So–Many Kia Sorento ICE Combos for 2026 with New Tech Starting at $32.K

Kia unveiled pricing for the 2026 Sorento ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) model, the automaker is making it clear: there are more ways than ever to pay for style, off-road aspirations, or premium comfort — depending on which trim you choose.

What’s Under the Hood; Base Performance

The base Sorento comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing about 191 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Buyers opting for higher trims can choose the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which pushes output toward 281 hp, especially on trims like the X-Pro. All-wheel drive is optional on many trims; certain high-end versions come with AWD as standard.

Fuel economy projections (not yet final for all variants) show that the base, non-turbo FWD versions aim for in the low-30 mpg highway range; turbo or AWD configurations come with somewhat lower efficiency.

Trim-by-Trim: What You Get as You Climb

Here’s how the packages stack up — what features are added, what’s changed, and what’s trimmed away, as you move from LX up to X-Pro.

• LX — The most basic, but still decently equipped. Comes with the standard 2.5-L engine, front-wheel drive, 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, third-row for 7, split-folding second-row bench seats, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. New for 2026: standard Hands-on Detection (a safety monitoring feature) and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
• S — Adds style and convenience: larger wheels, roof rails, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, power adjustment for the driver’s seat. But note: navigation and Wi-Fi have been removed from the S trim in 2026.
• EX — Moves you into more premium territory: turbo engine option, captain’s chairs in second row (reducing seating to six), premium audio options, a new “Premium Package” that can include a panoramic roof, Bose premium audio, etc.
• SX — Further up the scale: luxury touches like standard Bose audio, heated steering wheel, rear sun blinds, an electrochromic rearview mirror with Homelink. More comfort and convenience focused for folks who want refined interior features.
• X-Line trims (EX, SX, SX-P / Prestige) — These versions lean into styling, ruggedness, visual upgrades: gloss-black or otherwise darkened trim, beefier wheel and tire combos, roof rails, sometimes higher ground clearance, upsized wheels, more exterior detailing. The SX Prestige versions (both X-Line and X-Pro) represent near-top tier for style, off-road-look skincare, and feature content.
• X-Pro — The top of the trim hill in pure ICE Sorento. Comes standard with the turbocharged engine, AWD (which includes Terrain Mode for tougher surfaces), all-terrain tires, a higher towing capacity (around 4,500 lbs), and exterior styling that emphasizes rugged cues: blacked-out badges, special fascia, etc. For those who want both appearance and capability.

Key Fee, Destination, and Trim Trade-Offs

A few things prospective buyers should note:

• The MSRP figures do not include a destination charge (Kia lists this separately at $1,445). Thus, final price will be higher.
• Some features are removed in lower trims: the navigation and Wi-Fi deletion in the S trim is a downgrade (versus prior years) that some buyers may find surprising.
• Moving from FWD to AWD adds cost (both purchase price and fuel/maintenance over time). If using Terrain Mode or selecting X-Pro AWD or all-wheel trims, you’re paying for those capabilities.
• Premium features like panoramic roofs, Bose audio, captain’s chairs in second row are often bundled, so stepping into an EX or above or into X-Line/SX Prestige is where the jump in personalization and luxury occurs.
• Third row iusable for occasional passengers, but tight for adults on longer trips. Cargo room also diminishes with full occupancy.
• Acceleration: the base engine is competent, but the turbo models in higher trims are where performance jumps appreciably. If you stay with base trims, the 0-60 time is noticeably longer.
• Fuel economy: performance and AWD tend to come at the cost of efficiency. Those who examine long-term operating cost should weigh whether they truly need all the extra features.