2026 Kia Sorento review

It’s dangerous to stand still in Australia’s hotly competitive SUV market, but Kia certainly can’t be accused of doing so.

The Kia Sorento, a 2020 debutant, underwent a striking metamorphosis in 2024. This fourth-generation SUV now sports Kia’s bold new corporate visage and a dramatically reimagined interior, injecting fresh energy into a familiar favorite.

Kia’s upping the ante. Expect a refresh later this year, injecting tech like the next-gen Lane Following Assist 2 – now so smart, it knows you’re holding the wheel. And say goodbye to fumbling for keys; Kia Digital Key 2 turns your smartphone into the ultimate, seamless key fob.

Kia isn’t just aiming to compete in the large SUV arena; it’s vying for dominance. The Sorento stands out, not just for its size, but for its unmatched versatility. Forget choosing between gas mileage and power; the Sorento offers it all: efficient hybrids, powerful diesels, classic petrol engines, and even plug-in options. And with front-wheel and all-wheel drive variants, you get to decide where the adventure takes you.

Forget the aggressive lines and bold statements of some rivals. The refreshed model boasts a refined elegance, a visual palate cleanser for those weary of the Hyundai Santa Fe’s polarizing design. Its subtly enhanced features exude a quiet confidence, making it arguably the most handsome contender in its class.

Watch: Paul’s video review of the Sorento HEV AWD

The Kia Sorento isn’t just competing; it’s dominating. Through August, it’s outselling titans like the Toyota Kluger and Subaru Outback. Even its sibling, the Hyundai Santa Fe, is struggling to catch up, fading in the Sorento’s rearview mirror.

Even with a recent, top-to-bottom makeover and a sprawling family of hybrid options, the Santa Fe still can’t unseat the Sorento from its throne.

Australia’s appetite for hybrids is booming, and the Kia Sorento Hybrid is ready to feast. For now, only front- and all-wheel drive GT-Line versions are on the menu – and supply is tighter than a drum. Kia promises more hybrid Sorentos are on the horizon, but snapping up the current model is like grabbing the last snag at a barbie.

Hyundai’s Santa Fe Hybrid is crushing Kia’s Sorento Hybrid. Sales figures from the first half of the year reveal a staggering lead – Hyundai moved nearly five times as many units. The burning question remains: should you hold out for an electrified Sorento, or is the Santa Fe already the king of the hybrid hill?

How much does the Kia Sorento cost?

In the mid-size SUV segment, hybrids abound. In the large SUV segment, they’re much less common.

| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | | 2026 Kia Sorento S V6 FWD | $51,380 | | 2026 Kia Sorento Sport V6 FWD | $54,000 | | 2026 Kia Sorento S Diesel AWD | $54,380 | | 2026 Kia Sorento Sport Diesel AWD | $57,000 | | 2026 Kia Sorento Sport+ V6 FWD | $58,930 | | 2026 Kia Sorento Sport+ Diesel AWD | $61,930 | | 2026 Kia Sorento GT-Line V6 FWD | $66,290 | | 2026 Kia Sorento GT-Line Diesel AWD | $69,290 | |2026 Kia Sorento GT-Line Hybrid FWD|$70,330| | 2026 Kia Sorento GT-Line Hybrid AWD | $73,330 | | 2026 Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV AWD | $84,660 |

The Sorento squares off against its stablemate, the Santa Fe, and the ever-popular Toyota Kluger. Beyond that? The field thins considerably unless you’re ready to electrify your search with mild-hybrids and plug-in powerhouses.

For now, the Sorento Hybrid arrives exclusively in the sporty GT-Line trim – your choice of front-wheel drive for maximum efficiency or all-wheel drive for confident all-weather adventures.

Forget a level playing field. Hyundai’s Santa Fe Hybrid throws a curveball, launching solely with front-wheel drive in its base model. Toyota’s Kluger, however, stubbornly sticks to all-wheel drive across its entire lineup. So, a direct face-off with our front-wheel-drive Santa Fe GT-Line? Impossible. They’re playing two different games.

