Kia is continuing to refresh its lineup with the arrival of the 2026 Sorento in showrooms. Following a more significant facelift that the mid-size crossover received for the 2024 model year, the latest updates are relatively minor but still bring a mix of enhancements and adjustments across the trim range.
The lineup starts with the entry-level Sorento LX, which is now priced at $32,190—an increase of $200 compared to last year’s model. In addition, Kia has raised the destination fee from $1,415 to $1,445, making the total cost of ownership rise by $230. While price hikes are never a welcome sight, the adjustment is fairly modest, especially since the LX trim has received an equipment upgrade. For 2026, the model now comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel featuring hands-on detection as standard, replacing the previous polyurethane unit, which drivers will likely appreciate.
Moving up to the Sorento S, priced at $35,090, buyers are met with a less encouraging change. Although the cost has gone up by $500, Kia has removed two features: built-in navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot. This effectively means customers are paying more for fewer amenities, which may be disappointing for those who valued those connectivity features.
For shoppers seeking more premium touches, the Sorento EX, starting at $38,290, offers a new optional Premium Package priced at $2,000. This package, however, is limited to the front-wheel-drive variant. It enhances comfort and luxury with the addition of second-row captain’s chairs, a panoramic glass roof, and a Bose premium audio system. On the design front, Kia has also refreshed the X-Line and X-Pro trims by equipping them with gloss black exterior accents, including a black grille and a matching intake surround. Additionally, the X-Line EX now comes with a Bose audio system as part of its standard equipment list.
The Sorento SX, on the other hand, gains a stronger emphasis on comfort and convenience. Priced at $42,090—an increase of $400—it now includes a heated steering wheel, a Bose audio system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink functionality. Rear sunshades are also standard, further enhancing the upscale feel of the SX trim.
Under the hood, the Sorento’s powertrain lineup remains unchanged. Buyers can select between a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 264 Nm of torque, or a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that generates 281 horsepower and 421 Nm of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and customers can opt for an all-wheel-drive system. For 2026, AWD models receive a small but notable update with the addition of a new Terrain Mode, giving drivers more flexibility and confidence in varying road or off-road conditions.
Overall, while the 2026 Kia Sorento doesn’t reinvent the model, it introduces targeted improvements to features and styling while keeping powertrains familiar. These refinements ensure the crossover remains a strong contender in the competitive mid-size SUV market.