2026 Kia Sorento

SUV · 2.5L Turbo I4 · AWD

79/100

AutoVault's overall score, weighted for what a suv is actually for — performance, technology, comfort, reliability, safety and value.

Specifications

Engine	2.5L Turbo I4
Horsepower	281 hp
Torque	311 lb-ft
0–60 mph	6.6 sec
Top speed	130 mph
Drivetrain	AWD
Seats	7
Combined MPG	26 mpg (24 city / 29 hwy)
Range	413 miles
MSRP	$40,190
Body style	SUV

The verdict

What's good

Available third row fits kids comfortably unlike most compact three-row SUVs
Turbo AWD powertrain feels genuinely brisk for an everyday family hauler
Interior design quality matches vehicles in a higher price bracket
Strong resale holding up well in the competitive mid-size SUV segment

What's not

Third row is realistically adults-only in an emergency, not daily
Body roll is noticeable through fast corners without sport mode engaged
Infotainment system can feel laggy navigating between menus
Towing rating lower than body-on-frame rivals at the same price

The engine

Smartstream

2.5L Turbo I4

A modern boosted four that trades old turbo lag for an early, broad surge of torque, giving three-row family haulers genuinely brisk, quiet pull without a six-cylinder's thirst.

Part of Hyundai-Kia's Smartstream engine family, the brand's clean-sheet modern lineup that succeeded the older Theta engines.

In the North American Sorento and K5 it is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission rather than a conventional torque-converter automatic.
It combines both port and direct fuel injection, switching between them to balance power, efficiency and emissions.
In the Telluride and Sorento it produces well over 270 hp, comfortably out-muscling the naturally aspirated V6s it can replace.

See the rest in AutoVault

The six sub-scores behind the 79 — performance, tech, comfort, reliability, safety and value
Market value today and year-by-year value history
All 5 trims with pricing
Studio photography — exterior, rear and interior
Side-by-side comparison with up to four cars

Open in AutoVault