“Overall you'll love it or will fall in love. My Sorento is a great ride. I would definitely recommend and have gotten compliments all the time.”
Kia Sorento: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Kia Sorento is a midsize three-row SUV known for fitting family space into a more manageable package than a larger, heavier SUV. Recent models combine an upscale cabin with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The Sorento started as a truck-style SUV, but the 2011 redesign shifted it to a smoother-driving family crossover. Later generations added more room, a more polished cabin, and broader safety and touchscreen technology. Its enduring theme is three-row flexibility without the bulk of a larger SUV. Since 2021, the lineup has also stood out for its electrified powertrains and tougher-looking X-Line and X-Pro versions.
Strengths
- Its three-row layout gives families extra seating without requiring a larger, heavier SUV.
- The cabin has grown more polished over time and feels more upscale than a basic family hauler.
- The 2026 lineup covers gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, giving used shoppers distinctly different efficiency paths.
- The 2026 hybrid is rated at 32 to 37 mpg in the city, depending on configuration.
- The 2026 plug-in hybrid provides 30 miles of rated electric range for shorter everyday drives.
- Recent X-Line and X-Pro versions add rugged style, while the X-Pro brings more trail-focused hardware and stronger towing.
Who it's for
The Sorento suits families who need an occasional third row but do not want the size and weight of a larger SUV. It also makes sense for commuters who want a more efficient hybrid or plug-in hybrid while keeping one vehicle for school runs, errands, and family trips.
Kia Sorento lineup
In recent lineups, the LX is the straightforward starting point, while the S generally serves as a value-focused step up. The EX occupies the middle ground for added comfort, and the SX and SX Prestige trims lean further into the Sorento’s upscale, tech-rich side. X-Line versions add tougher styling and light-adventure character. Since the 2024 refresh, the gas X-Pro has been the more trail-focused version, with stronger towing and trail-oriented hardware.
Kia Sorento generations
From 2009 to 2026, the Sorento spans four generations. The current 4th Generation arrived for 2021, following the 3rd Generation (2016–2020).
4th Generation (2021–Present)
The fourth-generation Sorento moved to Kia’s N3 platform with a longer wheelbase, new gas engines, the first Sorento Hybrid, and the rugged-looking X-Line treatment. Gas models received refreshed styling and a redesigned dashboard for 2024, followed by the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions for 2025.
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2026Trim changes
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models gain an X-Line SX-Prestige trim. AWD versions also add standard Terrain Mode, and gas X-Line and X-Pro models get darker exterior trim.
2025Mid-cycle update
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models adopt the refreshed styling and dashboard introduced on gas models for 2024. The plug-in hybrid also gains an EX trim.
2024Mid-cycle update
Gas models get a more upright front end, revised rear lighting, a redesigned dashboard, and newer displays. The X-Pro trim also joins the lineup; electrified models retain the earlier design for this year.
2023
The Hybrid drops the S trim and adds SX-Prestige, while the plug-in hybrid moves to SX-Prestige only. More safety and convenience features become standard across the lineup.
2022Trim changes
The plug-in hybrid joins the lineup, and new X-Line S and X-Line EX trims expand the rugged-looking range. The regular Hybrid also gains AWD.
2021New generation
A full redesign brings the N3 platform, a longer wheelbase, new 2.5-liter gas engines, the first Sorento Hybrid, and the X-Line treatment.
3rd Generation (2016–2020)
The third-generation Sorento grew longer and roomier, with a stronger body, a quieter and more upscale cabin, and a new turbocharged engine. Its 2019 refresh updated the styling, transmissions, and three-row seating setup.
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2020Trim changes
The V6 lineup is reorganized: S becomes the entry V6 trim, EX becomes a standalone trim, and SX gains more standard technology.
2019Mid-cycle update
Updated front and rear styling, revised cabin details, standard third-row seating, and updated transmissions refresh the lineup.
