2026 Kia Sorento

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.