2026 Kia Sorento near Stockbridge, GA

The 2026 Kia Sorento presents a configuration centered on mechanical consistency and measured performance across its LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims. Each version retains the same exterior dimensions, structural layout, and foundational engineering, with variations occurring in power output, drivetrain components, wheel design, seating configuration, and package availability. The 2026 Kia Sorento is built around two primary engine systems. The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter GDI engine is used on the LX and S trims, while the EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims receive the 2.5-liter turbocharged GDI engine. This distinction forms the basis for different acceleration times, torque delivery, and transmission pairing. Across all trims, the 2026 Kia Sorento maintains a uniform body size with a wheelbase of 110.8 inches, a length of 189.6 inches, and a width of 74.8 inches. These proportions support the interior layout, cargo capacity, and overall vehicle stability.

Engine Systems Designed for Balanced Output

The 2026 Kia Sorento provides two engine types that use the same displacement of 2,497 cc with identical bore and stroke measurements of 88.5 millimeters by 101.5 millimeters. The LX and S trims incorporate a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine equipped with Gasoline Direct Injection combined with Multi Point Injection. These versions produce 191 horsepower at 6100 rpm with maximum torque delivery of 195.2 pound-feet. Their compression ratio is 13.0 to 1. The EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims receive the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that also uses GDI and MPI systems. This engine produces 281 horsepower at 5800 rpm with torque reaching 311.6 pound-feet and uses a compression ratio of 10.5 to 1. Both engine setups employ a distributorless ignition system and a DOHC 16-valve HLA valve design with four valves per cylinder. The engines share the same lubricant capacity of 6.8 liters. Cooling system capacity varies slightly, with the naturally aspirated engine listed at 3.8 liters and the turbocharged setup listed at 3.3 liters. Fuel tank capacity is consistent across the range at 17.7 gallons.

Transmission Variations for Distinct Driving Responses

Two transmission systems are available on the 2026 Kia Sorento. The LX and S trims use an 8-speed automatic transmission paired with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Gear ratios range from 4.487 in first gear to 0.635 in eighth gear with a final drive ratio of 3.798 for front-wheel drive and 4.081 for all-wheel drive. The EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims adopt an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission designed with wet friction clutches. These trims are offered with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive as well, with the SX Prestige standardizing all-wheel drive. The DCT uses gear ratios starting at 3.429 in first gear and tapering to 0.653 in eighth gear. The final drive ratio is separated into two figures listed as 4.846 for the primary range and 3.316 for the secondary range. All trims can be equipped with Active On Demand all-wheel drive, which monitors traction needs and routes power accordingly. Starter systems include 12V 1.2 kW non-ISG and 12V 1.4 kW ISG configurations, and each trim uses a 13.5V 150A alternator.

Performance Measurements Across Configurations

Acceleration and speed metrics provide clear distinctions between naturally aspirated and turbocharged models. The LX and S trims reach 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 9.8 seconds for front-wheel drive and 10.3 seconds for all-wheel drive. Turbocharged EX and SX variants reach the same speed in 7.4 seconds for front-wheel drive and 7.5 seconds for all-wheel drive. Maximum speed ranges from 203 kph for naturally aspirated models to 210 kph for turbocharged versions. Passing acceleration from 80 to 120 kph is measured at 6.7 seconds for front-wheel drive and 7.0 seconds for all-wheel drive on the naturally aspirated models. Turbocharged versions reduce this time to 4.4 seconds for front-wheel drive and 4.6 seconds for all-wheel drive. Braking distance from 60 miles per hour to zero is listed uniformly at 132 feet across all trims.

Exterior Dimensions Supporting Structural Stability

A consistent exterior architecture is applied to every trim level. All versions share the same wheelbase of 110.8 inches and a length of 189.6 inches. Width remains uniform at 74.8 inches with a height of 66.7 inches or 66.9 inches when equipped with roof racks. Front and rear overhangs measure 36.4 inches and 42.3 inches. Track width varies slightly between trims, with measurements ranging from 64.5 to 65.4 inches depending on wheel and suspension calibration. Ground clearance remains consistent at 6.9 inches for both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions. Approach angle is measured at 16.8 degrees with a departure angle of 22.1 degrees and a breakover angle of 17.0 degrees.

Interior Space Optimized for Passenger Use

Interior measurements remain stable across the entire lineup. Headroom in the front row is 40.3 inches and 39.1 inches in the second row with 36.8 inches in the third row. Legroom reaches 41.4 inches in the front row and 41.7 inches in the second row. Third-row legroom is measured at 29.6 inches. Shoulder room spans 59.1 inches in the front row, 58.1 inches in the second row, and 53.0 inches in the third row. Hip room measures 55.6 inches at the front, 55.1 inches in the second row, and 42.5 inches in the third row. Seating configuration differs by trim. The LX and S trims seat seven passengers. The EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims seat six passengers with captain’s chairs available. Cargo capacity behind the first row is 75.5 cubic feet. Cargo behind the second row ranges from 38.5 to 45.0 cubic feet depending on trim configuration. Cargo behind the third row is 12.6 cubic feet.

Chassis Structure Focused on Ride Control

The suspension system on the 2026 Kia Sorento uses a MacPherson® strut setup in the front coupled with a multi-link rear suspension. Steering uses a column-mounted motor-driven power steering system with a steering ratio of 13.72 to 1. Steering wheel rotation from lock to lock is measured at 2.62 turns, and curb-to-curb turning radius measures 18.96 feet. Brake systems include ventilated discs on both front and rear wheels sized at 12.8 inches in the front and 12.0 inches in the rear. Booster diameter is listed at 11.6 inches with a master cylinder size of 0.88 inches.

Wheel Designs and Tire Specifications

Wheel sizes vary by trim to match performance and suspension tuning demands. The LX trim uses 17-inch alloy wheels sized at 7.0J with 235/65R17 tires. The S and EX trims use 18-inch alloy wheels sized at 7.5J with 235/60R18 tires. The SX and SX Prestige trims use 20-inch alloy wheels sized at 8.5J with 255/45R20 tires. Each trim includes a temporary spare tire. Curb weight differs by drivetrain and trim, with front-wheel-drive models ranging from 3,814 to 4,074 pounds. All-wheel-drive versions weigh between 4,213 and 4,250 pounds.

Towing Strength and Utility Characteristics

Towing capacity is consistent at 2,000 pounds of braked towing for both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models across most trims. The EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims equipped with the towing package raise the rating to 3,500 pounds, with an optional enhancement available on upper trims that increases potential towing capacity to 4,500 pounds. Unbraked towing is listed at 1,650 pounds across all versions.

Operational Efficiency and Fuel Ratings

Fuel economy differs between naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines. Front-wheel-drive LX and S models achieve an estimated 23 miles per gallon in the city with 31 miles per gallon on the highway and 26 miles per gallon combined. Turbocharged front-wheel-drive trims reach 20 miles per gallon in the city, with 29 miles per gallon on the highway and 23 miles per gallon combined. All-wheel-drive models equipped with the naturally aspirated engine return 23 city, 28 highway, and 25 combined. All-wheel-drive turbocharged models return 20 city, 27 highway, and 23 combined.

Disclaimer: Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle’s condition. For more information, please see www.fueleconomy.gov.

Package Enhancements for Select Trims

Optional equipment packages are available on specific trims to expand cabin function. The S trim offers a panoramic sunroof package that includes a full-length, one-touch panoramic roof with a sliding sunshade and LED interior lighting. The EX trim offers a premium package that includes second-row captain’s chairs, a Bose® audio system, and a panoramic roof with a sliding sunshade.

Schedule a Test Ride near Stockbridge, GA