Fall in Ontario brings cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and the urge to get out of the city. Pickering families head north to Algonquin Park to see the colours, or east to Prince Edward County for wine country weekends. The 2026 Kia Sportage HEV handles these trips with confidence, fuel efficiency, and space for all the gear.
Here's why the Sportage HEV works well for Ontario fall getaways.
232 hp Provides Confident Passing Power
The Sportage HEV combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a permanent magnet synchronous motor. Total output: 232 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels.
That's enough power to pass slower traffic on two-lane highways, merge onto the 401 during heavy weekend travel, or climb hills with a full load of passengers and camping gear. The electric motor adds instant torque at low speeds. The gasoline engine delivers sustained power at highway speeds. The transition between the two is smooth and barely noticeable.
Acceleration feels responsive without being aggressive. You get the power you need when you need it, without wasting fuel when you don't.
Standard AWD Handles Variable Fall Weather
October weather in Ontario can shift quickly. Morning fog, afternoon rain, or early snow flurries are all possible within the same weekend trip.
The Sportage HEV comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). The system monitors road conditions and adjusts power distribution between the front and rear wheels automatically. During normal driving on dry pavement, most power goes to the front wheels for efficiency. On wet or slippery roads, the system shifts more power to the rear wheels for better traction.
AWD helps with:
- Rain-soaked highways between Pickering and Algonquin Park
- Gravel roads leading to cottages or campgrounds
- Early-season snow in northern Ontario
- Wet leaves on winding country roads
You don't need to flip any switches or select any modes. The system adjusts automatically based on what it senses.
6.7 L/100 km Combined Fuel Economy Means Fewer Gas Stops
Long road trips usually mean multiple fuel stops. The Sportage HEV's hybrid powertrain helps reduce those stops.
Fuel economy: 6.7 L/100 km combined (city and highway). That's about the same whether you're driving in traffic through Toronto or cruising at 100 km/h on Highway 7 to Peterborough.
On a round trip from Pickering to Algonquin Park (approximately 600 km total), the Sportage HEV uses roughly 40 litres of fuel. Compare that to a non-hybrid SUV averaging 10 L/100 km, which would use about 60 litres for the same trip—a difference of 20 litres, or one full tank.
The hybrid system recaptures energy during braking and coasting, recharging the battery as you drive. The electric motor assists the gasoline engine during acceleration and cruising, reducing the load on the engine and lowering fuel consumption.
You'll still need to fill up on longer trips, but you'll do it less often.
Up to 1,119 Litres of Cargo Capacity Holds Camping Gear and Luggage
Fall road trips mean packing layers, boots, jackets, camera gear, hiking equipment, maybe a cooler for snacks and drinks. The Sportage HEV has room for all of it.
Cargo capacity:
- Behind second row (cargo floor lowered): 1,119 litres
- Behind second row (cargo floor raised): 977 litres
- Behind first row (all seats folded): 2,087 litres (cargo floor lowered)
The dual-level cargo floor gives you flexibility. Raise it for a flat loading surface that's level with the folded rear seats. Lower it for maximum vertical space when you need to stand items upright or stack taller bags.
The 60:40 split-folding rear seats let you carry both passengers and long items at the same time. Fold one side down for skis or fishing rods. Keep the other side up for passengers.
The rear hatch opens wide for easy loading. No awkward angles or tight squeezes.
Advanced Safety Features Include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
Fall driving conditions—darker mornings, rain, fog, animals crossing rural roads—demand extra attention. The Sportage HEV includes safety systems designed to help you avoid hazards.
Standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5 (FCA 1.5) detects:
- Cars ahead of you slowing or stopping suddenly
- Pedestrians crossing in front of you
- Cyclists sharing the road
- Vehicles approaching at intersections (junction turning function)
If the system detects a potential collision, it alerts you with visual and audio warnings. If you don't respond in time, it can automatically apply the brakes to help reduce impact or avoid the collision entirely.
Higher trims add Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 (FCA 2), which includes additional detection for:
- Oncoming vehicles turning left across your path
- Vehicles approaching from the side when you're changing lanes
- Evasive steering assist to help you steer around obstacles
Other standard safety features:
- Lane Keeping Assist (helps keep you centred in your lane)
- Lane Following Assist 2 (provides steering support on highways)
- Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (warns of approaching vehicles when reversing)
- Driver Attention Warning (monitors your alertness and suggests breaks if needed)
These systems work together to help you stay aware of your surroundings, especially on unfamiliar roads or in changing conditions.
At a Glance: Key Road Trip Features
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Feature
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Benefit
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232 hp hybrid powertrain
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Confident passing and merging on highways
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Standard AWD
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Better traction on wet roads, gravel, or early snow
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6.7 L/100 km combined fuel economy
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Fewer fuel stops on long trips
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1,119 litres cargo capacity
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Room for camping gear, luggage, and hiking equipment
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Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
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Helps detect and avoid hazards
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Regenerative braking
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Recaptures energy to recharge battery while driving
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Why the Sportage HEV Works for Fall Getaways
The Sportage HEV handles the practical side of fall road trips. It has the power to keep up with highway traffic and pass when needed. It has the traction to handle wet roads and gravel campground driveways. It has the cargo space to fit everyone's gear without Tetris-level packing skills. And it does all of this while using less fuel than a traditional gasoline SUV.
You're not sacrificing space or performance for efficiency. You're getting all three.
For Pickering families who plan weekend trips to Algonquin, Prince Edward County, or cottage country, the Sportage HEV offers a balanced option that handles Ontario roads and weather without fuss.
Discover the Sportage HEV's Road Trip Capabilities at Bessada Kia in Pickering
Fall road trip season is here. The 2026 Kia Sportage HEV combines hybrid efficiency with AWD capability and space for the whole family. See how it handles Ontario roads. Visit Bessada Kia in Pickering to learn more about the Sportage HEV and schedule a test drive.
To learn more about the 2026 Kia Sportage HEV, visit Kia.ca
