2026 Kia Sorento

Price Range: $32,390 - $47,790

Very Good

The 2026 Kia Sorento is a great all-around three-row SUV. It piles on the standard features and also delivers strong performance with the turbocharged engine. But a smallish third row and limited cargo capacity behind those seats may persuade you to step up to a bigger alternative.Read full review

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Kia Sorento for Sale

Pricing

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$30,204

45 for sale near you

Prices based on sales in VA thru 4/6/26

Final assembly in USA

Pros

Abundance of standard and optional features
Ample second-row legroom
Sharp-looking and easy-to-use infotainment system
Quiet cabin on the highway

Cons

When raised, the third row limits cargo capacity
Rides a bit too stiff and uncomfortably on rough pavement

What's new

No significant changes for 2026
Part of the fourth Sorento generation introduced for 2021

Overview

Written by automotive expert Mark Takahashi

4/8/2026

The 2026 Kia Sorento is among the many vehicles that we here at Edmunds classify as a midsize three-row SUV. But the Sorento is distinctive because of its size. Compared to popular models such as the Kia Telluride or the Honda Pilot, the Sorento is smaller. That results in less space inside for people and stuff. So what's the point? Well, the Sorento is less expensive, which is certainly nice, and it's easier to drive and park. We certainly recommend the Sorento if you want a not-too-big SUV that you can use most of the time as a five-passenger ride, with the option to occasionally flip up the third-row seats to fit seven people.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Reese Counts

We drove the 2026 Kia Sorento on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Very Good

7.7

out of 10

7.8/10Driving experience
7.7/10Comfort
9.7/10In-cabin tech
7.7/10Storage & cargo
8.2/10Value
5/10MPG
7/10X factor

Driving experience

7.8/10

How does the Kia Sorento drive? We tested a Sorento with the optional turbocharged engine. Its 6.7-second sprint to 60 mph impressed us, as that's nearly 3 seconds faster than the similarly sized Mitsubishi Outlander. Highway merging and passing are no problem. The eight-speed transmission provides smooth, well-timed shifts.

The Sorento showed only slight nosedive when stopping from 60 mph in just 121 feet, better than average for the class. Braking distance worsens slightly on the top trim due to its standard all-terrain tires. Handling is similarly confidence-inspiring, but we'd like a bit more steering accuracy.

Ride comfort isn't as impressive. We felt a steady stream of jitters at lower speeds. Our test model's 20-inch wheels may have been the culprit. On the highway, the Sorento's ride is well controlled, imparting confidence and a sense of stability.

Visibility is good thanks to ample-size windows and good sight lines. The optional surround-view camera system proves helpful in tight situations.

Kia offers some of the best driver aids in this class, including available automatic lane changing. We didn't encounter any false alerts or issues during our testing.

Comfort

7.7/10

How comfortable is the Kia Sorento? All three rows of seats provide better-than-expected comfort for a small SUV. The front seats on our top-of-the-line test vehicle offered heating, ventilation, and a good range of adjustment. The second-row captain's chairs (a bench seat is standard on lower trim levels) were firm but more comfortable and supportive than bench seats found in other SUVs. The third-row seats are small and low to the floor but still offer enough support for adults. The dual-zone climate control is efficient and easy to use even if the touch-sensitive buttons aren't as responsive as traditional buttons.

Contrary to its small SUV classification, the Sorento offers ample space for adults in all three rows. You'll even find more legroom in the second row than in dedicated two-row SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Taller adults will have plenty of space. Even the third row is hospitable for adults, though it's a bit of a squeeze to get back there. Getting into the Sorento is otherwise an easy affair.

The Sorento carries over many of Kia's user-friendly attributes, and buyers new to the brand will have no problem getting a handle on the interior.

In-cabin tech

9.7/10

How’s the tech? The Sorento's updated tech includes a new infotainment system and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and an available digital instrument cluster. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard and not reserved for just higher trims. The infotainment system is responsive and easy to use. There are USB-C ports across all three rows as well as an available wireless charger. The sound quality of the optional Bose audio system is less impressive, and we never really found a sweet spot over a wide range of music.

Storage & cargo

7.7/10

How’s storage and cargo? With the third-row seats up, there's only 12.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which equates to a row of about five grocery bags. Still, for a smaller three-row SUV, this is decent. With the third row dropped, the Sorento offers between 38.5 cubic feet and 45 cubic feet, depending on how far forward you slide the second-row seats. That's a bit more than what smaller two-row SUVs, such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, offer.

