Is the 2026 Kia Sorento the best midsize SUV on the market? While it might be a little early to declare a winner, the compelling crossover certainly checks all of the boxes. Three rows of comfortable seating that allow the Sorento to seat up to seven passengers? Check. A hybrid powertrain that sees the SUV achieve up to 37 MPG combined? Check. A spacious cargo area and a maximum towing capacity of 4,500 lbs? Check. The midsize model can do it all, which is probably why so many drivers find themselves seeking out a Kia Sorento for sale near Spring when it comes time to make a new addition to the automotive family.
A 2024 mid-cycle refresh saw the Sorento thoroughly updated for today’s market with new LED headlamps, bumpers, interior ambient lighting, and a standard 12.3-inch infotainment display that lends the dashboard a modern look. While the 2026 model remains largely unchanged, a quick trip through the trim ladder can go a long way towards connecting buyers with the right model. From the economical LX to off-road-inspired options like the X-Line and X-Pro trims and the opulent Prestige options, let’s see what sort of surprises the Sorento has in store.
LX
We’ll kick things off with the 2026 Sorento’s base LX trim. Competitively priced and packed with value, the Sorento LX offers all the benefits of a midsize crossover without breaking the bank. The trim is powered by a 2.5L I-4 that provides 191 hp, but it’s the engine’s economical design that really ups the Sorento’s appeal amongst budget-conscious drivers. Opting for the base FWD powertrain sees the 2026 Sorento return 31 MPG on the highway, while the AWD version trails just behind at 28 MPG on the highway.
The entry-level model is well-equipped when you consider its low starting price. It allows Spring drivers to enjoy a generous complement of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning. It also comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that represents one of the largest standard offerings in the segment.
S
Like the EX, the S employs the 2.5L engine, but it also makes some important improvements that significantly increase its appeal from a comfort and convenience perspective. SynTex synthetic leather upholstery gives the interior a premium feel, and looks particularly stylish when paired with the trim’s heated, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Speaking of style, the S sets itself apart from the base trim with 18-inch gloss-black wheels and roof rails, while the available Panoramic Sunroof Package adds LED interior lighting and an expansive glass roof.
The trim also ups the Sorento’s ADAS arsenal with the addition of front and rear parking sensors that make squeezing into a tight spot stress-free. All seven passengers will be riding in comfort thanks to the dual-zone climate control system, and the wireless charging pad is a nice touch that’ll keep you from having to scramble for the appropriate cable every time you leave the house.
EX
Also Available In: Hybrid, PHEV
A little forced induction goes a long way when it comes to upping the Kia’s performance profile. The EX sees the automaker replace the base engine with a turbocharged 2.5L that allows the Sorento to more than double its max towing capacity to 4,500 lbs and produce almost 50% more power to deliver an enticing experience that you won’t soon forget. The turbocharged motor delivers 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, enabling the Sorento to complete a zero-60-mph sprint in around six seconds.
Two additional powertrains also enter the fray when you hit the EX level, including both traditional hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options. The EX Hybrid features a 1.6L engine, an electric motor, and a small battery that combine to deliver 227 hp and an estimated 37 MPG combined. The PHEV is built around a similar setup, but swaps the smaller battery for a 13.8 kWh pack that offers a satisfying blend of power and longevity. The 261 hp powertrain not only gets 33 MPG combined, but it can also leverage the larger battery to travel an estimated 30 miles without tapping into the gas tank.
X-Line EX
Looking for a midsize crossover that knows how to set itself apart from the crowd? The X-Line EX is here to help. This off-road-inspired trim adds a standard torque-vectoring AWD system with a center-locking differential, along with sporty styling upgrades.
The X-Line EX rides 1.3 inches higher than the standard model, which can make all the difference when it comes to comfortably clearing off-road obstacles. A Drive Mode Select system with Terrain Mode allows you to adjust the Kia’s performance in response to changing conditions, with dedicated settings that include Snow, Sand, and Mud modes that are sure to prove useful when you venture out of Spring to hit the trails.
