Jones Kia - Does AWD with Multi-Terrain Mode make the 2026 Kia Sportage a smart pick for winter around Essex, MD?
Shoppers weighing year-round confidence often look at two things first: traction and control. The 2026 Sportage brings both together with available active all-wheel drive that can distribute torque between front and rear wheels, plus a Multi-Terrain Mode selector on AWD, X-Line, and X-Pro trims that optimizes settings for mud, snow, and sand in certain situations. If your calendar includes winter commutes, weekend trailheads, and a few gravel detours, that combination can be the difference between white-knuckle driving and a calmer, more composed trip.
Traction is only part of the equation. The Sportage adds practical advantages like up to 8.3 in. of available ground clearance for improved visibility and obstacle clearance, along with available 17-in. wheels with all-terrain tires on X-Pro Prestige. Pair these with the clear, intuitive control layout of the available Dual Panoramic Display — approximately 24 in. of combined screen space — and your drive tools stay right where you need them. Standard Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Wireless Android Auto™ keep maps and messages at your fingertips, while available Remote Start & Climate Control helps you precondition the cabin before you step outside on cold mornings.
- All-wheel traction: Available active AWD can adjust torque delivery as conditions change, helping improve confidence when roads are slick.
- Mode selection: Mud, snow, and sand settings in certain circumstances help tailor throttle and drivetrain responses to the surface at hand.
- Real-world clearance: Up to 8.3 in. of available ground clearance supports visibility and helps when slush piles or rutted paths appear.
- Tire advantage: X-Pro Prestige’s 17-in. wheels with all-terrain tires add grip and durability for mixed surfaces.
- Visibility tech: The available 360° Surround View Monitor and Blind-Spot View Monitor assist when lane markings or parking spaces are hard to see.
These capability highlights only matter if the rest of the vehicle fits your life. Here, the Sportage’s cabin makes daily ownership easier. Class-leading second-row legroom means bulky winter jackets and backpacks are not elbow-to-elbow, and the flat load floor with the seats folded opens up room for ski bags, dog crates, or totes. For tech, available Voice Assistant pairs with Amazon Alexa for convenient commands, and available Over-the-Air Updates help keep infotainment software current. And after a long day on the slopes or a chilly commute, available heated and ventilated front seats help the cabin feel like home, fast.
Trim choice will depend on your priorities. If you want distinctive style and all-weather confidence, X-Line AWD features gloss black exterior trim, unique wheels, and raised high-utility roof rails, while X-Pro adds an even more adventure-focused stance and tire setup. Drivers maximizing tech may gravitate to SX Prestige for available advanced camera views and premium audio. Whichever direction you choose, take time during a test drive to review the Multi-Terrain Mode selector, confirm sightlines, and try the driver assistance technologies that support lane changes and parking in winter conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need AWD if I mostly drive on plowed roads?
AWD is not required, but it can add a layer of reassurance, especially on mornings before roads are fully cleared or when refreeze creates patchy traction. The Sportage’s available system can actively adjust torque delivery as conditions change, working in the background while you focus on steering, braking, and traffic.
How should I test the Multi-Terrain Mode selector during a drive?
In a safe area, have a specialist demonstrate the selector and explain how mud, snow, and sand modes adjust throttle response and drivetrain behavior in certain circumstances. Ask to review the display feedback so you know what the vehicle is doing as modes change.
Which trims best balance winter capability and everyday comfort?
X-Line AWD pairs confident traction with distinctive exterior cues and raised high-utility roof rails. X-Pro Prestige adds 17-in. wheels with all-terrain tires for mixed surfaces. If technology is the priority, SX Prestige offers available advanced camera views and premium audio alongside comfort features like available heated and ventilated front seats.
What else supports cold-weather confidence besides AWD?
Visibility and preparation matter. The available 360° Surround View Monitor helps in tight or snow-narrowed spaces, while Blind-Spot View Monitor aids lane changes when slush obscures mirrors. Available Remote Start & Climate Control preconditions the cabin, and standard Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Wireless Android Auto™ keep navigation and communication simple.
If you want guidance on tailoring the right trim for year-round use, Jones Kia — serving Baltimore, Essex, and Perry Hall — can walk you through AWD availability, mode functionality, and how the Sportage’s features support your specific routes and routines.