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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Money & Work • Automotive

Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento is a mid-size three-row SUV produced by South Korean automaker Kia since 2002.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

The Kia Sorento is a mid-size three-row SUV that has been in production since 2002. It slots between the smaller Sportage and the larger Telluride in Kia’s lineup.

What it is

The Sorento is a four-door SUV seating six or seven passengers, offered with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It is now in its fourth generation and remains a core nameplate for Kia globally.

Powertrains

Recent U.S. gasoline models use a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with a turbocharged 2.5-litre option on higher trims. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants are also available in some markets, including North America. Canadian specifications may differ.

Canadian context

The Sorento is sold in Canada as a three-row family SUV competing in the mid-size segment. Canadian-market equipment and powertrain availability may differ from U.S. specifications, so buyers should check local listings.

In short

  • Mid-size three-row SUV since 2002
  • Gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options
  • Seats 6–7 passengers
  • Positioned between Sportage and Telluride
Canadian angle

The Sorento is sold in Canada and is relevant to Canadian buyers as a three-row family SUV competing in the mid-size segment; Canadian-market equipment and powertrain availability may differ from U.S. specifications.

Quick questions

What is the Kia Sorento?
A mid-size three-row SUV from Kia, first introduced in 2002.
How many seats does it have?
Six or seven passengers depending on configuration.
Are hybrid versions available?
Yes, hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants are offered in some markets.

Sources

  1. Edmunds — https://www.edmunds.com/kia/sorento/
    Supports: 2026 Sorento trim structure, pricing, seating class, drivetrain availability, hybrid and plug-in hybrid mention
  2. MotorTrend — https://www.motortrend.com/cars/kia/sorento/2026
    Supports: 2026 gasoline engine output, transmission, fuel economy, hybrid and plug-in hybrid availability
  3. Car and Driver — https://www.caranddriver.com/kia/sorento
    Supports: Sorento engine options, drivetrain layout, vehicle type, dimensions, pricing context
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Sorento
    Supports: Debut year and generational overview
  5. carwow — https://www.carwow.co.uk/kia/sorento
    Supports: UK-market seating, body type, fuel types, and four-wheel-drive availability
  6. RAC — https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/kia/sorento/sorento/
    Supports: UK-market hybrid, plug-in hybrid, diesel, and AWD availability
  7. U.S. News & World Report — https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/kia/sorento
    Supports: Market position between Sportage and Telluride and family SUV positioning
  8. TrueCar — https://www.truecar.com/overview/kia/sorento/
    Supports: Recent U.S. engine outputs, drivetrains, towing, seating, cargo figures