Kia’s mid-size three-row SUV rolls into 2026 with some modest tweaks, keeping things simple while the competition scrambles to reinvent themselves. If you’ve been eyeing a Sorento, the 2026 model year doesn’t rock the boat, but it does add a few nice touches that make it even more appealing for families who need space without stretching their budget.
- The 2026 Sorento carries over mostly unchanged from its 2024 refresh, with new glossy black trim added to X-Line and X-Pro models for a bolder look.
- Terrain Mode is now standard on all AWD-equipped models instead of being limited to higher trims, giving more buyers off-road capability.
- Starting at $33,635, the Sorento slots between the compact Sportage and the bigger Kia Telluride, offering three-row seating in a more manageable size.
What Changed for 2026
Kia didn’t go wild with changes this year, and honestly, that’s probably a good thing. The Sorento got a pretty big makeover for 2024, so the 2026 version sticks with what works. X-Line and X-Pro models now feature glossy black accents on the lower bumpers, grille surround, and front air intake. It’s a small change, but it gives these trims a tougher, more modern appearance.
The bigger news? Terrain Mode is now included on every AWD Sorento, not just the top trims. That means if you opt for all-wheel drive on any model, you get the system that adjusts traction and stability for different surfaces. Snow, mud, sand, whatever you’re dealing with, Terrain Mode helps you stay in control. Before this year, you had to step up to an X-Line or X-Pro to get it.
Inside, there’s a new leather-wrapped steering wheel that matches what you’ll find in other recent Kia models. It’s a minor update, but it makes the cabin feel a bit more cohesive with the rest of the lineup.
Engine Options and Performance
The Sorento gives you two gas engine choices. The base LX trim comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 191 horsepower. It’s adequate for daily driving and gets decent fuel economy. Last year’s model hit 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. If you want more muscle, step up to the turbocharged 2.5-liter that pumps out 281 horses. Fuel economy takes a small hit (20 city, 29 highway), but the extra power makes highway merging and passing way easier.
Want better fuel economy without sacrificing too much power? Kia also offers the Sorento as a hybrid with 227 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 36 mpg on the highway. There’s even a plug-in hybrid version if you’re ready to take the plunge into electrified driving. The PHEV lets you run on pure electric power for short trips, then switches to the gas engine when needed.
Towing capacity tops out at 4,500 pounds on the X-Pro model, which should handle a small boat or camping trailer without breaking a sweat. That’s not in the same league as the Telluride’s 5,000-pound rating, but it covers what most families need.
Space and Practicality
The Sorento seats up to seven people in the gas models, or six if you opt for the captain’s chairs in the second row. Hybrid and plug-in versions come standard with the six-seat configuration. Third-row space is…well, it’s a third row. Adults won’t love long trips back there, but kids will be fine.
Cargo room checks in at 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 45 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.5 cubic feet total with both rows down. Those numbers put it in line with other mid-size three-row SUVs, though larger models like the Honda Pilot give you more space overall.
Tech and Safety Features
Every Sorento comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Base models get a 4.3-inch digital cluster display, while higher trims upgrade to a full 12.3-inch digital gauge screen. USB ports are spread throughout the cabin. Five come on the LX, seven on the S trim and up.
Safety tech is generous across the board. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring all come standard. Move up to the S trim and you get front and rear parking sensors plus Highway Driving Assist. The Sorento earned a five-star overall crash test rating from NHTSA, and the 2024 version received the IIHS Top Safety Pick award.
Trim Levels and Pricing
Gas-powered Sorentos start at $33,635 for the base LX and climb to $49,035 for the loaded X-Pro SX Prestige AWD. In between, you’ve got the S, EX, SX, and various X-Line configurations. Kia hasn’t announced pricing yet for the 2026 hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, but expect them to carry a premium over the gas versions.
Who Should Consider It
The Sorento makes sense if you need three rows but don’t want to deal with the size and cost of a full-size SUV. It’s easier to park than a Telluride, gets better fuel economy than most competitors, and comes loaded with standard features even at the base level. Families who occasionally need that third row for carpools or short trips will appreciate having the flexibility without paying for more SUV than they really need.
If you regularly haul seven people or need maximum cargo space, you might be happier with something bigger. But for most families, the Sorento hits a sweet spot between size, features, and price that’s hard to beat in today’s market.
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