2026 Kia Sorento: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2026 Kia Sorento gets a light update led by standard Terrain Mode on every AWD model. It is not a redesign; the other changes center on trim naming, appearance, and equipment.
About the 2026 Kia Sorento
4th generation Sorento (2021-present); 2026 is a post-refresh year, with gas models following the 2024 update and HEV/PHEV models following their refreshed 2025 launch.
The Sorento is Kia’s midsize three-row SUV for shoppers who want family space without moving up to a larger, heavier SUV. Kia positions it as a flexible model line with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid choices, a more upscale cabin than many mainstream rivals, and tougher-looking X-Line/X-Pro versions for buyers who like extra style and light-adventure capability. Its main appeal is breadth: usable third-row seating, strong tech content, and multiple powertrain paths in one nameplate.
The range runs from the practical LX and comfort-focused EX to the richer SX and the more rugged-looking X-Pro SX Prestige. The LX has a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while upper trims add features such as dual 12.3-inch displays, ventilated front seats, Bose audio, and surround-view cameras. The X-Pro SX Prestige combines those premium features with standard AWD and a 4,500-pound towing capacity.
What changed, by category
2026 Kia Sorento specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd Dual-Clutch / Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 8-Spd Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 8-Spd Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 8-Spd Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 8-Spd Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD / AWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas / Plug-In Hybrid / Hybrid | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid / Hybrid |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 20–37 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 32 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 29–36 mpg | 31 mpg | 29 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 35 mpg |
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 227–281 hp | 191 hp | 281 hp | 281 hp | 281 hp | 281 hp | 281 hp | 227–261 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 195–311 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 1654–3500 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 4500 lb | 3500 lb | 1654 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 75.5 cu-ft | 75.5 cu-ft | 75.5 cu-ft | 75.5 cu-ft | 75.5 cu-ft | 75.5 cu-ft | 75.5 cu-ft | 75.5 cu-ft | 75.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 29.6 in | 29.6 in | 29.6 in | 29.6 in | 29.6 in | 29.6 in | 29.6 in | 29.6 in | 29.6 in |
| Seats | 7 | 6–7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6–7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 30 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 30 (Plug-In Hybrid) | |||||||
| MPGe Combined | 74 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 74 (Plug-In Hybrid) | |||||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||
| Cruise Control | |||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||
| 360 Camera | |||||||||
| Traction Control | |||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | |||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||||||
| Reclining Rear Seats | |||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2026 Kia Sorento a redesign?
No. The 2026 Sorento is a light-update year for the current fourth generation, with standard Terrain Mode on AWD models plus smaller styling, trim, and equipment revisions.
What changed on AWD versions of the 2026 Kia Sorento?
Every AWD-equipped 2026 Sorento gains standard Terrain Mode. Gas X-Line and X-Pro versions also receive darker gloss-black exterior trim.
What changed on the 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid?
The hybrid’s former SX-Prestige trim is renamed X-Line SX-Prestige and receives darker X-Line styling. AWD versions also gain standard Terrain Mode, and the EX hybrid’s city fuel-economy rating changes from 36 to 37 mpg.
What changed on the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid?
The plug-in hybrid’s former SX-Prestige trim is renamed X-Line SX-Prestige and receives the darker X-Line appearance. It also gets standard Terrain Mode and a Level 1/Level 2 charging cable.
Is the 2026 Kia Sorento meaningfully different from the 2025 model?
Only modestly. The 2026 is most relevant if standard Terrain Mode on an AWD model or one of the revised trim-equipment packages matters to you; otherwise, it keeps the same generation and recent refreshed design as the 2025 Sorento.
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Models / Sorento / 2026
- kiamedia.com — Models / Sorento Hev / 2026
- kiamedia.com — Models / Sorento Phev / 2026
- kiamedia.com — Models / Sorento / 2025
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 22095 / Kia America Announces Pricing For 2025 Sorento Hybrid
- kiamedia.com — Models / Sorento Phev / 2025
- kiamedia.com — Sorento / 2026 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Sorento / 2026 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — Sorento Hev / 2026 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Sorento Phev / 2026 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 21452 / Beyond Boundaries Revamped 2024 Kia Sorento Bolstered With Head Turning Style Next Generation Tech And X Pro Version