available.
This Month’s Kia Sportage Lease Deals
Kia
There are four separate Kia Sportage lease offers running this month, applicable to the base LX trim. Of these four deals, the lowest Kia Sportage lease price is $219 per month over 24 months, with $3,999 due at signing. This price is for the LX with front-wheel drive, and the deal includes 10,000 miles annually. If you exceed this limit, you’ll be charged an additional $0.20 per mile. The lease excludes tax, title, licensing, and registration fees.
Here’s a look at all four lease offers for the 2026 Kia Sportage, which differ by lease duration and/or whether all-wheel drive is equipped.
| LX FWD | LX FWD | LX AWD | LX AWD | |
| Lease term | 24 months | 36 months | 24 months | 36 months |
| Monthly cost | $219 | $229 | $239 | $249 |
| Due at signing | $3,999 | $3,999 | $3,999 | $3,999 |
These Kia Sportage leasing offers all run until February 2, 2026. They’re California-specific deals, so be sure to check Kia’s special offers with your zip code for similar deals in your area.
As mentioned, the Kia Sportage is affordable, particularly in LX guise. It starts at just $28,790, which is cheaper than both the RAV4 and CX-5. At $30,590, you can get a well-specified EX trim, and the range goes all the way up to the X-Pro Prestige at $39,690.
Powertrains and Features
Kia
The Kia Sportage is available with two hybrid powertrains, but the non-hybrid model we’re focusing on here uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It gets the job done, but with neither the power nor the efficiency of the new RAV4, which gets a standard hybrid. An eight-speed automatic and FWD are standard, while AWD is a $1,800 option on trims that don’t have it.
Kia
The base Sportage LX comes with 17-inch alloys, LED headlights, and rear privacy glass, so it doesn’t look too spartan. Inside, there’s a 12.3-inch touchscreen providing access to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is the only trim with cloth upholstery, and you have to make do with manually-adjustable seats without standard seat heating. But it does come with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning, USB-C ports for front and rear occupants, smart cruise control, lane-keep assist, and lane departure warning.
Final Thoughts
The starting monthly lease cost (including the initial payment) for the 2026 Sportage is $385 this month, so how does that compare to rivals? Mazda is still leasing the outgoing 2025 CX-5 this January for an effective cost of $334/month, so that’s cheaper, but it looks a little outdated alongside the recently refreshed Sportage. Another tough rival, the Honda CR-V, will cost from $395/month to lease, so the Sportage undercuts that.
Ultimately, the base Kia Sportage is worth leasing or buying, provided you can look past its lackluster performance. It’s stylish, well-equipped, spacious, and comfortable, plus it has a better warranty than its Japanese rivals.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle.
About the author
Karl Furlong
Senior Editor, Autoblog