Priced at $70,330 (before on-road costs), the vehicle occupies a sweet spot in the market. Imagine it nestled neatly between the Santa Fe Hybrid’s all-wheel-drive Elite and Calligraphy trims. Or picture it just undercutting the Kluger GXL. Intriguingly, it’s also a mere grand more than a Sorento GT-Line diesel – a choice that throws all-wheel drive and comparable fuel economy into the mix.

To see how the Kia Sorento lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

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What is the Kia Sorento like on the inside?

The pre-facelift Sorento’s cabin, once channeling a distinct American vibe, has traded its cowboy boots for a tailored suit, now seamlessly integrated into Kia’s globally recognized design language.

It’s arguably a more elegant cabin than before, but it’s not without its flaws.

The center console? A knee’s worst nightmare. Rock hard, unforgiving plastic flanks it, ready to punish any attempt at comfortable cruising. Press an inch too hard, and a chorus of unsettling creaks erupts, a constant reminder of cost-cutting corners.

A disconcerting creak echoes from the centre console bin lid, a cheap counterpoint to the otherwise hushed cabin. The drive mode selector, too, feels loose in its housing, a wobbly imperfection marring an otherwise flawless interior. These niggling flaws betray a build quality oversight, a jarring contrast to the premium feel everywhere else.

The cabin whispers luxury. Sink your fingers into the pillowy suede headliner; it’s an invitation to dream. The dashboard and doors offer a gentle caress, a tactile reminder of quality. Though, the driver’s armrest, with its slight give, is a playful wink, a reminder that even perfection can have a mischievous side.

Beyond the drive mode selector, the cabin’s controls offer a tactile delight. The rotary shifter dial feels substantial and precise, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel boasts a satisfying array of physical buttons and switches, each click and press a testament to thoughtful design.

The climate control panel, borrowed from the Sportage, walks a tightrope between the old school and the new. Tactile knobs offer satisfying clicks and precise adjustments, but give way to a sleek, touch-capacitive surface. This chameleon-like design grants dual functionality: with the tap of a button, the climate controls morph into a sound system command center.

This freedom enabled Kia’s designers to craft a remarkably uncluttered center console – a refreshing contrast to some Chinese automakers who’ve plunged headfirst into touchscreen dependency, burying essential functions within labyrinthine menus.

The vibrant touchscreen, with its razor-sharp graphics, responds to your every touch, mirroring the sleek digital instrument cluster. Projecting vital information onto the windshield, the head-up display ensures your focus remains laser-locked on the asphalt ribbon ahead.

Slide into the second row and prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Legroom stretches out like an endless summer afternoon, headroom soars, and shoulder space abounds. However, the middle passenger might find themselves playing footsie with the intrusive center console – a minor quibble in an otherwise spacious domain.

Creature comforts abound: directional air vents, tucked-away map pockets, and a fold-down armrest sporting coveted cupholders. But the real stroke of genius? USB-C ports nestled into the sides of the front seatbacks – finally, a charging solution that doesn’t require contortionist-level flexibility. Rivals, take note.

Forget fighting over whose drink goes where! Ingeniously placed cupholders in the doors ensure that even with three passengers across the second row, everyone gets their beverage throne.

Comparing the Sorento and Santa Fe back-to-back though, it’s the Hyundai that’s better packaged.

The Kia teases with generous legroom in the third row, but beware, giants! At six feet, I discovered its dirty little secret: headroom that forces you into an uncomfortable slouch. My scalp can attest – it met the ceiling, repeatedly.

Hyundai’s legroom a little tight? No problem. Just borrow a trick from its cousin Kia and slide the second row forward. Problem solved.

While the Sorento’s aggressively sloped rear window gives it a sporty edge, it throws the third row into shadow. Step into the Santa Fe, however, and prepare to be bathed in sunshine.

