2026 Kia Sorento: NHTSA & IIHS Safety Ratings, Price
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
The 2026 Kia Sorento scores well across safety and reliability, with NHTSA's 5-star rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation compared to 95 other value SUVs. NHTSA has 2 recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $32,390 - $47,790
- EPA Combined MPG
- 23 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick+
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,600 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 5 / 10
- Recalls on File
- 2 recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $750 more over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 1 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,349 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.84
- Brand Origin
- South Korea
Priced from $32,390 to $47,790, the 2026 Kia Sorento is one of 95 value SUVs. Safety ratings, recall history, and ownership costs are all covered below.
- 5-year ownership cost $32,081 above value SUVs average
- Avg repair cost $216 per year below SUV average
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
2026 Kia Sorento at a Glance
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. The main caution is that estimated five-year cost runs high.
- safety
- reliability
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA + IIHS TSP+. Safest SUVs 2026 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable SUVs 2026 →
Cautions in the data
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $32,081 above the similar-vehicle average.
- AAA estimates $13,584 per year 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 →
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2026 Kia Sorento?
With both a 5-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS TSP+ designation, the 2026 Kia Sorento has been tested by both NHTSA and IIHS crash test programs. 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 uses a five-star scale. IIHS rates individual crash types with Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor. Looking at both tells you more than either one alone.
How Did the 2026 Kia Sorento Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
The 2026 Kia Sorento earned an IIHS TSP+. To qualify, a vehicle must score well across all crash test categories and demonstrate effective crash prevention technology. 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
A strong crash test result tells you the vehicle was well-engineered for collisions. The recall record tells you whether any defects have been found after production began.
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 1.7 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
What Do 2026 Kia Sorento Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 1 owner complaint on file for the 2026 Kia Sorento. This is below the average of 9 complaints for 2026 SUVs. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
1 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-04-14
Safety-relevant complaints: At least one complaint includes crash reported. Review individual reports on NHTSA.gov for details.
Most-reported problem areas
- Brakes1
- ADAS / Safety Tech1
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
Families drive more miles and make more trips. That makes fuel economy one of the biggest factors in the real cost of owning the 2026 Kia Sorento.
What Is the 2026 Kia Sorento Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Kia Sorento achieves up to 23 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600. That is $708 more per year than the $1,892 average for value SUVs. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX FWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 29 | $2,600 per year |
| S FWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 29 | $2,600 per year |
| S AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
| EX FWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 29 | $2,600 per year |
| EX AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
| SX FWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 29 | $2,600 per year |
| X-Line EX AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
| X-Line SX AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
| X-Line SX Prestige AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
| X-Pro SX Prestige AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel cost is $13,000 based on EPA data.
All trims earned EPA SmartWay certification for lower emissions and fuel cost.
A family vehicle racks up miles fast. That means the hidden costs, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, matter as much as what you pay at the pump. AAA estimates them below.
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 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,873 per year |
| Depreciation | $5,074 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $862 per year |
| Financing | $1,815 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,584 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.84 per mile |
Families often prioritize safety features and cargo space over horsepower. The trim table below shows how those factors vary across the 2026 Kia Sorento lineup.
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 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | FWD | 191 hp | 3,814 lbs | $108,810 |
| S FWD GAS | $35,290 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | FWD | 191 hp | 3,975 lbs | $111,710 |
| S AWD GAS | $37,290 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | AWD | 191 hp | 4,123 lbs | $113,960 |
| EX FWD GAS | $38,490 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | FWD | 281 hp | 4,074 lbs | $115,910 |
| EX AWD GAS | $39,990 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | AWD | 281 hp | 4,250 lbs | $117,410 |
| SX FWD GAS | $42,290 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | FWD | 281 hp | 4,074 lbs | $119,710 |
| X-Line EX AWD GAS | $42,790 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | AWD | 281 hp | 4,250 lbs | $120,210 |
| X-Line SX AWD GAS | $44,090 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | AWD | 281 hp | 4,250 lbs | $121,510 |
| X-Line SX Prestige AWD GAS | $46,790 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | AWD | 281 hp | 4,250 lbs | $124,210 |
| X-Pro SX Prestige AWD GAS | $47,790 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | 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
added 2025
- EX AWD GAS
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 23 MPG | $31,990 23 MPG | $32,390 23 MPG |
| S FWD GAS | $34,390 23 MPG | $34,890 23 MPG | $35,290 23 MPG |
| S AWD GAS | $36,390 23 MPG | $36,890 23 MPG | $37,290 23 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
Once you have settled on a trim, long-term dependability becomes the deciding factor. The section below shows the third-party reliability rating currently available.
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.
Reliability data tells you what to expect. Warranty coverage tells you what Kia will fix for free if something goes wrong within the covered period.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Kia Sorento Come With?
The warranty terms below reflect Kia's published coverage for the 2026 Sorento. All trims share the same warranty. Coverage begins on the date of first retail sale.
| Basic Warranty | 5yr/60k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
What Are the 2026 Kia Sorento Specs?
The specifications below cover engine output, dimensions, and drivetrain for the 2026 Kia Sorento. These are manufacturer-reported figures and may vary by trim configuration.
EPA vehicle class: Mid-size SUV
| Engine | 2.5L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 191 - 281 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 92.7 - 137.9 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $137 - $195 |
| 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 |
| Est. Range per Tank | 407 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| 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
All data shown for the 2026 Kia Sorento comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. The safety and reliability data above is especially relevant for a vehicle your family depends on. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Kia Sorento FAQ
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.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Kia Sorento?
In the suv segment, the closest alternatives to the 2026 Kia Sorento are 2026 Ford Bronco Sport (starting at $31,845, 5-star NHTSA, 23 MPG); and 2026 Honda CR-V (starting at $30,920, 5-star NHTSA, 29-40 MPG); and 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan (starting at $30,805, 5-star NHTSA, 25-28 MPG). Each page on this site covers the same data sources 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 $217 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,349 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Kia based?
Kia is a South Korea-based automaker. The 2026 Kia Sorento may be assembled in a different country than where Kia is headquartered. Check the window sticker or VIN decoder for the specific assembly location of any individual vehicle. See our South Korea-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Kia models are available for 2026?
Each 2026 Kia model on this site has its own fact sheet covering available safety, fuel, reliability, cost, and recall data. Visit our Kia models page for the full lineup.
What is the 2026 Kia Sorento safety rating?
The 2026 Kia Sorento earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and has 2 recall campaigns on file. See the safety and recall sections above for the full breakdown, including IIHS results and specific recall details.
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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.