Kia Sorento Engine Specs & MPG Ratings
The 2026 Kia Sorento combines power, efficiency, and versatility in one impressive midsize SUV. Whether you’re commuting to work, hauling weekend gear, or planning a family road trip, this SUV excels in all scenarios. With multiple engine options and trim levels to choose from, there’s a Sorento configuration for every driver. Explore the 2026 Kia Sorento mpg, towing capacity, horsepower, and other key performance specs in our guide below.
2026 Kia Sorento Horsepower & Engine Specs
The 2026 Sorento offers two engine options—a standard 2.5L 4-cylinder and a turbocharged variant—both paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for seamless shifting. The 2.5L engine delivers a blend of fuel efficiency and peppy performance, perfect for everyday driving. While the turbocharged option slightly lowers the Kia Sorento mpg, it provides a significant power boost during your drives in Roswell.
2.5L 4-Cylinder Engine
- 191 hp
- 181 lb-ft of torque
Turbocharged 2.5L 4-Cylinder
- 281 hp
- 311 lb-ft of torque
The 2026 Kia Sorento horsepower rating makes it a competitive option in the midsize SUV market, especially for the turbocharged models.
2026 Kia Sorento MPG Ratings
The 2026 Kia Sorento mpg ratings slightly vary depending on your chosen configuration. The front-wheel drive (FWD) models with the base engine offer the best fuel economy, making them ideal for daily commutes to Buford and highway driving. If you need all-wheel drive (AWD) for challenging weather conditions or off-road adventures, you’ll only sacrifice a few mpg.
- LX (FWD only): 23 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
- S (FWD): 23 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
- S (AWD): 23 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
- EX (FWD): 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway
- EX (AWD): 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
- X-Line EX (AWD only): 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
- SX (FWD only): 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway
- X-Line SX (AWD only): 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
- X-Line SX Prestige (AWD only): 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
- X-Pro SX Prestige (AWD only): 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
With a spacious fuel tank capacity of 17.7 gallons, the Sorento offers excellent range for long trips past Alpharetta.
2026 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
The Kia Sorento towing capacity also varies by model. The range-topping X-Pro SX Prestige leads the lineup with a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds, a good option for outdoor enthusiasts who need to haul heavier equipment.
- LX, S, SX: 2,000 pounds
- EX, X-Line EX AWD, X-Line SX AWD, X-Line SX Prestige AWD: 3,500 pounds
- X-Pro SX Prestige AWD: 4,000 pounds
Before towing with your Sorento, always make sure your SUV is properly equipped and that you follow all manufacturer-recommended towing guidelines. For detailed instructions and safety information, consult your owner’s manual.
Experience The 2026 Kia Sorento In Cumming
With its balance of fuel economy and capability, it’s easy to see why the Sorento is a standout choice in the midsize SUV segment. Ready to get behind the wheel at Lou Sobh Kia? Contact us online or call (678) 928-0107 today to schedule your test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2026 Kia Sorento, and which trim level do I need?
The 2026 Kia Sorento achieves a maximum towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped. To hit this peak trailering limit, you will need to choose the rugged X-Pro SX Prestige AWD trim level, which features specialized hardware upgrades. Other configurations in the lineup offer standard capacities ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds.
Which 2026 Kia Sorento trim levels offer the best fuel economy or MPG ratings?
The front-wheel drive (FWD) configurations of the LX and S trim levels offer the highest fuel economy in the lineup, achieving an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Upgrading to all-wheel drive (AWD) or selecting a higher-tier turbocharged engine variant will slightly adjust those estimates to a range of 20 mpg city and 27 to 29 mpg highway.
What are the horsepower differences between the engine options on the 2026 Kia Sorento?
The 2026 Kia Sorento features two distinct engine configurations. The standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine produces a balanced 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, maximizing daily fuel efficiency. For drivers seeking an elevated power boost, the available Turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder engine delivers a robust 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Kia Sorento Performance
The 2025 Kia Sorento is a robust midsize SUV that offers Buford drivers cavernous dimensions and luxurious amenities. It also comes equipped with your choice of two powerful 2.5L engine options, one of which is turbocharged. Learn about the Kia Sorento specs for each engine with Lou Sobh Kia, and if you’re wondering what the mpg for a Kia Sorento is, we’ll cover 2025 Kia Sorento mpg ratings as well. Once you’re done reading, fill out a pre-approval and head to Lou Sobh Kia for a test drive!
2025 Kia Sorento Engine Options
The 2025 Kia Sorento offers Roswell drivers two engine options. The LX and S trims come equipped with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, while the EX, SX, X-Line EX AWD, X-Line SX AWD, X-Line SX Prestige AWD, and X-Pro SX Prestige AWD trims come equipped with a 2.5L turbocharged engine. Explore key 2025 Kia Sorento specs for each engine below:
2.5L 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 191 hp
- Torque: 181 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission
- Towing Capacity: 2,000 pounds
Turbocharged 2.5L 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 281 hp
- Torque: 311 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (wet type)
- Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds (4,500 pounds for X-Pro SX Prestige)
As for drivetrain selection, the LX, EX, and SX trims come equipped with front-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the S trim can be equipped with either front-wheel drive or torque vectoring all-wheel drive w/ center-locking differential. As for the X-Line and X-Pro configurations, torque vectoring all-wheel drive comes standard.
2025 Kia Sorento MPG Ratings
What is the mpg for a Kia Sorento? That depends on whether your Sorento is equipped with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, as well as whether it features the regular or turbocharged version of the 2.5L Kia Sorento engine. Explore the 2025 Kia Sorento mpg ratings by trim level and drivetrain to see how efficient each configuration is:
- LX and S Trim MPG (FWD): 23 City/31 Highway/26 Combined
- S Trim MPG (AWD): 23 City/28 Highway/25 Combined
- SX and EX Trim MPG (FWD): 20 City/29 Highway/23 Combined
- X-Line and X-Pro Trims (AWD): 20 City/27 Highway/23 Combined
Explore the 2025 Kia Sorento Specs Near Alpharetta
The best way to figure out which 2025 Kia Sorento engine is the best for your needs is to test-drive the Kia Sorento trims at Lou Sobh Kia. Simply head to our Cumming showroom during our business hours. If you have other questions about what the mpg for a Kia Sorento is, feel free to call us at (678) 928-0107. While you’re here, however, check out our Kia research guides for information about the 2025 Kia Sorento technology and 2025 Kia Sorento interior features!
More from Lou Sobh Kia
2026 Kia Sportage Technology
The 2026 Kia Sportage is more than a sleek SUV—it’s a command center. This year’s Kia Sportage features cutting-edge convenience, next-gen connectivity, and enhanced driver assistance systems to elevate your Buford commute. From the refined layout of the Kia Sportage dash to the comprehensive Kia Sportage safety features now standard across the lineup, this…
2026 Kia K4 Overview
With sharp handling, available turbo power, and a fastback-inspired profile, the 2026 Kia K4 makes driving more fun in Buford. Learn more about this compact sedan with Lou Sobh Kia below! Our 2026 Kia K4 overview provides the latest on the lineup. When you’re ready to upgrade to a new Kia K4 in Cumming, feel free…
2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid Overview
The 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid blends elevated efficiency with bold SUV-inspired styling to create a one-of-a-kind minivan alternative for Buford families. With a sleek design, smart tech, and a potent hybrid powertrain, the Kia Carnival Hybrid is a game-changer in the electrified minivan space. Whether you’re searching for a Kia Carnival Hybrid EX near…
