Name: 2026 Kia Sorento
Brand: Kia

The 2026 Kia Sorento receives a measured update that keeps the model's value proposition intact while refining styling, interior comfort and technology.

Kia carries forward the model's broad powertrain lineup, including a 2.5-liter turbocharged option, hybrid and plug-in hybrid, and modestly raises entry pricing. Sorento balances strong on-road performance, a quiet cabin and family-friendly packaging while retaining the brand's long warranty coverage and excellent list of standard safety systems.

What's new for 2026

Kia makes incremental but meaningful updates for 2026: a revised exterior package across trims (X-Line and XPro options), a new steering-wheel design, and software/infotainment refinements.
The Sorento keeps the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic on the 2.5-liter turbocharged unit for 2026 (a difference from the Hyundai Santa Fe sibling, which switched to a conventional automatic).
Pricing rises slightly year-over-year; base price is $32,000, while the reviewed XLine SX 2.5T AWD arrives at $45,570 (including options and destination).

Design & Exterior

Styling: The 2026 Sorento continues to blend sophisticated and rugged cues. The front end uses Kia's current design language with a prominent "tiger-nose" grille and stacked crystal LED headlights and signature amber-tone DRLs/turn indicators. Trim-dependent touches include gloss-black accents and matte or gloss wheel-arch surrounds.

Dimensions & utility: The Sorento measures 189 inches long, and with AWD the model offers 8.2 inches of ground clearance on X-Line variants. Wheel sizes range from 17- to 20-inch alloys depending on trim and package.

Towing: Maximum tow capacity on the gas turbo model is 3,500 lb; hybrid variants are rated at 2,000 lb.

Interior & Technology

Cabin changes: The most visible interior change is the new steering wheel (a thicker rim with flat top/bottom treatment). Higher trims feature leatherette or premium leather with diamond quilting and expanded power/memory seat functions (up to 14-way power with memory on SX Prestige).

Screens & software: Most Sorentos adopt a dual 12.3-inch instrument/infotainment display running Kia/Hyundai's CCNC software for snappier performance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the line. The model included a Bose 12-speaker audio system on upper trims.

Convenience: Upper trims add a panoramic sunroof, power hands-free liftgate (EX and above), heated/ventilated seats starting on the SX trim, and a roomy center console.

Rear seats & third row: Second-row legroom is generous (41.7 in); many trims offer captain's chairs and an easy electronic tilt-and-slide second row for third-row access. The third row is best suited for children, with roughly ~30 in of legroom and limited thigh support for adults.

Powertrains & Performance

Powertrain choices: The Sorento continues to offer four main powertrains: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter, a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a conventional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. The turbo unit quoted shows about 281–283 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque depending on the source and trim.

Transmission note: Kia retains an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic with the 2.5T in the Sorento (the Santa Fe sibling moved to a conventional automatic in 2026). The dual-clutch offers brisk, sporty shifts under acceleration but can exhibit some low-speed lurchiness in stop-and-go traffic.

Fuel economy: The tested 2.5T AWD spec reports ~23 MPG combined. The non-turbo 2.5 AWD is rated around 24 MPG, while hybrid variants rise into the mid-30s MPG (34–36 MPG cited).

On-road manners: The Sorento prioritizes comfort and quietness over sharp sportiness. Acceleration from the 2.5T is strong for the class and the DCT provides quick shifts during hard pulls.

NVH and ride quality

We recorded a cabin sound level of 52.9 dB on highway runs, among the quieter entries in the segment. Ride quality is described as compliant and comfort-oriented, with minimal intrusion from large wheels or rough surfaces. Handling favors stability and composure over razor-sharp feedback.

Practicality & Cargo

Cargo volumes: 13 cu ft behind the third row; 38 cu ft with the third row folded; up to ~76 cu ft maximum with second and third rows down.
Load dimensions: Measured load length behind driver position roughly 79 in (with second row folded/adjusted).
The Sorento includes a full-size spare on gas models and offers multiple USB ports, substantial door-bottle storage, and convenient second-row sliding/recline capability.

Safety & driver aids

Kia equips the Sorento with a full complement of active safety systems as standard: adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, automatic emergency braking and more. Highway Drive Assist 1.0 is standard on EX and above; Highway Drive Assist 2.0 is available on SX Prestige. Upper trims also unlock additional camera features such as a blind-spot camera and a 360-degree surround view.

2026 Kia Sorento Pricing, warranty, resale & reliability

Base MSRP: $32,000 (LX).
Test car price: $45,570 (XLine SX 2.5T AWD with options and destination).
Warranty: Kia continues to offer a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Resale & reliability: Our estimates put five-year resale at roughly ~49% of MSRP and 10-year values near ~21%, roughly on par with industry averages but typically behind top Japanese rivals (Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Mazda). Aggregated reliability scores place Kia above industry average in combined measures.

Verdict: who should buy the 2026 Kia Sorento?

The 2026 Kia Sorento remains a compelling value proposition for buyers seeking a roomy, well-equipped three-row crossover with multiple powertrain choices. The mid-cycle updates sharpen the package without altering the model's core strengths: generous standard equipment, family-friendly space, a quiet cabin and an industry-leading powertrain warranty.

Choose the turbo 2.5 if you want brisk performance and towing capability (up to 3,500 lb), or opt for hybrid/PHEV variants for improved fuel economy. Buyers who prioritize ultimate third-row comfort or long-term resale against the very best Japanese nameplates may find stronger alternatives, but for most families the Sorento's balance of value, technology and comfort makes it an attractive pick for 2026.