Even in today’s crowded SUV market, it’s hard to find a three-row SUV that isn’t the size of a boat. The 2026 Kia Sorento is that rare vehicle that delivers three rows of comfort in a midsize package, giving it the maneuverability drivers need without sacrificing seating capacity and cargo space.
The Sorento is spacious but not bulky, stylish without being flashy, and capable of handling everything from road trips to adventures, school pickups, and everything in between. There’s a reason drivers all over Texas are making this midsize SUV their go-to ride, and so many buyers looking for a Kia Sorento for sale near Tomball find their perfect model right here at Parkway Family Kia. The 2026 Kia Sorento comes in a whopping eight trim levels, even without considering its hybrid variants, giving any driver the ability to match their new Sorento to their lifestyle.
Whether you’re after something simple and sensible or a ride with all the bells and whistles, the Sorento lineup doesn’t disappoint. Let’s walk through everything you need to know about this crowd-pleasing SUV and give you a head start on discovering which trim might be the best fit for your unique needs.
What Makes the Sorento a Standout?
The 2026 Sorento’s ability to seat up to seven passengers is a headline, but it’s only the beginning of the story when it comes to the convenience and versatility of the Sorento. The second-row seats slide forward at the touch of a button, opening up easy third-row access, and the standard 50/50 split-folding third-row seats create tons of versatility when it comes to cargo space when you’re not toting a car full of people. Plus, available second-row captain’s chairs offer extra-spacious comfort for your passengers if you never have more than six people in the car.
Under the hood, the Sorento offers a standard 2.5L engine or an available turbocharged version that gives you more pep in your step. Both options balance efficiency with performance, delivering the kind of fuel efficiency you don’t usually find in a three-row SUV. Meanwhile, the available all-wheel drive gives you better traction if you're planning a few weekend adventures into hillier or muddier terrain. Finally, every trim comes with a robust suite of tech and safety features wrapped in a sleek and stylish package.
Trim Breakdown: Which 2026 Sorento Matches Your Vibe?
Each trim level of the 2026 Sorento is designed with a slightly different type of driver in mind. Let’s walk through each one and figure out which one is made for you.
LX: For the Smart and Sensible Commuter
The LX is the base model, but it’s far from basic. This trim is great for anyone who wants solid value and a reliable ride without a lot of frills. Think new college grads, growing families on a budget, or anyone trading up from a smaller sedan or hatchback. You still get modern essentials like an infotainment touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity and driver-assistance features like lane keeping assist and forward collision avoidance.
If your top priority is dependability and value, the LX is your move. It’s the kind of SUV that just gets the job done, whether that means school runs, daily commutes, or those occasional IKEA trips.
S: For the Budget-Friendly Trendsetter
Step up to the S trim, and you’ll notice some nice upgrades without a massive jump in price. The S adds a bit more style and comfort with features like 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, and heated front seats. You also get dual-zone climate control, which is a real quality-of-life improvement that makes a real difference in everyday driving.
The S is ideal for someone who wants their car to look good and feel good without going full luxury. Maybe you're a young professional who appreciates tech and comfort but still needs to stick to a budget. Or maybe you're upgrading from a compact SUV and want something that feels a little more grown-up.
EX: For the Comfort Seeker Who Craves More
The EX trim hits the sweet spot for a lot of drivers. It’s where the turbocharged engine enters the picture, giving you that extra boost in performance. This one’s perfect for someone who doesn’t want to settle—maybe you drive a lot for work or just want more features to make life on the road more comfortable.
The EX comes with goodies like a power front passenger seat, a hands-free smart liftgate, and available second-row captain’s chairs that turn the back into a comfy lounge. It’s great for families who want that minivan functionality without actually getting a minivan. And if you’ve got kids, they’ll love having their own personal space in the second row.
This trim is also where the Sorento starts to feel more refined. It balances performance, features, and price in a way that makes it hard to beat. If you find yourself wanting a little bit more in your everyday drive, the EX has your name written all over it.
