Auto Guide
2026 Kia Sorento
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Review and specifications

2026 Kia Sorento

Kia redesigned its Sorento SUV for 2021, with new engines and an available hybrid version. Three rows of seating are standard, in either six- or seven-passenger configurations. The base four-cylinder engine is neither quick nor quiet, but the 281-hp, turbo four-cylinder that comes on EX trims and higher gives strong acceleration and commendable fuel economy. Unfortunately, its dual-clutch automatic causes some low-speed vibrations. The 1.6-liter turbo hybrid version is pleasantly powerful, beyond an initial delay off the line. All-wheel drive can be had with either gas engine, but the hybrid is front-drive only. Handling is responsive but the ride is rather stiff. Standard active safety features include FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection, while BSW and RCTW are standard on all but the base trim. A 261-hp plug-in hybrid with 32 miles of electric range joins the Sorento lineup for 2022. The 2025 model includes ACC, LCA, LKA, and LDW as standard.

Market value
$38,200
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
7
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2026
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability 2/5
Data updated December 4, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
4-door SUV
Drive type
AWD
Transmission
Automatic, 8-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
82/100
Reliability
2/5

Fuel economy

EPA city
20 MPG
EPA highway
27 MPG
EPA combined
23 MPG
Tested city
17 MPG
Tested highway
34 MPG
Tested overall
25 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,580
Cruising range
435 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
2.6 sec
0-60 mph
6.5 sec
60-0 mph braking
133 ft
Avoidance speed
52.5 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
189 in
Width
75 in
Height
67 in
Wheelbase
111 in
Weight
3,985 lb
Maximum load
1,030 lb
Towing capacity
3,500 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
39.5 cu ft

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
6/10
Greenhouse gas score
5/10
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: 38644 Updated: December 4, 2025

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

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