2018
Mostly a carryover year, with improved headlights, revised front headrests, and minor trim-specific equipment changes.
2017
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wider access to automatic emergency braking arrive, but the styling and engines carry over.
2016New generation
A full redesign brings a longer wheelbase, a stronger body, more cabin room, better sound insulation, and a new 2.0-liter turbo engine.
2nd Generation — XM (2011–2015)
The XM Sorento changed from a truck-style SUV to a road-focused crossover with more passenger and cargo room and three-row seating. A major 2014 update brought a stiffer chassis, revised styling, a redesigned cabin, and a new V6.
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2015
The heavily updated 2014 design carries over with minor equipment and package changes.
2014Mid-cycle update
A major update brings a stiffer chassis, revised suspension and steering, refreshed styling, a redesigned cabin, and a new 3.3-liter V6.
2013Trim changes
Mostly a carryover year, with leather added to EX and a standard third row added to the LX V6.
2012
A new Base trim joins the lineup. A more powerful and efficient 2.4-liter direct-injection four-cylinder also arrives.
2011New generation
The Sorento becomes a crossover with more interior room, three-row seating, new four-cylinder and V6 engines, and a six-speed automatic.
1st Generation (2003–2009)
The first-generation Sorento was a truck-style midsize SUV with V6 power and four-wheel drive on selected trims. It was replaced by the more road-focused second-generation crossover for 2011.
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2009
The final year of this generation carries over without a broad styling, powertrain, or technology update.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Kia Sorento.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Kia Sorento have a third row?
Yes. The Sorento is a midsize three-row SUV. In the latest lineup, seating varies by version: gas models seat six or seven, the Hybrid seats six, and the Plug-in Hybrid seats seven.
Does the Kia Sorento come as a hybrid?
Yes. The Sorento has been sold as a regular hybrid since 2021 and as a plug-in hybrid in the U.S. since 2022. Recent lineups include gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions under the same Sorento name.
Who is the Kia Sorento a good fit for?
The Sorento suits families who need three rows but do not want to move up to a larger, heavier SUV. Its appeal is the mix of family space, strong technology, an upscale cabin feel, and several powertrain choices.
Is the Kia Sorento front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive?
It depends on the version. The latest Sorento lineup includes front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models. Recent X-Line and X-Pro trims use standard all-wheel drive, and newer AWD models include driving modes for loose or slippery surfaces.
How have the Kia Sorento generations changed?
The first-generation Sorento was a truck-style SUV. The second generation arrived for 2011 as a smoother-riding crossover, followed by redesigns for 2016 and 2021. The current fourth generation is roomier and adds hybrid powertrains and X-Line styling.
How much can a Kia Sorento tow?
Towing ability varies widely by engine and trim. In the latest lineup, gas Sorentos are rated from 2,000 to 4,500 pounds, with the X-Pro reaching the top figure. The Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid are each rated at 1,654 pounds.
Kia Sorento Reviews
What owners are saying about the Kia Sorento.
4.2
Kia Sorento
(3,356 reviews)
“So far so good. I have no regrets. My family have started purchasing Kia vehicles and have had no issues. Only the excitement of upgrading in the future.”
“This would be a great vehicle if it were a hybrid, our Optima was excellent, but did not have the accommodations for 6, myself, wife and 4 grandchildren. It's the only reason we switched to Sorento, we really miss the Hybrid and its fuel mileage. It's nice”
“The Kia Sorento is a very dependable car and a great family vehicle. The second row is a little smaller than expected, but it is okay for a small family.”
“The Sorrento is an amazing family vehicle when you need not only comfort for all passengers, but also reliability, technology, and mostly, max seating capacity. Apple CarPlay is a great feature, too. My Sorrento had all the bells and whistles as well as a panoramic moon roof!”
“The Sorrento is an easy handling good fuel mileage vehicle with a large cargo area.”
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
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 22317 / Kia America Announces 2025 Sorento Pricing