Sportage automatics do not have a neutral in the transfer case. (Actually it's there but there's no detent for it). Sportage stick shifts do have a neutral in the transfer case.

The reason is for safety and liability concerns. If the xfer case had a neutral you could put it neutral and even with the automatic in park the vehicle will roll. And since folks who own automatics NEVER use the parking brake the safety concern is real.

With this in mind you cannot flat tow an automatic any considerable distance, even with manual hubs. While the front diff and front driveshaft won't spin the rear will. Which will spin the xfer case. The tailshaft on the transmission will spin which could damage it with no lubrication from the tranny pump. The alternatives are to dolly the rear wheels or remove the rear driveshaft.

Since a Sportage stick shift DOES have a neutral you can flat tow it with no concerns.