Business & Money • Automotive

Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento is a mid-size three-row SUV produced by South Korean automaker Kia since 2002.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Kia Sorento is a mid-size three-row SUV produced by South Korean automaker Kia since 2002. It is offered with gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains in various markets, and is positioned between Kia’s Sportage and Telluride in the brand’s SUV lineup.

History

The Kia Sorento debuted in 2002 and has been updated across four generations. It remains one of Kia’s core SUV nameplates and is sold in multiple global markets.

Current model

In the 2026 U.S. lineup, the Sorento is classed as a midsize three-row SUV with trims such as LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige, plus X-Line and X-Pro variants on some trims.

Powertrains

Recent gasoline versions use a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with a turbocharged 2.5-litre option in some trims. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are also available, with output and efficiency varying by market and configuration.

Market position

Kia places the Sorento between the smaller Sportage and the larger Telluride, making it a mid-range three-row SUV in the company’s lineup. It is commonly aimed at buyers needing family seating and moderate cargo capacity.

Key facts

The Sorento has been sold since 2002 and is now in its fourth generation.
Recent U.S.-market gasoline models use a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine also available.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants are offered in some markets, including North America.
It is marketed as a family-oriented SUV with three rows of seating.
In some markets, the Sorento is sold with diesel and all-wheel-drive configurations as well.

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Canadian context

The Sorento is sold in Canada and is relevant to Canadian buyers as a three-row family SUV competing in the mid-size segment; Canadian-market equipment and powertrain availability may differ from U.S. specifications.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Kia Sorento?

The Kia Sorento is a mid-size three-row SUV made by Kia, first introduced in 2002.

How many seats does the Sorento have?

Depending on configuration, it seats six or seven passengers.

Does the Sorento have all-wheel drive?

Yes. All-wheel drive is available on many trims, and in some markets it may be standard across the lineup.

Are hybrid versions available?

Yes. Kia offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid Sorento variants in some markets.

What engines are used in recent U.S. models?

Recent U.S. gasoline models use a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder available on higher trims.

Where does the Sorento fit in Kia’s SUV lineup?

It sits between the smaller Sportage and the larger Telluride.

References

Edmunds — https://www.edmunds.com/kia/sorento/
Supports: 2026 Sorento trim structure, pricing, seating class, drivetrain availability, hybrid and plug-in hybrid mention
MotorTrend — https://www.motortrend.com/cars/kia/sorento/2026
Supports: 2026 gasoline engine output, transmission, fuel economy, hybrid and plug-in hybrid availability
Car and Driver — https://www.caranddriver.com/kia/sorento
Supports: Sorento engine options, drivetrain layout, vehicle type, dimensions, pricing context
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Sorento
Supports: Debut year and generational overview
carwow — https://www.carwow.co.uk/kia/sorento
Supports: UK-market seating, body type, fuel types, and four-wheel-drive availability
RAC — https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/kia/sorento/sorento/
Supports: UK-market hybrid, plug-in hybrid, diesel, and AWD availability
U.S. News & World Report — https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/kia/sorento
Supports: Market position between Sportage and Telluride and family SUV positioning
TrueCar — https://www.truecar.com/overview/kia/sorento/
Supports: Recent U.S. engine outputs, drivetrains, towing, seating, cargo figures