These may seem redundant, so apologies in advance, but have you confirmed:
The AT shift linkage is hooked up correctly at the throttle body, and adjusted,
The Trans. selector switch position is indexed when in (N)eutral to the mark on the trans above the switch,
That the Parking pawl (inside the trans) is releasing when the Trans. selector (in passenger cabin) is in (N)eutral, e.g.: the vehicle can be freely rolled / the parking pawl is not engaged?
That all connectors are hooked up and secure?
Please note that my Kia Sportage auto trans. repair experience is (nil), but hope these observations help,
Regards,
GottaCruise