But it’s the thoughtful touches for those in the way back that truly impress. While the Kia shields only the first two rows with curtain airbags, this SUV extends that protective embrace to all passengers. And for third-row riders? Think personal climate control thanks to dedicated vents and fan controls, plus twin USB ports to keep devices juiced and a pair of cupholders for ultimate comfort on long journeys.

Strap in, parents! Unlike some three-row SUVs that skimp on safety, this one goes the extra mile. Every seat in the second and third rows boasts top-tether child seat anchors, and you’ll find four ISOFIX points ready for duty. Peace of mind comes standard, kids not included!

But the real hero? Kia, for sticking with a full-size alloy spare. In a world where too many automakers are ditching even the donut in favor of flimsy tire repair kits, Kia understands the assignment. Flat tire on a desolate backroad? Give us that proper spare any day.

| Dimensions | Kia Sorento | | — | — | |Length| 4815mm | |Width| 1900mm | |Height| 1700mm | |Wheelbase| 2815mm | |Cargo capacity| 179L (third row up) 608L (third row folded) 1996L (second and third rows folded) |

To see how the Kia Sorento lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

The Kia Sorento isn’t just playing in the SUV sandbox; it’s building the ultimate sandcastle. As theonlyvehicle in its class offering gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options, it’s not about choosing a car, it’s about choosing your adventure.

| Specifications | Kia Sorento Hybrid | | — | — | |Engine| 1.6L turbo 4cyl | |Engine outputs| 132kW / 265Nm | |Electric motor outputs| 44kW / 264Nm | |System outputs| 169kW / 350Nm | |Battery| 1kWh lithium-ion | |Transmission| 6-speed auto | |Drive type| Front-wheel drive | |Weight| 1909kg | |Fuel economy (claimed)| 5.4L/100km | |Fuel economy (as tested)| 6.2L/100km (inner-city, suburban and highway loop) 7.1L/100km (over the course of a week) | |Fuel tank capacity| 67L | |Fuel requirement| 91-octane regular unleaded | |CO2 emissions| 122g/km | |Emissions standard| Euro 5 | |Braked tow capacity| 1650kg |

The Sorento Hybrid sips fuel like a hummingbird, achieving an impressive 6.2L/100km. Surprisingly, my smaller Hyundai Tucson Hybrid – sharing the Sorento’s heart – only managed a marginally better 6.1L/100km on the same urban jungle and open road gauntlet.

A week of realworld driving saw our hybrid guzzle fuel at 7.1L/100km – a far cry from the promised 5.4L/100km. Surprisingly, the budgetfriendly diesel option sipped a more reasonable 6.0L/100km. The environmental tale continues: the hybrid whispers out 122g of CO2/km, while its diesel sibling roars a heftier 158g/km.

To see how the Kia Sorento lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How does the Kia Sorento drive?

So we know the Kia Sorento Hybrid is economical, but what’s it feel like to drive?

Overseas model shown

When you take off, the petrol engine kicks in almost right away, though it engages smoothly.

Forget the drone of a CVT. This car bites back with a proper six-speed automatic, serving up satisfying gear changes you can actuallyfeel. It’s a world away from the muted experience of a Toyota hybrid.

At a crawl, the electric motor’s contribution feels a tad muddled, but overall, the Sorento drives more like a standard gasoline vehicle with a subtle electric boost – a familiar, if unremarkable, sensation in the hybrid landscape.

"A 1.6-litre engine in a car this size? You might expect the Sorento to feel like it’s constantly gasping for air. While it won’t win any drag races, it pulls away from a standstill with surprising eagerness."

The engine whispers a husky song, a distant hum that barely penetrates the tranquil sanctuary of the cabin. Road and wind, typically boisterous companions, are hushed into near silence, leaving you in a bubble of surprising calm. The combustion engine’s muted labor feels like it’s happening miles away, an almost forgotten presence.

