Trims and Powertrains

The 2026 Kia Sorento’s extensive lineup contains eight trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, X-Line EX AWD, X-Line SX AWD, X-Line SX Prestige AWD, and X-Pro SX Prestige AWD. The LX and S have a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the higher trims move up to a turbocharged version of the powerplant that makes 281 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard with the LX, S, EX, and SX, with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional on the S and EX. As the names imply, the higher trims have standard AWD. The LX and S have a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission, which is upgraded to a dual-clutch version in the other grades.

As expected, the Sorento’s fuel economy varies by trim and powertrain. The base powertrain carries an estimated rating of 23 mpg in the city and 28 to 31 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged unit returns 20 mpg around town and 29 mpg with FWD, and 20 city/27 highway with AWD. Towing capacity ranges from 2,000 pounds with the base engine to 3,500 to 4,500 pounds with the turbo, depending on the trim. The dedicated cargo area measures 12.6 cubic feet, withs a maximum cargo capacity of 75.5 cubic feet behind the first row.

Standard Equipment by Trim

The seven-passenger LX comes with fabric upholstery, proximity keyless entry, push-button ignition, a 4-inch driver information display, automatic LED headlights, heated power side mirrors with integrated LED turn indicators, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, remote start, rear air conditioning vents, a dual-level cargo floor, rear privacy glass, USB ports, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The S adds heated front seats, SynTex leatherette upholstery, a ten-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, roof rails, wireless device charging, additional USB ports, and 18-inch wheels.

While seven-passenger seating is standard in the EX, buyers can opt for second-row captain's chairs (reducing capacity to six). This trim gets a power liftgate, an eight-way power front passenger seat, LED fog lights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The SX receives standard second-row captain's chairs, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 12.3-inch curved instrument display, second-row sunshades, power-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED cabin lighting, and LED taillights.

The X-Line EX AWD expands on the EX’s equipment roster with a panoramic sunroof, second-row captain's chairs, 50/50 split-folding third-row seats, open-pore wood cabin accents, LED cabin lighting, and unique X-Line exterior treatments. The X-Line SX AWD follows a similar path, adding to the SX’s list with X-Line styling and open-pore wood cabin accents. Kia takes the X-Line SX Prestige AWD into upmarket territory with embossed and perforated leather upholstery, a SynTex suede headliner, a 14-way power driver's seat, a ten-way power front passenger seat, heated outboard second-row seats, driver's-side memory, a digital rearview mirror, a digital key, and a 115-volt power outlet in the cargo area. Those who want to take the Sorento onto moderate off-pavement trails can select the top-line X-Pro SX Prestige AWD, which upgrades the X-Line SX Prestige with X-Pro styling, a center locking differential, and 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires.

Advanced Safety Features

The Kia Drive Wise driver-assist array comes standard on all 2026 Sorentos. Its contents are adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance assist (with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning detection), blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning, lane-following assist, lane-keeping assist, speed limit assist, driver attention warning, rear occupant alert, safe exit assist, and automatic high beams.

All trims except the base LX have front and rear parking sensors; the SX trims (including the X-Line and X-Pro variants) also get a blind-spot view monitor and a surround-view monitor. The X-Line SX Prestige AWD and X-Pro SX Prestige AWD are loaded, receiving upgraded forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear parking collision avoidance assist, and side parking sensors. A set of airbags comes standard, along with anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, hill-start assist control, and a rearview monitor.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The interior focus of the ’26 Sorento is a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, with integrated navigation added to the EX and above. The system supports wireless smartphone integration (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and over-the-air (OTA) updates. Access to Kia Connect services is included on all trims; the EX and above also get Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The LX, S, and EX have a six-speaker audio system, while the SX and higher get a 12-speaker Bose arrangement (optional for the EX).