SX: For the High-Tech Enthusiast
Now we’re getting into near-luxury territory. The SX trim is built for the driver who loves technology, design, and premium features. This trim includes a standard panoramic sunroof, a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument display, a surround view monitor, and upgraded LED lighting that gives the Sorento a seriously high-end vibe.
It’s the trim for the person who enjoys the drive as much as the destination. Maybe you work in tech or just love having the latest gadgets. Maybe you want a ride that feels like an executive’s vehicle but still fits your family’s needs. The SX brings all the comforts of a high-end SUV without the hefty luxury SUV price tag. If you’ve always wanted a vehicle that feels like a treat every time you get behind the wheel, the SX is the trim that hits all the right notes.
X-Line EX: For the Weekend Warrior
If you like the EX but want something a little more rugged and capable, the X-Line EX is a smart pick. This version builds off the EX trim but adds standard all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance, and a more adventurous design with unique styling touches. It’s made for the kind of driver who might be loading up the SUV for camping or mountain biking on the weekends but still needs something practical Monday through Friday.
The X-Line trim is especially nice for those who live in areas where the weather can be unpredictable or where the roads don’t always stay smooth and dry. It’s also a great choice if you just like the look and presence of something that feels more outdoorsy and trail-ready. Even if your biggest adventure is a trip to the lake or a weekend road trip, having a Sorento that’s up for anything adds peace of mind and a little extra swagger to your driveway.
X-Line SX: For the Adventurer Who Wants It All
This one’s for the driver who refuses to compromise. The X-Line SX takes everything that’s great about the SX and X-Line EX trims and rolls it into one beautiful package. The premium features are here, but with the off-road readiness and all-weather confidence that comes from standard all-wheel drive and enhanced ground clearance.
It’s the trim that checks all the boxes for the outdoor enthusiast who also wants to arrive in style. Maybe you hit the trails on Saturday and pull up to the valet on Sunday. Or maybe you just like the peace of mind that comes with having one of the most well-equipped trims available.
X-Line SX Prestige: For the Driver Who Wants Everything
This trim is where the Sorento goes full luxury, and it’s built for the kind of driver who wants top-tier features without paying luxury-brand prices. The 2026 X-Line SX Prestige comes fully loaded with a plethora of Kia’s comfort and tech features like ventilated front seats, premium leather-trimmed upholstery, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, and a full display mirror. The only thing missing from this trim is a chauffeur.
It also carries the rugged good looks and all-weather capability of the X-Line family. With beefed-up roof rails and 20-inch X-Line alloy wheels, this SUV is ready to go anywhere, whether that’s a weekend cabin in the woods or a downtown dinner reservation. If you’re the kind of driver who appreciates a quiet cabin, upscale design, and the confidence of knowing your vehicle is ready for any road, any season, and any occasion, the X-Line SX Prestige represents your driving future.
X-Pro SX Prestige: For the Outdoor Enthusiast Who Doesn’t Want to Rough It
Meet the most rugged and trail-ready Sorento in the lineup. The X-Pro SX Prestige is perfect for the driver who lives for adventure but still likes heated seats and a killer sound system on the way to the trailhead. This trim builds on the X-Line SX Prestige but adds a few key upgrades that make it even more off-road capable.
With standard all-terrain tires and unique X-Pro badging, it’s ready to haul your gear for everything from roughing it to glamping. It's ideal for folks who love hiking, biking, kayaking, or just getting off the pavement without giving up creature comforts like ventilated leather seats and all the tech you'd expect in a luxury SUV.
Final Thoughts: Which Sorento Is Right for You?
The 2026 Kia Sorento is all about options. There’s no right or wrong trim here—just the right fit for the kind of driving you do and the features you care about most. Whether you’re commuting to work, hauling the kids to soccer practice, escaping for a weekend adventure, or running errands around Tomball, there’s a Sorento ready to lead the way.
No matter which trim you choose, the Sorento delivers style, versatility, and value in a way that’s hard to beat. And every Sorento comes with Kia’s reputation for craftsmanship and reliability. If you’re ready to upgrade your driving game, the 2026 Kia Sorento lineup is waiting to impress.