The Sorento tackles the road with a confident SUV demeanor, a stark contrast to its Santa Fe sibling. You’ll notice a firmer ride; the Sorento rebounds with a touch more eagerness over imperfections, occasionally reminding passengers to hold onto their hats.

The Sorento’s 19-inch wheels? Style comes at a slight cost. While generally smooth sailing on open roads, those bigger wheels translated to a rather firm urban ride. Think of it as a subtle reminder of every imperfection beneath the tires. Instead of gliding, the Sorento occasionally offered a more… emphatic "thump" over city bumps.

Forget carving corners with confidence. The Sorento’s driving experience is like navigating with oven mitts – the brake pedal offers all the sensitivity of a brick, and the steering? Vague at best. Instead of a dance, cornering becomes a clumsy lurch, a hopeful shove into the bend followed by a white-knuckled grip.

Sport mode adds a touch of heft to the steering, but it’s a placebo for genuine road connection. Instead of heightened awareness, you get delayed gear changes, the Sorento stubbornly clinging to each ratio like a reluctant climber.

The lane-keep assist is also quite assertive, so you may want to turn that off on winding roads.

Forget the thrill; this ride is a beige blur. Speed feels pointless, but frankly, so does crawling. This category is a snoozefest on wheels.

Forget white-knuckle launches. The Sorento prioritizes serenity. Refinement reigns supreme in this family hauler, effortlessly absorbing bumps and muting road noise. When you do need to tap into its reserves, the Sorento responds with surprising composure. Power delivery is seamless, torque steer is a distant memory, and even under duress, the tires only offer the faintest of protests – a polite chirp, not a shout.

Imagine a guardian angel on your daily commute. That’s essentially what the lane-keep assist does, gently nudging you back from wandering across painted lines. But it’s the Lane Following Assist that truly shines, transforming tedious highway stretches into relaxing cruises by keeping you laser-focused within your lane. Highway hypnosis? Not anymore.

Finally! Hyundai Motor Group is silencing the speed limit nag. Remember when disabling that incessant speed limit chime felt like a digital act of rebellion, but left you blind to roadside warnings? Now, you can enjoy sweet, blissful quiet while still keeping an eye on those crucial road signs displayed right in your instrument cluster. No more aural torture. Just visual awareness.

The digital rearview mirror? A love-it-or-hate-it affair. I confess, it initially felt like staring at a small TV screen where a mirror should be. But here’s the magic: flip it on when your backseat resembles a cargo ship, and suddenly, crystal-clear vision pierces through the clutter. Distracting? Maybe at first. Indispensable when your visibility is compromised? Absolutely. Thankfully, sanity prevails with the option to revert to a traditional reflective surface, offering the best of both worlds.

Signal your intent, and Hyundai’s Blind Spot View Monitor instantly transforms your instrument cluster into a live feed, eliminating guesswork and revealing exactly what lurks in your blind spot.

To see how the Kia Sorento lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What do you get?

The Sorento Hybrid is offered only in GT-Line grade, the top trim level in the wider Sorento lineup.

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2025 Kia Sorento GT-Line Hybrid equipment highlights:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Full-size alloy spare
• Automatic LED headlights
• Automatic high-beam
• LED front fog lights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
• Hands-free power tailgate
• Panoramic sunroof
• Rear privacy glass
• Eco, Sport, Smart drive modes
• Proximity entry with push-button start
• Remote Smart Parking Assist
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• DAB digital radio
• Satellite navigation
• Wireless and wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Head-up display
• 12-speaker Bose sound system
• Nappa leather upholstery
• 14-way power driver’s seat

• 4-way lumbar support
• Cushion extension
• 2-person memory
• Heating
• Ventilation

• 10-way power passenger seat

• 2-way lumbar support
• Heating
• Ventilation

• Second-row three-person bench

• Sliding
• Reclining
• 60:40 split/flat folding
• Heating (for outboard seats)

