2026 Kia Sorento
Priced from $32,390 to $47,790 across 10 trims, the 2026 Kia Sorento is a SUV that we have evaluated using data from six independent sources: EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, RepairPal, AAA, and the manufacturer. What follows is every verifiable data point we could find.
Among 95 value SUVs, the 2026 Kia Sorento earns a B for fuel cost. NHTSA rates it at 5 stars. RepairPal gives it 4.0 out of 5 for reliability. NHTSA has 2 recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
What the published data indicates
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Kia Sorento are high published crash-test results and an above-average RepairPal reliability rating, with lower estimated fuel cost. The main caution is that estimated five-year cost runs high.
- safety
- reliability
- fuel cost
Strongest published signals
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA + IIHS TSP+. Safest SUVs 2026 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable SUVs 2026 →
- Fuel: Below-average fuel cost among gas SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,700. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
Limits and cautions
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $32,081 above the similar-vehicle average.
- AAA estimates $13,584/yr in non-fuel costs for the Medium SUV class: insurance $1,873, maintenance $1,817, depreciation $5,074. These are class averages, not specific to this model.
- There are 2 recalls on file already, even if that still lands near the current class average. Zero-recall cars 2026 →
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $32,390 - $47,790
- EPA Combined MPG
- 23-26 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick+
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,700 - $1,900/yr
- Recalls on File
- 2 recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $750 more over 5 yrs
- Brand Origin
- South Korea
How Safe Is the 2026 Kia Sorento?
With both a 5-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS TSP+ designation, the 2026 Kia Sorento has passed the two most rigorous crash test programs in the United States. Among SUVs, 82% earned the top NHTSA score. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 15.9%
NHTSA evaluates frontal, side, and rollover performance. IIHS adds small overlap and roof strength tests. Both sets of results are shown here.
How Did the 2026 Kia Sorento Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS awarded the 2026 Kia Sorento a TSP+ designation, which requires good or acceptable ratings in all crashworthiness categories plus effective front crash prevention. IIHS tests are independent of NHTSA and use different crash configurations. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | G Good |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | A Acceptable |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Seat Belt Reminders | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | A Acceptable |
IIHS vehicle class: Midsize SUVs
Crash tests measure how a vehicle performs in a collision. Recall data reveals whether the manufacturer or NHTSA has found safety defects requiring correction.
Does the 2026 Kia Sorento Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has 2 recall campaigns on file for the 2026 Kia Sorento, affecting ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE. This is typical for SUVs, which average 1.8 recall campaigns. Recall repairs are provided free at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
2 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
Most recent: January 2026
Units affected: 682,922
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Kia Sorento. This does not mean there are no complaints. The model may not yet be tracked in the NHTSA database.
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
Safety data covered, the next consideration is what this vehicle costs to run. Fuel economy is where most owners feel the difference between trims.
What Is the 2026 Kia Sorento Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Kia Sorento achieves up to 26 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,700. That is $304 more per year than the $1,396 average for value SUVs. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
Ranges from 23 to 26 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX FWD GAS | 26 MPG | 23 | 31 | $1,700/yr |
| S FWD GAS | 26 MPG | 23 | 31 | $1,700/yr |
| S AWD GAS | 25 MPG | 23 | 28 | $1,750/yr |
| EX FWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 29 | $1,900/yr |
| EX AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 29 | $1,900/yr |
| SX FWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 29 | $1,900/yr |
| X-Line EX AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 29 | $1,900/yr |
| X-Line SX AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 29 | $1,900/yr |
| X-Line SX Prestige AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 29 | $1,900/yr |
| X-Pro SX Prestige AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 29 | $1,900/yr |
Fuel costs are predictable from EPA data. The less visible costs, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation, are estimated by AAA for this vehicle class.
What Does the 2026 Kia Sorento Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Kia Sorento ranges from $108,810 to $125,210 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,817/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,873/yr |
| Depreciation | $5,074/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $862/yr |
| Financing | $1,815/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,584/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.84/mi |
With 10 trims available, the cost and equipment differences are worth examining. The comparison below shows how price, fuel economy, and features vary.
How Do the 2026 Kia Sorento Trims Compare?