Interior storage is another Sorento strong suit. There's ample, well-thought-out storage options in all three rows. Towing capacity for the Sorento with the turbocharged engine is a fairly standard 3,500 pounds, though X-Pro models can tow up to 4,500 pounds, which is far more than any other small three-row SUV.

Value

8.2/10

Is the Kia Sorento a good value? As we've come to expect from Kia, the Sorento is well equipped and well built. Even with bits of hard plastic scattered about the cabin, the Sorento features thoughtful detailing and premium touches throughout. Higher trims can be expensive, but the Sorento still manages to look and feel like a good value for the money.

Kia warranties are excellent, and the Sorento comes with five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties. Roadside assistance is more standard at five years/60,000 miles.

MPG

5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the all-wheel-drive Sorento with the turbocharged engine, which is what we tested, returns 23 mpg combined. We got a 25.2 mpg average over our mixed-driving evaluation route. As a bonus, the turbocharged Sorento doesn't need premium gasoline. The Sorento is not as frugal as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, but it exceeded the mpg numbers we got for the similarly powerful Honda Passport and Subaru Ascent on our eval route.

X factor

7/10

When equipped with the optional 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, the Kia Sorento is just about as much fun in a straight line as a small SUV can be. Not only is the impressive power addictive, so is the smoothness with which the Sorento goes about gathering speed. As for the rest of the Sorento experience, if you can imagine a baby version of the popular Telluride, you're not very far off. The available X-Pro trim gives the Sorento a little personality, though, despite the all-terrain tires, it's not really an off-roader.

Save as much as $4,668 with Edmunds

2026 Kia Sorento pricing in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

Buying Tips for the 2026 Kia Sorento for April

Thinking about buying a 2026 Kia Sorento? Here are some tips to help you negotiate the best deal:

Buyers are paying about 2% less than MSRP, with savings between $586 to $1,282 across trims.
A generally-available $2,500 cash rebate is offered, plus $500 for qualifying military members.
The special 60-month APR rate is at 0.9%, significantly lower than the 7.34% market rate, meaning big savings over the life of the loan.
With over 24,000 new Sorentos available and an average of 104 days on dealer lots, you have good leverage for negotiation.
Used models start as low as $30,640, and the used inventory is limited, so act quickly to secure a great deal.

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2026 Kia Sorento trim level differences

The 2026 Kia Sorento is a small three-row SUV available in five main trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX and SX Prestige. X-Line and X-Pro versions of certain trim levels are also available. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available on all trim levels but the base LX. There's also a Sorento Hybrid and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid, both of which are reviewed separately on Edmunds. Compare the 2026 Kia Sorento trim levels in-depth.

Which Sorento trim does Edmunds recommend?

We think it's well worth the expense to upgrade to the more powerful turbocharged engine, which is why the midrange EX trim gets our recommendation. Besides gaining a few added convenience features, this model is eligible for all-wheel drive, which should be especially helpful in rainy and snowy climates.

Competitors to consider

Check out the Hyundai Santa Fe, which is mechanically related to the Sorento. It comes with a completely different look but many of the same technology upgrades found in the Kia. It also offers a similar amount of interior space and an off-road trim (the XRT) of its own. You might also want to take a look at a few of the other highly rated three-row SUVs, such as the Kia Telluride, the Hyundai Palisade, or the Toyota Highlander or Grand Highlander.

Edmunds spotlight: A more rugged-looking Sorento

For those planning to take their Sorento off the beaten path, Kia offers X-Line and X-Pro versions of the SUV. If you want to tackle really tough trails, you probably should look elsewhere, but these slightly beefed-up Sorentos should be able to get you down nearly any dirt road to a campsite. The X-Line package can be added to the EX and SX trim levels and is standard on the SX Prestige trim. It adds roof rails, more rugged styling and additional ground clearance. The X-Pro can only be ordered on the SX Prestige and it tacks on all-terrain tires, increased towing capacity (up to 4,500 pounds), and upgraded leather.

What’s it like to live with?

We wanted to get a more in-depth ownership experience for this small three-row SUV, so we added one to the Edmunds One-Year Road Test fleet. Over the course of a year and more than 20,000 miles, we discovered what works and what might need improvement. Our test focused on the 2021 Sorento, but many of our impressions still apply to the current model.

Kia Sorento Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.1

28 reviews

5(64%)

4(10%)

3(7%)

2(12%)

1(7%)

Owners Say

The overall sentiment for the 2026 Kia Sorento is mixed. Many owners appreciate its roomy and comfortable interior, impressive tech features, and sporty look. However, some are unhappy with problems like uncomfortable seats, poor fuel efficiency, and annoying alerts. Mechanical issues, such as transmission and engine problems, have been noted, impacting the trustworthiness of the vehicle for some owners.

