Though labeled a small SUV by the EPA, the 2026 Kia Sorento offers three-row seating and competes with midsize models such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Toyota Highlander. Several trims are offered with varying levels of equipment and capability, including available all-wheel drive (AWD).
This article addresses the gas-powered 2026 Kia Sorento. Hybrid (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) variants are covered separately.
2026 Kia Sorento Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Kia Sorento
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Kia Sorento
Little has changed since the Sorento was overhauled for the 2024 model year. That facelift brought substantial updates to the front- and rear-end designs, reminiscent of the Sorento’s all-electric big brother, the EV9. Kia has adjusted the standard features across the lineup for the 2026 model year. The biggest changes were reserved for the top-of-the-range X-Line and X-Pro trims, which get revised front and rear fascias with glossy black finishes. Additionally, Terrain Mode is now standard with AWD and the interior hosts a new leather-wrapped steering wheel on some versions.
Design
The Sorento’s rugged good looks continue for 2026. All versions get the power LED projector headlights and lower-end trim levels have chrome accents around the exterior, while the higher-end X-Line and X-Pro get new gloss black finishes. A range of wheels is available; the base LX gets 17-inch alloy wheels, EX and SX trims feature machine-finished 18-inch wheels, X-Line trims ride on exclusive blacked out 20-inch wheels, and the X-Pro sports unique 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires.
Powertrain
Two engine options are available for the 2026 Kia Sorento. LX and S models use a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard and AWD is available. EX trims and up get a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT). FWD is standard for the EX and SX, and AWD is a $1,500 option. The X-Line and X-Pro trims utilize the same turbocharged powerplant with standard AWD. The range-topping X-Pro can tow up to 4,500 pounds.
Interior
The Sorento is a three-row SUV with room for up to seven passengers, depending on the trim and the configuration. Starting with the EX, captain’s chairs can replace the second-row bench seat, limiting seating to six passengers. A panoramic sunroof is optional on the S and EX trims, while it comes standard with the SX, X-Line, and X-Pro models. With the third row in place, the Sorento has only 12.1 cubic feet of cargo space. Folded down, the Sorento provides up to 45 cubic feet of storage space.
Technology
All Kia Sorento models come well-equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and standard wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay. A 12-speaker Bose premium sound system is optional on the EX and standard on the SX, X-Line, and X-Pro trims. Depending on the trim, up to seven USB charging ports are placed throughout the cabin.
Safety
Kia's 2026 Sorento comes standard with a full suite of active driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These include automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control is offered on all but the LX. The 2026 Kia Sorento earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was named a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Pricing and Release Date
As of this writing, pricing for the 2026 Kia Sorento starts at $32,190 for the base LX trim, with the top-of-the-line X-Pro model reaching $47,590. The SX trim at $42,090 presents a great value with a wide range of standard features, including the Bose sound system and AWD. Prices exclude a $1,445 destination charge. The 2026 Kia Sorento is on sale now.
