Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.MSRP: $32,390Use the table of contents to jump to a sectionOverviewThe 2026 Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV with three seating rows and space for up to seven people, but it occupies a niche below larger midsize rivals, making it easier to manage and park. It comes with many powertrain options: a 191-hp naturally aspirated or 281-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with either front- or all-wheel drive, or a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder at the heart of the 227-hp FWD/AWD hybrid and 261-hp AWD-only plug-in hybrid. Typical rivals include the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Santa Fe.What's New for 2026?The 2026 Sorento undergoes several changes. X-Line and X-Pro trims get grille surrounds and front/rear accents in glossy black, and these trims’ Terrain mode is expanded to all AWD trims. The base LX trim gains a leather-trimmed steering wheel with hands-on detection, while the X-Line EX gains the Bose audio system. SX trims get as standard a heated steering wheel, the Bose audio system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a garage-door opener, and integrated rear sunblinds, while the S trim loses its standard Wi-Fi and navigation.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe hybrids’ EX base trims exchange their second-row captain’s chairs for a three-seater bench, and their former Panoramic package is replaced with a Premium package that re-adds the captain’s chairs, along with the panoramic sunroof and Bose audio system. The PHEV gets a new dual-level charging cable. Last of all, the SX Prestige trim is renamed the X-Line SX Prestige.ExteriorThe entire Sorento lineup was facelifted over the previous two model years, and it looks smart with its wide grille, vertically stacked LED headlights, and subtly sculpted flanks. The LX looks a little under-wheeled on 17-inch alloys, but you get 18s and 20s higher up the range (all hybrids run on 19s). X-Line trims sit higher off the ground and have roof rails, and the X-Pro SX Prestige runs on matte-black 17s shod with all-terrain tires.KiaView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleInteriorA 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is common to all trims, gaining navigation from EX and up. From SX and up, it’s joined by a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster as part of an integrated, curved display. Six-speaker audio does duty at the base levels, upgrading to a 12-speaker Bose system from the SX and up. The LX has cloth seats, the mid-range trims gain heated front seats and SynTex leatherette, the SX trims have ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof, and the SX Prestige trims have real leather. There’s plenty of space in the second row, but the third row is only really suitable for children.KiaView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articlePrice Range and Best Value TrimThe 2026 Kia Sorento’s price list starts at $32,390 for the 191-hp FWD gas LX and goes up all the way to $53,490 for the X-Line SX Prestige AWD PHEV. The EX represents the best value in either gas or hybrid trims, the former giving you the 281-hp turbo engine and the latter, excellent fuel consumption and acceptable performance for just $600 more.PowertrainTrimMSRPBase Trim Gas 2.5LLX FWD$32,390Top Trim PHEVX-Line SX Prestige AWD$53,490Best valueGas EX / Hybrid EX$38,490 / $38,890Key SpecsPowertrainEnginePowerTorqueTransDrivetrain2.5L I4 (LX, S)191 hp181 lb-ft8-spd autoFWD / AWD2.5L Turbo I4 (EX+)281 hp311 lb-ft8-spd DCTFWD / AWD1.6T Hybrid227 hp258 lb-ft6-spd autoFWD / AWD1.6T PHEV261 hp258 lb-ft6-spd autoAWD stdFuel Economy (EPA)ConfigurationCityHighwayCombined2.5L FWD23 MPG31 MPG26 MPG2.5T FWD20 MPG29 MPG23 MPG2.5T AWD20 MPG27 MPG23 MPGHybrid FWD37 MPG36 MPG37 MPGHybrid AWD32 MPG35 MPG34 MPGPHEV AWD--74 MPGe, 33 mpg gas, 31-mi EV range DimensionsLengthWheelbaseSeatingCargo behind row 3Cargo behind row 2Cargo behind row 1189.6 in110.8 in6-712.6 cu-ft38.5-45.0 cu-ft75.5 cu-ftKia WarrantyCoverageDurationBasic Warranty5 years / 60,000 milesPowertrain / Hybrid Battery10 years / 100,000 milesRoadside Assistance5 years / 60,000 milesPros and ConsProsAdvertisementAdvertisementThree powertrain choices: gas, hybrid, and PHEV281-hp turbo and 227-hp hybrid are both responsiveIIHS Top Safety Pick+ with standard blind-spot detection10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and hybrid battery warrantyConsThird row is cramped for adults; 12.6 cu-ft behind itRide can feel stiff over rough pavementBase 2.5L engine feels underpowered for a three-row SUVPHEV not eligible for federal tax creditVerdictThe Kia Sorento covers an amazing number of bases, offering you three-row utility in a fairly compact body that’s easy to handle, a huge variety of powertrains, even including a PHEV with a 30-mile electric range, and a market-leading warranty. The EX makes the most sense, especially in hybrid format, which still performs satisfactorily, but provides 37-mpg combined economy for just about the same price as the gas EX. We don’t think the PHEV makes sense at the price, unless you’re going to make full daily use of the electric range.KiaCompetitorsHyundai Santa FeToyota HighlanderHonda PilotMazda CX-90Shop the Car MarketplaceView the original article to see embedded media.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jun 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Cars section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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