Auto Guide
2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid
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Review and specifications

2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid

The Kia Sorento is a three-row SUV that's nicely sized: it's not too small, and not too large. The hybrid version is pleasantly powerful, beyond an initial delay off the line. The plug-in hybrid has 32 miles of electric range if using a light foot. Handling is secure but the moderately stiff ride in the regular model is made better in the hybrid version. We measured 28 mpg overall with the Hybrid. Three rows of seating come standard in either six- or seven-passenger configurations. Upper trims get the six-passenger format with two individual seats in the second row. The base four-cylinder engine is neither quick nor quiet, but the 281-hp, turbo four-cylinder that comes on EX and higher trims gives strong acceleration and commendable fuel economy. But its dual-clutch automatic causes low-speed vibrations. Standard active safety features include FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection. The Sorento Hybrid received a refresh for the 2025 model year with updated exterior styling and standard ACC and LCA.

Market value
$38,200
Fuel
Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
7
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2026
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability 3/5
Data updated December 4, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Hybrid
Body style
4-door SUV
Drive type
AWD
Transmission
Automatic, 6-speed
Category
Midsized SUVs 3-row
Generation began
2021

Pricing

Current retail median
$38,200
Retail value range
$28,700 - $47,000
Original MSRP range
$32,190 - $53,490
Trade-in range
$26,815 - $44,965

Ratings

Road test score
86/100
Reliability
3/5
Expert recommendation
Recommended

Fuel economy

EPA city
34 MPG
EPA highway
34 MPG
EPA combined
34 MPG
Tested city
22 MPG
Tested highway
34 MPG
Tested overall
28 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,385
Cruising range
500 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3 sec
0-60 mph
8.1 sec
60-0 mph braking
132 ft
Avoidance speed
53 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
190 in
Width
75 in
Height
67 in
Wheelbase
111 in
Weight
4,250 lb
Maximum load
1,030 lb
Towing capacity
1,650 lb

Interior

Seating
7 people
Front head room
6 in
Front leg room
42 in
Rear head room
3 in
Rear leg room
30 in
Cargo volume
38.5 cu ft
Luggage
1+1+0

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
6/10
Greenhouse gas score
7/10
SmartWay
No

Brand context

About Kia

For almost any modern vehicle category, there’s a Kia that’s worth considering buying. Among small and midsized SUVs, models like the Sportage and Sorento rank near the top in their respective classes for their nice interiors, ride comfort, and appropriately powerful engines. SUVs like the Telluride have ride comfort, interior space, and overall value that earn it regular placement near the top of Consumer Reports’ ratings. Fuel economy across the brand is generally good, but hybrid and plug-in hybrid options are available for even more miles per gallon. Plug-in hybrid options have useful all-electric driving range. Kia EVs are generally competent, ranging from compact sedans up to a three-row SUV. Kia’s reliability scores have been improving, but other brands score higher in our rankings. Specific Kia models have earned our recommendation among used cars.

Vehicle ID: 38663 Updated: December 4, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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