Your Buyer’s Guide to the 2026 Sorento

Kia loves to give shoppers choices. Because the three-row 2026 Sorento is offered in so many configurations, choosing the proper trim level and powertrain means knowing which features matter most and where your budget is best spent. Before you commit to the latest Kia Sorento for sale, we have a detailed buyer’s guide to help you shop for it.

The 2026 model includes exterior updates, with slight tweaks to the glossy accents on the front and rear fascias, as well as the addition of a new leather-trimmed steering wheel. With these in mind, the next step is to understand how different trim levels, powertrains, and features allow you to configure a 2026 Kia Sorento.

Trim Levels & Prices

There are a total of 12 trims to choose from, as well as internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain options. This gives you the opportunity to find a wide range of performance solutions for your Sorento. 

If you’re comparing trims while shopping for a Kia Sorento, your choice affects everything from color availability and towing capacity to powertrain options and everyday convenience features. The following is the 2026 Sorento’s trim lineup:

• LX – $32,390 MSRP
• S – $35,290 MSRP
• EX – $38,490 MSRP
• SX – $42,290 MSRP
• X-Line EX – $42,790 MSRP
• X-Line SX – $44,090 MSRP
• X-Line SX Prestige – $46,790 MSRP
• X-Pro SX Prestige – $47,790 MSRP
• EX Hybrid – $38,890 MSRP
• X-Line SX Prestige Hybrid – $47,190 MSRP 
• EX PHEV – $48,290 MSRP 
• X-Line SX Prestige PHEV – $53,490 MSRP 

The LX and S are the entry-level trims, offering all the standard features for errands, commuting, or weekend outings. You have Kia’s safety suite, cabin conveniences, and remote access, plus all the necessary connectivity and infotainment tech. These trims are suitable for families who want a dependable three-row SUV for daily driving. 

The EX and SX add more luxury elements, such as larger wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and upgraded connectivity, safety, and comfort features. The X-Line EX and X-Line SX are rugged iterations, designed for off-road utility; if you’re looking for a good adventure vehicle, these should be your picks.

The top-of-the-line trims are the X-Line SX Prestige and X-Pro SX Prestige. They offer a mix of off-road capability, luxury refinement, and generous tech. These trims are best suited for shoppers prioritizing the best of the best. Of course, the mid-tier EX and top-tier X-Line SX Prestige are also available with hybrid and PHEV powertrains.

Performance & Efficiency

There are a total of four powertrain options for the 2026 Kia Sorento, which include ICE, hybrid, and PHEV. ICE and hybrid models are available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and PHEV models are available only in all-wheel drive. 

A 2.5-liter four-cylinder comes standard on the LX and S trims, and it makes 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. It’s matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EX and above come with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which makes 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine is matched with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. 

The other two powertrain types are variations of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The hybrid is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and electric-motor pairing that makes a combined 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission. The plug-in hybrid is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder paired with two electric motors and a 13.8-kWh battery pack, producing 261 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque with a six-speed automatic transmission. 

Below is a breakdown of fuel economy ratings for each powertrain, including city and highway estimates for both front-wheel (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD).

• 2.5-Liter I-4 & FWD: 23 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.
• 2.5-Liter I-4 & AWD: 23 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.
• 2.5-Liter Turbo I-4 & FWD: 20 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
• 2.5-Liter Turbo I-4 & AWD: 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.
• 1.6-Liter I-4 Hybrid & FWD: 37 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway.
• 1.6-Liter I-4 Hybrid & AWD: 32 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway.
• 1.6-Liter I-4 PHEV & AWD: 74 MPGe and 30 miles of electric-only range.

The 2026 Kia Sorento has a max towing capacity of 4,500 lbs for the turbocharged four-cylinder; the other powertrains top out at 2,000 lbs. This is worth considering if you plan to tow small boats, campers, or cargo trailers. If you want the best possible fuel economy, you’ll be giving up towing capacity, and vice versa; that’s something to consider when deciding on which trim and powertrain to go with.

Cargo Space & Seating

The three-row 2026 Kia Sorento offers generous cargo capacity, even when all seats are in use. You can access up to 12.6 cu.ft. of space in the rear cargo area via the smart power liftgate, which comes standard on every trim above the EX. Additionally, if you fold down the second and third rows, you get up to 75.5 cu.ft. of cargo capacity.

The 2026 Kia Sorento can be configured to seat between six and seven passengers across its three rows. The LX, S, and EX trims seat up to seven with a second-row split bench. The EX has the option of swapping that bench for captain’s chairs, and every trim above it comes standard with second-row captain’s chairs, for a maximum occupancy of six. So, any trim up to the EX will give you more passenger seats, while every trim above the EX sacrifices one seat to improve the others’ comfort. 

The LX has a six-way manual driver’s seat with cloth upholstery. The EX and above come with a ten-way power driver seat and two-way power lumbar support with SynTex upholstery. If you want the best seating options available, the X-Line SX Prestige and X-Pro SX Prestige have a 14-way power driver’s seat with four-way power lumbar support and two-way power thigh extension with genuine perforated leather upholstery. 

Tech & Convenience

Every trim comes standard with remote push-button start, Smart Key access, and remote power doors and windows. Smart cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic avoidance are also standard features on the 2026 Sorento. 

Added safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and turning detection, are also standard. If you want more advanced safety tech, such as navigation-based smart cruise control and a 360-degree Surround View monitor, you will need to go with the EX or above. 

For everyday driving, the Sorento is well equipped, even in lower trims. LED projector lights are standard equipment, along with a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and maintenance reminders. Over-the-air updates and Bluetooth wireless streaming with multi-device connectivity are included across the entire trim lineup.

Alternatively, if you want Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity or wireless phone charging, you will need to look at the S trim or higher. Additionally, the LX, S, and EX come with a four-inch instrument display, while the SX and above feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. On the upside, features like USB charging ports, USB data ports, and remote pre-cooling and heating are standard across the board. 

Find Your 2026 Kia Sorento Today

With all these trim levels, powertrains, and features, there is a lot to love about Kia’s three-row midsize SUV. If you still need guidance in picking the right configuration, getting financing, or exploring a trade-in, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Rusty Wallace Kia Alcoa. We’re more than happy to answer questions or facilitate a test drive of a 2026 Kia Sorento.

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