Hold on to your hats, family SUV fans! The 2026 Kia Sorento is here, but a major change might leave some of you scratching your heads – the V6 petrol engine is GONE! But don't worry, there's more to the story. Kia has beefed up the standard features and expanded its hybrid options, giving you more choices than ever before. Let's dive into what's new with the popular seven-seater.
The 2026 Kia Sorento has officially landed in Australia, bringing with it a host of enhancements and a slightly higher price tag on most models. Starting from $54,630 before on-road costs for the S diesel AWD, every Sorento trim now boasts advanced lane-following assist, making highway driving a little less stressful. Plus, there's a redesigned four-spoke steering wheel equipped with hands-on detection, adding another layer of safety and convenience. Think of it as a gentle nudge reminding you to keep your hands on the wheel – crucial for those long family road trips!
Kia Australia has implemented a modest $250 price increase across most of the 2026 Sorento range. But here's a pleasant surprise: the top-of-the-line GT-Line PHEV AWD has actually seen a price decrease of $750. This comes after an approximate $2000 price hike it experienced late last year, so it’s a welcome adjustment. Additionally, the GT-Line now features extended ambient lighting, with a spectrum of 64 customizable colors that now grace the front doors, creating a truly personalized cabin environment.
And this is the part most people miss... While our South Korean counterparts are enjoying the convenience of digital key functionality in their Sorentos, Australian models are missing out. Despite being standard on its Hyundai Santa Fe sibling, Kia Australia has yet to roll out this tech locally. It's a puzzling omission, and one that might leave some potential buyers feeling a little shortchanged. Why the delay, Kia?
But here's where it gets controversial... The most significant change is undoubtedly the axing of the 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine. This decision, also impacting the Carnival people mover, is directly attributed to the Australian Federal Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). This standard aims to reduce emissions from new vehicles, and unfortunately, the V6 didn't make the cut. Some argue that this is a necessary step towards a greener future, while others lament the loss of a powerful and reliable engine option. Where do you stand on this?
On the bright side, the departure of the V6 has paved the way for a wider selection of hybrid powertrains. Following the expansion of the Sorento Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) line-ups in late 2025, these fuel-efficient options are now available across all trim levels, not just the top-tier GT-Line. This means more Australians can now enjoy the benefits of hybrid technology, regardless of their budget or desired features.
The result? A whopping 16 Sorento variants are now available to order, spanning the S, Sport, Sport+, and GT-Line trims. These are offered with diesel AWD, hybrid FWD, hybrid AWD, or plug-in hybrid AWD powertrains, giving buyers an unprecedented level of customization. Finding the perfect Sorento to fit your needs has never been easier!
Let's break down the engine options a bit further. The diesel variants are powered by a 148kW/440Nm 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is impressively low, rated at just 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres.
The hybrid models combine a 132kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. The hybrid versions deliver 44kW/264Nm from the electric motor, while the PHEV boasts a more potent 67kW/304Nm. Combined outputs are 169kW/350Nm for the hybrid and 195kW/350Nm for the PHEV.
The Sorento PHEV, equipped with a larger 14kWh lithium-ion battery, offers a claimed electric-only range of 55 kilometres according to the NEDC lab-test standard. However, it's worth noting that this figure is lower than some competitors, such as the Mazda CX-80 (65km) and the Chery Tiggo 9 (a rather optimistic 170km). Keep in mind that real-world EV range can vary significantly based on driving conditions and habits.
(A detailed specification list for each Sorento grade can be found below.)
The 2026 Kia Sorento is available in showrooms now. So, what do you think of the changes? Are you happy to see more standard features and hybrid options, or will you miss the V6 engine? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! What features do you wish Kia Australia would include in future models?
