2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
The 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid provides six-seat versatility with the fuel-efficient benefits of a hybrid engine. Kia also sells the Sorento with non-hybrid gas engines and as a plug-in hybrid, but all have stylish design, high feature content, and a three-row seating layout.
Introduced for 2021, this generation of Kia Sorento got its most recent update for 2024. Rivals to the Sorento Hybrid include the Toyota Grand Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, and Mazda CX-90.
What’s New
We expect the 2026 Sorento Hybrid will be mostly unchanged from the 2025 model. The Sorento got a major refresh for 2024, which brought updates including:
- New design details
- Larger standard infotainment touchscreen
- Revised interior controls and touchpoints
- Fresh paint and upholstery choices
What We Think
A Kia Sorento with better fuel economy—what's not to like? Well, not much. Although the 2026 Sorento Hybrid isn’t as quick as Sorento models with the turbocharged engine, it's otherwise just as solid, versatile, and nice to drive.
With its in-between sizing, the Sorento’s third row isn’t as spacious as in larger SUVs—yet the fact that the Sorento is smaller overall could be a perk. The Sorento isn’t a three-row SUV for everyone, but for many drivers it’s just the right size.
The Sorento Hybrid’s lack of power could be a concern, although we suspect that the SUV’s improved fuel economy and long driving range will more than compensate for some buyers . Regardless of what’s under the hood, though, the Kia Sorento is a great SUV.
Performance and MPGs
The Sorento Hybrid’s powertrain consists of a 1.6-liter turbo-four paired with an electric motor. It makes 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. That output is sent through a six-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard and AWD optional.
In MotorTrend testing, a Sorento Hybrid FWD accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds.
Fuel economy rates at 36/36 mpg city/highway with FWD, and 34/34 mpg with AWD. Regardless, driving range on a full tank of gas is over 600 miles—impressive.
Is the Sorento PHEV Better?
Kia also sells the Sorento as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). This powertrain also uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter I-4 but has a stronger electric motor that increases output to 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which reduces the 0-60 mph time to 7.4 seconds. It comes standard with AWD.
Power isn’t the point, though—efficiency is. The Sorento PHEV has a 13.8-kWh battery, which can provide up to 30 miles of all-electric driving range. If you can charge at home, the Sorento PHEV could yield significant fuel savings over the Sorento Hybrid.
Read all about the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid here.
Safety Ratings and Features
When it was most recently crash safety tested for 2025, the Sorento Hybrid earned a five-star overall score, the best possible result, from NHTSA.
Standard driver assist and active safety features in the Sorento Hybrid include:
- Front and rear automatic emergency braking
- Side cross-traffic alert
- Intersection collision avoidance
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
The higher-end SX Prestige model gains:
- Emergency evasive steering assist
- Blind-spot view cameras
- Low-speed collision mitigation
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Semi-automated lane change functionality
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Part of the Sorento Hybrid’s appeal is that it’s not as huge as some three-row crossovers. Accordingly, however, it has less space inside than some other hybrid family SUVs.
All Sorento Hybrid models are equipped in a six-passenger configuration with second-row captain’s chairs.
Technology
The 2026 Sorento Hybrid is equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. It has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with multi-device Bluetooth connectivity. Over-the-air updates keep the system fresh.
In the base EX trim, a 4.0-inch display is positioned between analog gauges, while the SX Prestige model upgrades to a 12.3-inch all-digital gauge cluster screen.
A wireless charging pad is standard, along with USB ports in all three rows of seats.
The Sorento Hybrid EX gets a six-speaker audio system, and the SX Prestige has a Bose 12-speaker premium setup.
Other tech upgrades on the Sorento Hybrid SX Prestige include a digital rearview mirror and 360-degree camera.
EX vs. SX Prestige: What's the Difference?
The entry-level 2026 Sorento Hybrid EX is expected to cost approximately $40,000. It will come equipped with a variety of features and amenities including a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, 12.3-inch touchscreen, a wireless charging pad and USB ports in every row, and a powered tailgate.
Choosing the 2026 Sorento Hybrid SX Prestige, which costs about $48,500, brings upgrades like a 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row captain’s chairs, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, faux suede headliner, LED interior lighting, premium audio, and a 12.3-inch gauge display, among other changes.
