2026 Kia Sorento PHEV: Versatile, Efficient, and Innovative

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2026 Kia Sorento PHEV: Versatile, Efficient, and Innovative

Posted on October 8, 2025

The Kia Sorento PHEV is a midsize plug-in hybrid SUV that perfectly balances electrified efficiency with versatile performance, making it an excellent choice for families who want a vehicle that adapts to their busy lives. Designed to seat six passengers comfortably, the Sorento PHEV offers a remarkable all-electric range, advanced safety features, and a spacious, technology-rich interior. Whether you’re running daily errands, driving the kids to school, or heading out on weekend adventures, the Sorento PHEV supports your lifestyle with confidence and style.

Electrified Performance for Every Journey

 

At the core of the Sorento PHEV is a sophisticated powertrain that combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. This hybrid system delivers a combined output of 268 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, providing smooth acceleration and responsive performance.

 

Key performance highlights include:

 

• • Powertrain: 1.6L Turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor
  • Combined horsepower: 268 hp
  • Combined torque: 270 lb-ft
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic for seamless gear shifts
  • Drive type: Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) for enhanced traction and control
  • Electric range: Up to 55 kilometres on electric power alone, ideal for daily commuting and errands
  • Charging time: Approximately 3.8 hours using a 240V charging station
  • Fuel efficiency: 2.8 L/100 km combined (gasoline and electric), 6.9 L/100 km on gasoline only

• Fuel tank capacity: 47 litres for extended driving range

• Towing capacity: Between 1,650 and 2,000 pounds, allowing you to tow small trailers or recreational gear

 

This combination of electric and gasoline power means the Sorento PHEV can handle short trips quietly and efficiently on electric power, while the gasoline engine ensures you can travel longer distances without worry. The standard AWD system provides confident handling in a variety of road and weather conditions, giving families peace of mind wherever they go.

 

Advanced Technology That Keeps You Connected and Comfortable

 

The Sorento PHEV is equipped with a suite of technology features designed to make driving easier, safer, and more enjoyable for the whole family. The driver benefits from a panoramic curved display that integrates driving functions with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, creating an intuitive and manageable interface.

 

Technology highlights include:

 

• Panoramic curved display: Combines driving information and infotainment into one seamless frame
• 12.3-inch multimedia interface: Central control for navigation, media, and vehicle settings
• 4-inch TFT LCD supervision instrument cluster: Provides clear, customizable driver information
• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™: Wireless smartphone integration for music, calls, and apps
• Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity: Enables safe communication while driving
• Kia Connect: Offers over-the-air (OTA) software updates to keep your vehicle’s systems current without dealership visits
• SiriusXM® satellite radio: Comes standard with a three-month trial for entertainment on the go
• Smart power liftgate: Opens automatically and can be programmed to a preferred height for easy loading
• Digital Key: Allows you to use your smartphone as a secure key to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle
• Smart cruise control with stop & go: Maintains safe following distances and can bring the vehicle to a stop and resume driving in traffic
• Manual speed limit assist: Helps you stay within posted speed limits
• Drive Mode Select: Lets you tailor the driving experience to your preferences, whether for efficiency or performance

 

These features combine to create a connected, convenient driving environment that keeps the family entertained and informed while supporting safe and efficient driving.

 

Comprehensive Safety Features for Peace of Mind

 

Safety is a top priority in the Sorento PHEV, which comes equipped with an extensive array of active and passive safety technologies to protect you and your passengers.

 

Key safety features include:

 

• Nine airbags: Comprehensive occupant protection throughout the cabin
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps maintain vehicle stability during challenging maneuvers
• Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheel lockup during hard braking
• Hill-Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC): Support safe driving on steep inclines and declines
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA): Reduces trailer sway when towing
• Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (rear): Alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots and can intervene to avoid collisions
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5: Detects potential frontal collisions and applies brakes if necessary
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Following Assist 2 (LFA 2): Help keep the vehicle centered in its lane
• Parking Distance Warning (front and rear): Alerts you to obstacles when parking
• Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines: Provides a clear view behind the vehicle with trajectory lines
• Parking Collision Avoidance Assist (reverse): Helps prevent collisions when backing up
• Surround View Monitor and Blind View Monitor: Offer a 360-degree view around the vehicle for safer maneuvering
• Highway Drive Assist 2 (HDA 2): Semi-autonomous driving support combining smart cruise control and lane centering for highway travel
• Rear occupant alert with sensor: Reminds you to check the rear seats before exiting
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Alerts you to underinflated tires

 

This comprehensive safety suite ensures that families can drive with confidence, knowing that the Sorento PHEV is actively working to prevent accidents and protect occupants.

