Kia America is keeping the road trip vibes alive with the second installment of its two-part creative campaign for the 2026 Sportage, this time spotlighting the powerful Sportage Hybrid SUV. And we love this spot.
Produced by Kia’s longtime agency partner David&Goliath, the new spot—titled “Relationship Tripping”—builds on the story introduced in “T-Shirt Tripping” and continues the journey of a young couple whose cross-country drive evolves into a celebration of life’s milestones.
Set to the classic anthem Rock’n Me by the Steve Miller Band, the campaign takes viewers through Tennessee, Nevada, Michigan, Maryland, New York, and Maine. Along the way, the couple stops at a wedding chapel, receives a baby onesie, and proves that the Sportage Hybrid is as adaptable as the lives of the people driving it. Watch below:
David&Goliath executive creative director Avital Pinchevsky added: “With part two of ‘Keep the Adventure Going,’ we wanted to evolve the story and spotlight the versatility and innovation of the 2026 Sportage Turbo-Hybrid. It’s not just a ride from A to B—it inspires connection, spontaneity, and the unexpected possibilities that come when you truly keep the adventure going.”
The 2026 Sportage marks the most significant update to Kia’s longest-running and best-selling nameplate since the launch of the fifth-generation model three years ago. Offered in three distinct powertrains—ICE, Turbo Hybrid (HEV), and Turbo Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)—the redesigned SUV features expansive trim options, including the rugged X-Line and X-Pro Prestige. Inside, drivers can expect segment-leading cargo space, rear seat legroom, advanced driver assistance features, and a tech-forward cabin built for convenience.
“Sportage is Kia’s best-selling nameplate for a reason, because it is the perfect SUV for every driver regardless of life stage,” said Russell Wager, vice president, marketing, Kia America. “This campaign highlights how adaptable the Sportage is for a variety of drivers, from a single person to a couple to a growing family of three or more.”
In addition to broadcast spots, the campaign extends across digital, print, OOH, and paid social placements on TikTok, Pinterest, Meta, Reddit, and Snapchat.
CREDITS:
BRAND: Kia America
AGENCY: David & Goliath
- Founder: David Angelo
- Chief Creative Officer: Ben Purcell
- Executive Creative Director: Avi Pinchevsky
- Head of Art: John O’Hea
- Group Creative Director: Mike Czako
- Creative Directors: Ben Sweitzer, Sammy Glicker
- Associate Creative Directors: Diego Wortmann, Erick Monero
- Art Director: Riley Rawson
- Copywriter: Danny White
- Designer: Christina Romani
- Chief Strategy Officer: Brendan Robertson
- Group Director: Gabi Levi
- Brand Director: Kelly Slater
- Strategist: Chase Culver
- Head of Communications: Luke Hughes
- Communications Director: Jeff Cannata
- Communications Manager: Amy Wu Sr.
- Managing Director: Allison Draskovich
PRODUCTION COMPANY: MJZ
- Director: Dante Ariola
- President: David Zander
- Director of Photography: Phillipe Le Sourd
- Executive Producer: Eriks Krumins
- Line Producer: Natalie Hill
PRODUCTION SERVICES: Filmgroup
- Executive Producers: Nathan Miles, Renee Paulin
- Head of Production: Alexandra Wilson
- Line Producer: Katerina Ireland
POST PRODUCTION / VFX — JAMN
- VFX Supervisor: Andy Boyd
- Project Lead: Jake Montgomery
- Creatives: Brandon Thomas, Alex Koester, Franz Kol, Navid Sanati
- Producers: Mike Wigart, AnnMarie Dupauw
EDIT: Spinach
- Editor: Damion Clayton
- Edit Assistants: Jobe Lowen, Sam Slavkin, Jontas da Silva
- Managing Director: Adam Bright
- Executive Producer: Jonathan Carpio
- Producer: Patricia Gushikuma
MUSIC/ SOUND:
Racket Club
- Sound Mix: Nathan Dubin
- Executive Producer: Adrea Lavezzoli
- Associate Producer: Anton Doty
Sailor Records
- Composer / Artist: Steve Miller, Steve Miller Band
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