With 10 trims priced from $32,390 to $47,790, the 2026 Kia Sorento offers a range of equipment levels. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. MSRP figures below do not include destination, taxes, or dealer fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Horsepower | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX FWD GAS | $32,390 | 26 MPG | $1,700/yr | FWD | 191 hp | 3,814 lbs | $108,810 |
| S FWD GAS | $35,290 | 26 MPG | $1,700/yr | FWD | 191 hp | 3,975 lbs | $111,710 |
| S AWD GAS | $37,290 | 25 MPG | $1,750/yr | AWD | 191 hp | 4,123 lbs | $113,960 |
| EX FWD GAS | $38,490 | 23 MPG | $1,900/yr | FWD | 281 hp | 4,074 lbs | $115,910 |
| EX AWD GAS | $39,990 | 23 MPG | $1,900/yr | AWD | 281 hp | 4,250 lbs | $117,410 |
| SX FWD GAS | $42,290 | 23 MPG | $1,900/yr | FWD | 281 hp | 4,074 lbs | $119,710 |
| X-Line EX AWD GAS | $42,790 | 23 MPG | $1,900/yr | AWD | 281 hp | 4,250 lbs | $120,210 |
| X-Line SX AWD GAS | $44,090 | 23 MPG | $1,900/yr | AWD | 281 hp | 4,250 lbs | $121,510 |
| X-Line SX Prestige AWD GAS | $46,790 | 23 MPG | $1,900/yr | AWD | 281 hp | 4,250 lbs | $124,210 |
| X-Pro SX Prestige AWD GAS | $47,790 | 23 MPG | $1,900/yr | AWD | 281 hp | 4,213 lbs | $125,210 |
The Kia Sorento lineup has expanded from 9 trims in 2024 to 10 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $400 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
- EX AWD GAS (added 2025)
Price changes since 2024
- X-Line EX AWD GAS $41,690 (2024) → $42,790 (2026) +$1,100
- S FWD GAS $34,390 (2024) → $35,290 (2026) +$900
- S AWD GAS $36,390 (2024) → $37,290 (2026) +$900
- SX FWD GAS $41,690 (2024) → $42,290 (2026) +$600
- X-Line SX AWD GAS $43,490 (2024) → $44,090 (2026) +$600
- EX FWD GAS $37,990 (2024) → $38,490 (2026) +$500
- LX FWD GAS $31,990 (2024) → $32,390 (2026) +$400
- X-Line SX Prestige AWD GAS $46,390 (2024) → $46,790 (2026) +$400
- X-Pro SX Prestige AWD GAS $47,390 (2024) → $47,790 (2026) +$400
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LX FWD GAS | $31,990 26 MPG | $31,990 26 MPG | $32,390 26 MPG |
| S FWD GAS | $34,390 26 MPG | $34,890 26 MPG | $35,290 26 MPG |
| S AWD GAS | $36,390 25 MPG | $36,890 25 MPG | $37,290 25 MPG |
| EX FWD GAS | $37,990 23 MPG | $38,090 23 MPG | $38,490 23 MPG |
| X-Line EX AWD GAS | $41,690 23 MPG | $41,790 23 MPG | $42,790 23 MPG |
| SX FWD GAS | $41,690 23 MPG | $41,690 23 MPG | $42,290 23 MPG |
| X-Line SX AWD GAS | $43,490 23 MPG | $43,490 23 MPG | $44,090 23 MPG |
| X-Line SX Prestige AWD GAS | $46,390 23 MPG | $46,390 23 MPG | $46,790 23 MPG |
| X-Pro SX Prestige AWD GAS | $47,390 23 MPG | $47,390 23 MPG | $47,790 23 MPG |
| EX AWD GAS | — | $39,590 23 MPG | $39,990 23 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
Beyond the purchase decision, the next question is long-term dependability. Here is the reliability rating currently available for this vehicle.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Kia Sorento?
With a 4.0/5.0 reliability score from RepairPal, the 2026 Kia Sorento rates above average for value SUVs. Fewer shop visits and lower repair costs are expected compared to peers. Source: RepairPal.
Kia backs this vehicle with the following warranty terms. Coverage begins from the original purchase date.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Kia Sorento Come With?
Kia provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Sorento. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 5yr/60k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
What Are the 2026 Kia Sorento Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2026 Kia Sorento as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 2.5L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 191 - 281 hp |
| Torque | 181 - 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic, 8-speed automated manual |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal |
| Length | 189.6 - 189.8 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 74.8 in |
| Height | 66.7 - 70.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,814 - 4,250 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Kia Sorento?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- Recall status changed
This page reflects the most recently published data from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references for the 2026 Kia Sorento. When source agencies release updates, this page regenerates automatically. Our methodology page explains how data is collected, verified, and presented.
2026 Kia Sorento FAQ
How does the 2026 Kia Sorento compare to other suvs?
Based on published data, the 2026 Kia Sorento has a safety grade of A, a fuel cost grade of B, a RepairPal reliability score of 4.0/5, and only 2 recalls on file. These grades compare it against similar suvs in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
Which 2026 Kia Sorento trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 10 available trims, the LX FWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $108,810, starting at $32,390 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $125,210. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2026 Kia Sorento insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Medium SUV class at $1,873 per year, or about $156 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2026 Kia Sorento. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2026 Kia Sorento maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Medium SUV class at $1,817 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,873/yr) and depreciation ($5,074/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $13,584 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2026 Kia Sorento depreciate?
AAA estimates the Medium SUV class depreciates about $5,074 per year, or roughly $25,370 over five years. On a base MSRP of $32,390, that represents about 78% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2026 Kia Sorento?
The most efficient 2026 Kia Sorento trim costs an estimated $1,700 per year in fuel, or about $142 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. That is about $304 more than the average for similar suvs. See our Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Kia Sorento?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2026 Kia Sorento include 2026 Ford Bronco Sport, 2026 Honda CR-V, and 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Kia Sorento from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 1 new trim was added and the entry price increased by $400 for the Kia Sorento lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Kia Sorento cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Kia Sorento include about $1,132 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $142 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,274 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2026 Kia Sorento safe for families?
The 2026 Kia Sorento earned NHTSA's highest 5-star overall safety rating, which evaluates frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance. It also earned IIHS TSP+ recognition, which tests different crash scenarios. A 5-star rating does not guarantee safety in every situation but indicates strong performance in standardized crash tests. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.