Whether you’re setting off on a family getaway or tackling your daily routine, the 2026 Kia Sorento is geared up for modern adventure. This three-row SUV offers impressive capability and a selection of powertrains designed to suit a variety of driving needs. The Southlake Kia team has crafted this 2026 Kia Sorento engine and towing guide to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.
For more details, continue your research by exploring our Sorento trims guide, and see key highlights and cabin amenities with our Sorento review.
Browse our inventory to see what’s available, and take advantage of available finance and lease offers. Experience the Sorento in person at our Kia dealership in Merrillville, IN, when you schedule a test drive. Have questions? Our team is happy to help when you contact us online or call us at (219) 947-1500.
Navigate to a specific research section to learn more:
Performance in the 2026 Kia Sorento can be tailored to fit the way you drive. The standard powertrain features a 2.5L four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque for smooth everyday travel. You can also choose between multiple drive modes — including eco, comfort, sport, and smart — to adjust responsiveness, while front-wheel drive (FWD) models achieve up to an EPA-estimated 23 city and 31 highway MPG. Select trims can also be equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), helping provide added confidence when traction demands increase. In higher-level models, you can access a rugged Terrain Mode system, which adds snow, sand, and mud modes.
For those who want enhanced capability, the Sorento offers a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that boosts output to 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque and is matched with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) engineered for seamless gear changes.
See the accompanying engine specifications.
| Engine | 2.5L four-cylinder | 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 191 HP | 281 HP |
| Torque | 181 lb.-ft. | 311 lb.-ft. |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic | Eight-speed DCT |
| FWD MPG (City/Hwy) | 23 / 31 | 20 / 29 |
| AWD MPG (City/Hwy) | 23 / 28 | 20 / 27 |
The 2026 Kia Sorento helps simplify your rugged endeavors. From small trailers to sporting equipment, you have a range of towing options at your disposal. When equipped with the standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine, you can tow up to 2,000 pounds. Most trims that house the 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds, but the X-Pro SX Prestige AWD model can exclusively tow up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped.
See the accompanying towing capacity specifications.
| Engine | 2.5L four-cylinder | 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder | 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder (X-Pro SX Prestige AWD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs. | 3,500 lbs. | 4,500 lbs. |
Ready to find the configuration for you? No matter which model piques your interest, the 2026 Kia Sorento offers impressive versatility for your daily drives and rugged journeys alike. The accompanying comparison provides a detailed look at which Sorento trims come equipped with which available engine.
See the following engine and trim availability.
| 2026 Kia Sorento Trims & Engine Availability | 2.5L four-cylinder | 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder |
|---|---|---|
| LX | ✓ | |
| S | ✓ | |
| EX | ✓ | |
| SX | ✓ | |
| X-Line EX AWD | ✓ | |
| X-Line SX AWD | ✓ | |
| X-Line SX Prestige AWD | ✓ | |
| X-Pro SX Prestige AWD | ✓ |
Visit Southlake Kia to find your ideal Kia Sorento for sale in Merrillville, IN. Browse our available finance and lease offers to secure a competitive rate, and schedule a test drive to get behind the wheel. If you have inquiries, contact us online or call us at (219) 947-1500.