Shopping for a Kia Sorento? Consider These 3 Alternatives

Shopping for a small three-row SUV? Hyundai and Mitsubishi also offer compelling options

written by Kyle Patrick
edited by Greg Migliore
9/29/2026
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What’s new: Kia’s Sorento SUV remains a Goldilocks choice in the small three-row segment.
Why it matters: While we rate the Sorento highly, newer competitors can offer additional features you won’t find here.
Edmunds says: Don’t skip options from Hyundai, Mitsubishi and, yes, Kia when crafting your three-row SUV short list.

It happens. Whether it’s another kid (and the associated struggle with child seats), more four-legged members of the family, or simply preparing for a what-if, you’ve realized a two-row SUV might not be enough anymore. That being said, you don’t want to move straight to the larger three-row vehicles and deal with the inflated sticker prices and running costs, or the tougher maneuverability. You need something right-sized.

The Kia Sorento is an excellent choice with a mix of features and comfort in a package barely larger than the brand’s two-row Sportage. There are other choices in the marketplace, however, and depending on where your specific priorities lie, one of them might be the better option.

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Hyundai Santa Fe

Price range (with destination): $36,950–$50,600
Edmunds Rating: 7.5 (out of 10)

Hyundai dramatically rethought its longest-running SUV. Out went the swoopy styling of yore for a much boxier look. While it might not be to everyone’s tastes, there’s no arguing with the practicality this new shape delivers. The Santa Fe also returned to a three-row layout, offering buyers a choice of a six- or a seven-passenger setup. Under the skin, the Santa Fe and Sorento share a platform, but the newer Hyundai basically has just a bit more than its relative. In every dimension bar second-row hip room (where it loses out by a quarter-inch), the Santa Fe is more spacious. This advantage applies to its cargo capacity, too.

The Hyundai does start at a higher price point than the Kia, but that’s because it skips the underpowered base engine in the Sorento, coming correct with the turbocharged motor as standard. As you’d expect of a modern Hyundai, the Santa Fe comes well equipped with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, second-row air vents, and a power liftgate standard across all trims. Fancier trims pile on goodies, including available Nappa leather, dual wireless chargers, an enormous panoramic sunroof, and even a UV-C sterilization compartment to clean your grubby devices. Best of all, its tidy footprint means it can swallow people and their things like a big SUV, but it doesn’t drive like one. Hybrid models are available throughout the lineup, and even the base hybrid, the SE, starts at a relatively affordable $36,950.

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2026 Kia Sorento pricing in Ashburn, VA

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Mitsubishi Outlander

Price range (with destination): $31,740–$44,790
Edmunds Rating: 6.3 (out of 10)

The latest Outlander is basically a Nissan Rogue with the addition of two occasional jump seats. That makes it a smooth-riding, comfortable compact SUV, one that includes a surprising number of premium features should you opt for a higher trim. Seriously, quilted leather seats with a massage function? In a Mitsubishi?

Mitsubishi went its own direction for propulsion, dropping in the brand’s 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a mild hybrid setup. The resulting 174 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque make this a slower but relatively fuel-efficient choice in the segment. Those wanting more power and efficiency should check out the plug-in hybrid model, though the surcharge is significant. There’s no getting around the Mitsu’s cramped third-row setting, however; it places riders’ knees in their chests and comes with awkwardly elongated headrests that line up with the liftgate closure. You won’t want to stick anybody you really like back there.

Kia Sorento Hybrid

Price range (with destination): $40,385–$48,685
Edmunds Rating: 7.9 (out of 10)

Yes, we’re slightly cheating here. But unless you are regularly towing (and thus need the extra oomph of the 2.5-liter turbo), the Sorento Hybrid is the way to go. It is, after all, our highest-rated small three-row SUV.

The hybrid naturally packs all the goodness of the regular Sorento including a comfortable ride, plenty of useful in-cabin storage, and because it starts at a higher EX trim, it’s loaded with lots of standard equipment. The 1.6-liter turbo-four hybrid setup has a useful 227 horsepower, and its 258 lb-ft of torque ensures it is responsive. At the Edmunds test track, the Sorento Hybrid scooted to 60 mph in a wholly acceptable 7.6 seconds. We like the Sorento’s mature, composed ride and quiet cabin, making it a great road trip companion.

Kia also gives buyers the choice of front- or all-wheel drive with its hybrid, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The former scores an impressive 37 mpg combined, while the latter manages 34 mpg combined. Kia’s in-car tech is a strong point too, with twin 12.3-inch displays on the dashboard offering crisp graphics and lots of customization.

Kia added a standard bench seat to the EX Hybrid for 2026, bumping seating capacity to seven.

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by Kyle Patrick

Kyle is a freelance automotive writer with over a decade of experience. He's driven hundreds of cars over his career and two laps at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, and is always looking to pump those rookie numbers up. He once had a sim racing game pay for a year's tuition, and he has the giant novelty check to prove it.

edited by Greg Migliore

Greg Migliore is an accomplished journalist with more than two decades covering the auto industry. He was the editor-in-chief of Autoblog for more than seven years and also served as the editorial director of AutoGuide. He's also been an editor at Automobile and Autoweek magazines. A widely quoted industry expert, he has contributed commentary to Autoline After Hours, NPR, Yahoo Finance and America on the Road. He's a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University and the Yale Publishing Course. He is a member of the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards jury. When not writing, editing or driving the latest new vehicles, Greg can be seen driving around in his extremely low-mileage 2006 Dodge Charger.

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