Get ready, family car enthusiasts! The 2026 Kia Sorento has arrived in Australia, and it's bringing some exciting updates. But, as with all things automotive, there are some changes that might raise an eyebrow. Let's dive in!
The biggest news? The Sorento is sporting more standard features, including an upgraded lane-following assist system and a stylish new four-spoke steering wheel with hands-on detection.
But here's where it gets controversial... The once-standard V6 petrol engine has been axed. Kia Australia attributes this move to the Federal Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard.
Despite the removal of the V6, the Sorento is offering a wider range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, which now span across all grades, not just the top-of-the-line GT-Line. This means you have a whopping 16 different Sorento variants to choose from!
Let's break down the options:
You can choose from S, Sport, Sport+, and GT-Line grades, each available in diesel AWD, hybrid FWD, hybrid AWD, or plug-in hybrid AWD.
- Diesel Variants: These feature a 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 148kW of power and 440Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.0 litres per 100 kilometers.
- Hybrid Variants: These combine a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. The hybrid setup produces a combined output of 169kW and 350Nm, while the plug-in hybrid offers 195kW and 350Nm.
A Quick Note on the Plug-in Hybrid: The Sorento PHEV boasts a 14kWh lithium-ion battery, providing an electric-only range of 55 kilometers under the NEDC test.
Here's a quick price breakdown for the 2026 Kia Sorento in Australia (before on-road costs):
- Sorento S diesel AWD – $54,630 (up $250)
- Sorento S hybrid FWD – $56,630 (up $250)
- Sorento S hybrid AWD – $59,630 (up $250)
- Sorento S plug-in hybrid AWD – $71,130 (up $250)
- Sorento Sport diesel AWD – $57,250 (up $250)
- Sorento Sport hybrid FWD – $59,250 (up $250)
- Sorento Sport hybrid AWD – $62,250 (up $250)
- Sorento Sport plug-in hybrid AWD – $73,750 (up $250)
- Sorento Sport+ diesel AWD – $62,180 (up $250)
- Sorento Sport+ hybrid FWD – $64,180 (up $250)
- Sorento Sport+ hybrid AWD – $67,180 (up $250)
- Sorento Sport+ plug-in hybrid AWD – $78,680 (up $250)
- Sorento GT-Line diesel AWD – $69,540 (up $250)
- Sorento GT-Line hybrid FWD – $71,540 (up $250)
- Sorento GT-Line hybrid AWD – $74,540 (up $250)
- Sorento GT-Line plug-in hybrid AWD – $86,040 (down $750)
What's new in the Sorento S?
- Lane-following assist
- New four-spoke steering wheel
- 17-inch (diesel and hybrid) or 19-inch (PHEV) alloy wheels
- 12.3-inch ccNC infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless or wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Kia Connect telematics
Sport Trim Adds:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Second and third-row privacy glass
- 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Satellite navigation
Sport+ Adds:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Heated side mirrors
- Leather upholstery
- Automatic up and down for all four windows
- 10-speaker Bose audio system
GT-Line Adds:
- 64-colour interior ambient lighting
- 20-inch alloy wheels (diesel only)
- Wireless smartphone charger
- Panoramic sunroof
- 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
Available Colors:
- Clear White
- Aurora Black ($700 extra)
- Gravity Blue ($700 extra)
- Mineral Blue ($700 extra)
- Volcanic Sand Brown ($700 extra)
- Cityscape Green ($700 extra)
- Steel Grey ($700 extra)
- Silky Silver ($700 extra)
- Snow White Pearl ($700 extra) (Sport+ and GT-Line only)
Final Thoughts: The 2026 Kia Sorento is hitting the showrooms now. With its added features and expanded hybrid options, it's definitely worth checking out if you're in the market for a family SUV.
What are your thoughts on the removal of the V6? Are you excited about the increased hybrid availability? Share your opinions in the comments below!