The EX X-Line is also equipped with high-utility roof rails that enhance the SUV from both form and function perspectives. The roof rails not only speak to the SUV’s off-road intentions, but they also enable the Sorento to be equipped with extra storage for equipment, sports gear, or even a rooftop tent for your next off-the-grid excursion.
SX
The SX adds an impressive list of high-end features while keeping the Sorento’s price well within reach for the average buyer. The trim broadcasts its premium intentions with a standard panoramic sunroof that helps to illuminate the comfortable cabin. An upgraded 12.3-inch LCD digital gauge cluster replaces the simpler version found on the lower trims and ups the SUV’s customization potential, but it’s just one part of the Sorento’s technological resume.
Jumping to the SX allows drivers to access a 360-degree camera system and a blind-spot camera that displays a live feed of that hard-to-see area directly onto the digital instrument panel. The SX also includes a few legitimate luxury features, such as a 12-speaker Bose audio system, rear window sunshades, and open-pore wood trim, as well as power-folding side-view mirrors and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Finally, there’s the improved seating. The front row adds ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel, while the second-row bench seat is replaced by a set of captain’s chairs that are perfect if you’re trying to accommodate growing teens and adults.
X-Line SX
The X-Line SX blends the best features of the SX and the X-Line EX, creating a sporty and off-road-capable trim. With features from the X-Line EX, like the standard AWD system, high-utility roof rails, and Terrain Mode, it can go anywhere you need with plenty of capability. However, it also comes with SX features like ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera system, and sporty styling touches, including aluminum pedals and chrome door handles. This gives it the best of both worlds.
X-Line SX Prestige
Also Available In: Hybrid, PHEV
It might be a mouthful, but the X-Line SX Prestige’s name tells you everything you need to know about the Sorento’s penultimate trim. Like the X-Line SX, it has all the athletic upgrades and off-road equipment found on the X-Line while also giving buyers access to the SX’s long list of comfort and convenience tech—but what about the “Prestige” aspect?
As the name implies, this trim adds premium materials and cutting-edge features to the Sorento, including a SynTex suede headliner and genuine leather seating, as well as a 14-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a 10-way power front passenger's seat. Second-row passengers won’t feel left out with their own heated seats.
While these features allow the Kia to deliver on its luxurious intentions, it’s the trim’s tech-forward cabin that really seals the deal. A 115-volt household-style outlet will keep your electronics powered up, and the digital rearview mirror improves visibility when the cargo area is packed with freight. This trim also includes Digital Key 2.0, letting you leave your keyfob at home and rely on your smartphone instead.
The SUV puts safety first with some of the most advanced ADAS in the segment, including enhanced forward collision mitigation and a sophisticated Smart Cruise Control System that uses a machine learning algorithm to track your driving habits, including brake engagement, average speed, and more. The system crunches the numbers and takes a predictive approach that’ll give you one less thing to worry about when you’re behind the wheel.
Buyers also have their choice of powertrains, with the X-Line SX Prestige offering gas, hybrid, and PHEV options.
X-Pro SX Prestige
The X-Pro SX Prestige earns its place atop the 2026 trim ladder thanks to its winning combination of off-road performance, on-road comfort, and advanced safety tech. The model is fairly similar to the X-Line SX Prestige, but it offers improved traction with a set of 17-inch wheels wrapped in more aggressive all-terrain tires. This can result in a slightly rougher ride around Spring, but it is a must-have feature for real off-road adventures.
Step Into the Sorento at Parkway Family Kia
Despite its premium design, advanced safety tech, and satisfying synthesis of performance and efficiency, the 2026 Sorento’s biggest selling point might just be its warranty. Like every new Kia model, the midsize crossover is protected by one of the industry’s most comprehensive coverage policies. A lavish powertrain warranty provides buyers with 10 years or 100,000 miles of worry-free driving, while a bumper-to-bumper warranty protects other components for five years or 60,000 miles. It’s a thoughtful touch that makes Kia a sensible choice for budget-conscious drivers, and it’s just one more reason to consider a 2026 Sorento when you’re looking to add a practical, family-focused vehicle to your garage.