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2026 Kia Sportage vs 2026 Tesla Model Y

On the public data alone the Sportage edges it 3–0.

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2026 Kia Sportage

The 2026 Kia Sportage is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid, hybrid and gas compact SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Sport…

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2026 Tesla Model Y

The 2026 Tesla Model Y is sold in the U.S. as a electric compact SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the Model Y Long Range RWD, is …

2026 Kia Sportage2026 Tesla Model Y
SegmentCompact SUVCompact SUV
PowertrainsPlug-in hybrid, Hybrid, GasElectric
Best EV range (mi)—357
Best combined mpg42—
Safety Signal9241
NHTSA recalls18
Critical recalls00
Owner complaints32343
NHTSA overall stars55
Starting MSRP$28,790—

Green cells mark the better value on that row. Complaint counts scale with sales volume; treat them as a pattern signal, not a verdict. Sources: EPA, NHTSA.

Recalls at a glance

Source: NHTSA

Sportage

▲high

Electrical System

SC361
42,677 vehicles
ProblemKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."RiskAn instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.FixThe instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.
NHTSA campaign 26V046000reported Jan 26, 2026Kia America, Inc.

Model Y

▲high

Suspension

SB-26-31-004
19 vehicles
ProblemTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. One or more front suspension lateral link fasteners may not have been properly tightened, allowing the lateral link to loosen or separate from the sub-frame.RiskA lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.FixTesla Service will tighten or replace the fasteners and check wheel the alignment, free of charge. In addition, Tesla Service will replace any related parts that may have been damaged as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 30, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-31-004.
NHTSA campaign 26V558000reported Aug 31, 2026Tesla, Inc.
▲high

Air Bags

SB-26-00-004
15 vehicles
ProblemTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y and 2024 Model 3 vehicles. The vehicles were originally built for a foreign market and do not have knee air bags, may not be equipped with certain interior safety countermeasures, and may not have been tested for bumper impact resistance procedures. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers, 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact," and Part 581, "Bumper Standards."RiskA noncompliant vehicle may have reduced occupant protections, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.FixTesla will repurchase noncompliant vehicles currently registered in the United States, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 5, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 or resolutions@tesla.com. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-004.
NHTSA campaign 26V445000reported Jul 7, 2026Tesla, Inc.
○minor

Equipment

SB-26-19-002
14,575 vehicles
ProblemTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Model Y vehicles. The certification label may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. Part 567, "Certification."RiskMissing weight information provided by the label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.FixTesla Service will inspect and install a certification label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-19-002.
NHTSA campaign 26V315000reported May 18, 2026Tesla, Inc.