• Third-row two-person bench

• 50:50 split/flat folding

• Dual-zone climate control
• Heated ‘premium’ steering wheel
• Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment
• Digital rear-view mirror
• 64-colour ambient lighting
• 6 x USB outlets (2 in each row)
• Alloy scuff plates
• Alloy pedals
• Suede headliner
• 7-year Kia Connect subscription

• Remote vehicle tracking, status checking
• Remote control of locks, climate control
• SOS emergency call function
• Voice assistant
• Real-time traffic updates
• Valet parking mode

To see how the Kia Sorento lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

Is the Kia Sorento safe?

Drive with confidence. The Kia Sorento boasts a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, awarded in 2020, across its entire engine line-up – petrol, diesel, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. Peace of mind comes standard.

| Category | Kia Sorento | | — | — | |Adult occupant protection| 82 per cent | |Child occupant protection| 85 per cent | |Vulnerable road user protection| 63 per cent | |Safety assist| 89 per cent |

Standard safety equipment includes:

• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)

• Pedestrian, vehicle and cyclist detection
• Junction assist
• Reverse AEB

• Blind-spot assist
• Blind Spot View Monitor
• Driver attention alert
• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
• Lane Following Assist (lane centring)
• Lane-keep assist
• Rear occupant alert
• Safe Exit Assist
• Surround-view camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Front, front-side and front-centre airbags
• Curtain airbags (1st and 2nd rows)

Kia doesn’t just beep or flash a warning when danger lurks in your blind spot, when you’re backing up, or as you open your door. Kia actively jumps into action, helping you steer clear of trouble where other systems merely shout a warning.

Imagine this: your child is about to swing open the car door, oblivious to the speeding car approaching from behind. That’s when Safe Exit Assist slams on the brakes, preventing a potential tragedy. Similarly, the Sorento acts like a vigilant co-pilot, automatically braking to avert collisions detected by its blind-spot and rear cross-traffic assist systems, keeping you safe from unseen dangers.

To see how the Kia Sorento lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How much does the Kia Sorento cost to run?

Kia boasts a tempting 7-year warranty, a year more than Hyundai. But hold on – before you’re swayed by longevity alone, consider this: Hyundai’s service costs are friendlier on your wallet. Plus, diligent maintenance within the Hyundai ecosystem unlocks a hidden perk – extendingtheirwarranty to match Kia’s impressive seven years. The warranty race? It’s closer than you think.

| Servicing and Warranty | Kia Sorento GT-Line Hybrid | | — | — | |Warranty| 7 years, unlimited kilometres – vehicle 7 years, 150,000km – high-voltage components | |Roadside assistance| 8 years (service-activated) | |Service intervals| 12 months or 10,000km | |Capped-price servicing| 7 years | |Average annual service cost| $650 | |Total capped-price service cost| $4552 |

To see how the Kia Sorento lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Kia Sorento GT-Line Hybrid

We’re looking forward to a wider range of Kia Sorento Hybrids in Australia, because fundamentally this is a good SUV.

As expected of a Hyundai Motor Group vehicle, there’s plenty of slick technology.

Forget bland boxes on wheels. The Kia Sorento isn’t just a hybrid SUV; it’s the best-looking one out there. Period. And if head-turning style isn’t enough, try this on for size: a seven-year warranty that the competition can only dream of.

If you can get past the Santa Fe Hybrid’s polarizing looks, it’s the clear winner. Think of it as the meticulously organized toolbox versus the slightly chaotic, albeit charming, garage. It boasts superior safety features, a more thoughtfully designed interior, a subtly sharper driving experience, and, crucially, you’re far more likely to actually find one available in Australia.

Even if the bold Santa Fe gets a thumbs-down from your co-pilot, snagging a Sorento Hybrid is hardly a consolation prize. Think of it as accessing the same treasure chest of features, only disguised in a more familiar, less flashy, package.

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