 

Spacious and Versatile Interior Designed for Families

 

The Sorento PHEV interior is thoughtfully designed to accommodate families of all sizes, offering flexible seating and ample cargo space to suit your needs.

 

Interior features include:

 

• • Six-passenger seating: Comfortable three-row layout with sliding, reclining, and remote folding second-row seats for easy access to the third row
  • 50:50 split-folding second and third rows: Allows you to customize passenger and cargo space

• Cargo capacity:

  - 2,139 litres behind the first row

  - 1,090 to 1,274 litres behind the second row (when folded)

  - 357 litres behind the third row

• • Dual-zone automatic climate control: Keeps front passengers comfortable with separate temperature settings
  • Rear console ventilation ducts and heating ducts for second and third rows: Ensure all passengers enjoy a comfortable environment
  • Heated front seats and heated steering wheel: Add warmth during colder months
  • Power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-way lumbar support: Enhances driving comfort
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel and metal-painted interior trim: Provide a premium feel

• Higher trims offer upgrades such as:

  - Synthetic leather seats

  - Panoramic sunroof to brighten the cabin

  - Rain-sensing wipers for convenience

  - Power folding sideview mirrors

  - Driver’s seat memory function

  - Air-cooled front seats for added comfort

  - Heated second-row seats

  - Integrated manual rear door sunshades to protect passengers from sunlight

• Express up/down windows with obstacle detection: Enhance safety and convenience for all passengers

 

This spacious and adaptable interior ensures that families can travel comfortably, whether it’s a short trip to school or a longer road trip.

 

Bold and Practical Exterior Design

 

The Sorento PHEV exterior combines style and functionality, making a strong impression while offering practical features for family life.

 

Exterior highlights include:

 

• • 19-inch alloy wheels: Provide a confident stance on the road
  • LED MFR headlights, positioning lights, daytime running lights, and fog lights: Deliver excellent visibility in all conditions
  • Solar glass on windshield and front doors: Helps reduce heat buildup inside the cabin
  • Acoustic laminated windshield: Minimizes road noise for a quieter ride
  • Privacy tinted rear door glass: Offers discretion for passengers and belongings
  • Heated, power-adjustable, body-coloured sideview mirrors with signal repeaters: Enhance safety and convenience
  • Chrome-coated door garnish and satin finish beltline: Add refined styling touches
  • Rear spoiler and roof rails: Combine aesthetics with utility for carrying extra gear
  • Body-coloured front and rear skid plate accents and splash guards: Protect the vehicle’s lower body from debris

• Higher trims add:

  - LED projection headlights with low beam assist

  - Laminated front door glass

  - Trailer lighting pre-wiring for towing convenience

  - Gloss black grille and chrome skid plate accents

  - Panoramic sunroof for a bright, airy cabin feel

 

These design elements make the Sorento PHEV both attractive and practical for family use.

 

Warranty and Support You Can Trust

 

Kia backs the Sorento PHEV with a comprehensive warranty program that offers peace of mind for families:

 

• 5-year/100,000-kilometre limited powertrain warranty
• 8-year/150,000-kilometre limited warranty on electric vehicle components
• 24-hour roadside assistance for five years with unlimited kilometres

 

This extensive coverage ensures your family can enjoy the Sorento PHEV with confidence, knowing support is always available.

 

Why the 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV Is the Ideal Family SUV

 

The Kia Sorento PHEV offers a compelling combination of electrified efficiency, advanced safety, spacious comfort, and cutting-edge technology. Its ability to run on electric power for many daily trips helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions, while the gasoline engine provides the freedom to travel longer distances without compromise.

 

Families will appreciate the flexible interior, comprehensive safety suite, and intuitive technology that keep everyone connected and comfortable. The bold exterior design and thoughtful features make it a vehicle that stands out on the road and fits seamlessly into your family’s lifestyle.

*Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.*

 

Learn More About 2026 Kia Sorento Phev at Kia.ca