This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews

See all 28 reviews of the Kia Sorento

Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Review

2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro Transfer Case Issue

Nigel1521, 09/17/2024

2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM)

Bought a new 2024 Kia Sorento X-PRO (Canada) in July 2024. After about 1000kms, I noticed a noise when I reversed the vehicle and applied power. The noise was like dragging gravel. The dealership did not know what the issue was initially. They found the transfer case fluid was low, and that it contained "sparkles", or tiny pieces of metal. They now have to replace the whole transfer …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2026 Kia Sorento, so we've included review for other years of the Sorento since its last redesign.

Helpful shopping links

2026 Kia Sorento video

These Are the Best SUVs On Sale Today | Edmunds’ Top Small, Midsize, Large and Luxury SUVs

If you’re looking for a new SUV, you’ve come to the right place — in this video, Edmunds’ Nick Yekikian rounds up our favorite SUVs currently on sale. From small to large and affordable to luxurious, these are the best SUVs you can buy right now.

2026 Kia Sorento Features & Specs

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$32,390
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$188/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2026 Kia Sorento has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #12 out of 29 among Compact SUVs.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average

#12 out of 29 among Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$448/yr

vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Frequency

0.96x/yr

vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Severity

12.2%

vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV

Recalls

2 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 26V046000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SC361
Number of vehicles affected:: 42677
Defect Description:: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."
Defect Consequence:: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.

Recall Number:: 25V745000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SC355
Manufactured from:: 2025-08-28 to 2025-09-02
Number of vehicles affected:: 45
Defect Description:: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride and 2026 Sorento vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Defect Consequence:: Anti-lock braking or traction control systems that do not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the spare wheel and tire assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC355. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 13, 2025.

Warranty

5 years / 60,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles

Where the Kia Sorento ranks:

#3 in Small 3-row SUVs

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Safety

Key safety features on the Sorento include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	4 / 5
Driver	4 / 5
Passenger	4 / 5
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	15.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Marginal
Side Impact Test – Original	Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Updated	Good
Roof Strength Test	Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Not Tested

Research other Sorento years

FAQ

Is the Kia Sorento a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 Sorento both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.7 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2026 Sorento gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 28 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Sorento has 12.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Kia Sorento. Learn more

What's new in the 2026 Kia Sorento?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2026 Kia Sorento:

No significant changes for 2026
Part of the fourth Sorento generation introduced for 2021

Learn more

Is the Kia Sorento reliable?

To determine whether the Kia Sorento is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Sorento. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Sorento's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2026 Kia Sorento a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Kia Sorento is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 Sorento and gave it a 7.7 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2026 Sorento gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 28 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 Sorento is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2026 Kia Sorento?

The least-expensive 2026 Kia Sorento is the 2026 Kia Sorento LX 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $32,390.

Other versions include:

LX 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $32,390
S 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $35,290
S 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $37,290
EX 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) which starts at $38,490
EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) which starts at $39,990
SX 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) which starts at $42,290
X-Line EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) which starts at $42,790
X-Line SX 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) which starts at $44,090
X-Line SX Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) which starts at $46,790
X-Pro SX Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) which starts at $47,790

Learn more

What are the different models of Kia Sorento?

If you're interested in the Kia Sorento, the next question is, which Sorento model is right for you? Sorento variants include LX 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A), S 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A), S 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A), and EX 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM). For a full list of Sorento models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$188/mo

$241/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

2026 Kia Sorento

Pricing

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Edmunds Expert Rating

Driving experience

Comfort

In-cabin tech

Storage & cargo

Value

MPG

X factor

Buying Tips for the 2026 Kia Sorento for April

2026 Kia Sorento trim level differences

Which Sorento trim does Edmunds recommend?

Competitors to consider

Edmunds spotlight: A more rugged-looking Sorento

What’s it like to live with?

Kia Sorento Reviews

Owner Reviews

Owners Say

Most Helpful Owner Review

2026 Kia Sorento video

2026 Kia Sorento Features & Specs

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Recalls

Warranty

Where the Kia Sorento ranks:

Check a dealer's price

Safety

Key safety features on the Sorento include:

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

IIHS Rating

FAQ

Is the Kia Sorento a good car?

What's new in the 2026 Kia Sorento?

Is the Kia Sorento reliable?

Is the 2026 Kia Sorento a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2026 Kia Sorento?

What are the different models of Kia Sorento?

Cost to Drive