ISLAMABAD, October 23, 2026: The Kia Sportage has secured the Family SUV of the Year title at the 2026 What Car? Car of the Year Awards, marking the fourth consecutive year the South Korean automaker has received the recognition.
The latest award extends Kia’s winning streak from 2023 to 2026, highlighting the Sportage’s continued success in the competitive family SUV segment.
Kia celebrated the achievement with the message, “The legacy of excellence continues,” featuring the Sportage L in its announcement.
How the Kia Sportage secured the award
The award is presented by What Car?, a British automotive publication known for evaluating vehicles across different categories.
Shortlisted vehicles undergo comparative testing against competing models on UK roads and at a dedicated testing facility before the publication’s road test team selects the winners.
The latest recognition comes amid strong sales of the Sportage in the British market.
According to Kia, more than 47,000 Sportage vehicles were registered in the United Kingdom during 2025, making it the company’s best-selling model in the country.
The Sportage was also the UK’s best-selling SUV and the second best-selling passenger car overall during the year.
Kia Sportage L specifications in Pakistan
In Pakistan, the Kia Sportage L is available through Lucky Motor Corporation in two hybrid variants: FWD HEV and AWD HEV.
Both versions are powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid engine, producing a combined output of 235 horsepower and 368 Nm of torque.
The powertrain is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
| Feature | Sportage L FWD HEV | Sportage L AWD HEV |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6L turbo hybrid | 1.6L turbo hybrid |
| Combined power | 235 hp | 235 hp |
| Torque | 368 Nm | 368 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Drive system | Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Dual 12.3-inch displays | Yes | Yes |
| Dual-zone climate control | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Snow, mud and sand modes | — | Yes |
| Heated and ventilated front seats | — | Yes |
| Harman Kardon audio system | — | Yes |
Both variants also offer driver assistance features and a modern digital cabin.
The AWD HEV version provides additional equipment, including selectable terrain modes, premium audio and enhanced front-seat comfort.
Kia’s growing presence in Pakistan
Kia operates in Pakistan through Lucky Motor Corporation (LMC), which manages the local assembly, marketing, distribution and sales of its vehicles.
Besides the Sportage L, the company’s local lineup includes the Stonic, Sorento, Sorento PHEV and Carnival, along with the fully electric EV5 and EV9.
The latest international recognition adds to the Sportage’s reputation as a family-oriented SUV, although the What Car? award is based on evaluations conducted for the UK market rather than a separate assessment of Pakistan-specific variants.