The 2026 Kia Sorento has received updated safety technology and minor equipment enhancements for the new model year, even as Kia prepares to phase out the most affordable petrol-powered versions of its large SUV.
Despite these changes, the 2026 Kia Sorento remains one of the most mechanically diverse SUVs on sale in Australia, continuing to offer petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, though this distinction will soon come to an end.
What’s new for MY26?
For model year 2026 (MY26), Kia has focused on safety and cabin technology rather than mechanical updates.
Key updates include:
- Lane Following Assist 2, Kia’s latest lane-centring system, now standard
- New hands-on detection sensors in the steering wheel to prevent misuse of driver aids
- Ambient lighting in the front doors for GT-Line variants
According to Kia, the updated lane-centring system offers more precise, less intrusive steering inputs by directly monitoring steering angle rather than relying on indirect actuator inputs.
2026 Kia Sorento pricing (before on-road costs)
| Model | Price |
| 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 S Hybrid FWD | $56,380 |
| 2026 Kia Sorento Sport Diesel AWD | $57,000 |
| 2026 Kia Sorento Sport+ V6 FWD | $58,930 |
| 2026 Kia Sorento Sport Hybrid FWD | $59,000 |
| 2026 Kia Sorento S Hybrid AWD | $59,380 |
| 2026 Kia Sorento Sport+ Diesel AWD | $61,930 |
| 2026 Kia Sorento Sport Hybrid AWD | $62,000 |
| 2026 Kia Sorento Sport+ Hybrid FWD | $63,930 |
| 2026 Kia Sorento GT-Line V6 FWD | $66,290 |
| 2026 Kia Sorento Sport+ Hybrid AWD | $66,930 |
| 2026 Kia Sorento GT-Line Diesel AWD | $69,290 |
| 2026 Kia Sorento S PHEV AWD | $70,880 |
| 2026 Kia Sorento GT-Line Hybrid FWD | $71,290 |
| 2026 Kia Sorento Sport PHEV AWD | $73,500 |
| 2026 Kia Sorento GT-Line Hybrid AWD | $74,290 |
| 2026 Kia Sorento Sport+ PHEV AWD | $78,430 |
| 2026 Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV AWD | $86,790 |
Petrol V6 variants nearing the end
While Kia expanded the lineup last year with more accessible hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, petrol V6 versions of the 2026 Kia Sorento are now in runout.
The naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 has been discontinued, with remaining stock expected to sell out before the end of the second quarter of 2026. Once existing inventory is exhausted, the 2026 Kia Sorento range will lose its lowest-priced entry point.
The departure of the V6 will also mean the 2026 Kia Sorento will no longer offer four distinct powertrain options in Australia.
2026 Kia Sorento drivetrains and fuel efficiency
The 2026 Kia Sorento continues to offer a broad mix of drivetrains, catering to buyers prioritising performance, towing capability or fuel efficiency.
Powertrain overview
| Specification | V6 | Diesel | Hybrid | PHEV |
| Engine | 3.5L NA V6 | 2.2L turbo 4cyl | 1.6L turbo 4cyl | 1.6L turbo 4cyl |
| System output | 200kW / 332Nm | 148kW / 440Nm | 169kW / 350Nm | 195kW / 350Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto | 8-speed DCT | 6-speed auto | 6-speed auto |
| Drive type | FWD | AWD | FWD / AWD | AWD |
| Claimed fuel use | 9.8L/100km | 6.0L/100km | 5.4–5.7L/100km | 1.6L/100km |
| Electric range | – | – | – | 68km (NEDC) |
The plug-in hybrid 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV features a 14kWh battery and supports 3.3kW AC charging, with Kia claiming a 15–95 per cent charge time of three hours and 26 minutes.
Dimensions and cargo space
All 2026 Kia Sorento models feature three rows of seating as standard.
| Measurement | 2026 Kia Sorento |
| Length | 4815mm |
| Width | 1900mm |
| Height | 1700mm |
| Wheelbase | 2815mm |
| Ground clearance | 176mm |
| Boot space (all rows up) | 179L |
| Boot space (third row folded) | 608L |
| Maximum cargo capacity | 1996L |
The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV offers slightly reduced cargo space due to battery packaging under the second-row seat.
Safety rating and equipment
The 2026 Kia Sorento holds a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted in 2020. This rating remains valid until December 31, 2026.
ANCAP scores
- Adult occupant protection: 82%
- Child occupant protection: 85%
- Vulnerable road user protection: 63%
- Safety assist: 89%
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keep assist and lane following assist
- Blind-spot assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Driver attention monitoring
- Multi-collision braking
GT-Line variants of the 2026 Kia Sorento add features such as a surround-view camera, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and reverse parking collision avoidance assist.
Trim levels and standard equipment
The 2026 Kia Sorento is offered in four trim levels: S, Sport, Sport+, and GT-Line.
Equipment highlights include:
2026 Kia Sorento S
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights and fog lights
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Kia Connect telematics
- Cloth upholstery
2026 Kia Sorento Sport
- 18-inch alloy wheels (V6 and diesel)
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Satellite navigation
- Dual-zone climate control
- Third-row air vents
2026 Kia Sorento Sport+
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Leather-appointed upholstery
- Bose premium sound system
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- Hands-free power tailgate
2026 Kia Sorento GT-Line
- 20-inch alloy wheels (V6 and diesel)
- Panoramic sunroof
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Ventilated front seats
- Head-up display
- Ambient interior lighting
Colours
Clear White is the standard paint finish on the 2026 Kia Sorento, with the following colours available for an additional $700:
- Steel Grey
- Silky Silver (Hybrid and PHEV only)
- Mineral Blue
- Aurora Black
- Gravity Blue
- Snow White Pearl
- Volcanic Sand Brown
- Cityscape Green
Servicing and warranty
The 2026 Kia Sorento is backed by Kia’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with hybrid and plug-in hybrid high-voltage batteries covered for seven years or 150,000km.
Service intervals are set at:
- 12 months / 15,000km for petrol and diesel variants
- 12 months / 10,000km for hybrid and PHEV variants
Kia also offers seven years of capped-price servicing across the 2026 Kia Sorento range.
Key takeaways for interested buyers
For buyers, the 2026 Kia Sorento continues to present a well-rounded large SUV package, combining standard three-row seating, a comprehensive safety suite, and a wide choice of electrified powertrains. The addition of Lane Following Assist 2 brings the 2026 Kia Sorento closer to newer rivals in driver-assistance technology, while hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants offer strong efficiency for everyday driving.
However, the phase-out of the petrol V6 means the most affordable versions of the 2026 Kia Sorento won’t be available for much longer, and pricing escalates quickly in higher trims and electrified models. Buyers focused on value or higher towing capacity may want to weigh these factors carefully before committing.
Comments
New Comment