Kia Sorento subtly updated for 2026

The 2026 Kia Sorento has debuted in Korea ahead of its local introduction later this year, with the new model set to offer a more safety features, more convenience tech and some very mild design tweaks.

Full Australian pricing and spec details will be announced closer to launch, however we do know all MY26 Sorentos will come with the Hyundai Group’s latest ‘Lane Following Assist 2’ system as well as steering wheel grip detection to ensure drivers maintain control at all times.

Mid-range grades (Sport and up) will also seemingly score digital key compatibility and touch-type exterior door handles.

The cosmetic enhancements meantime will only extend to a new four-spoke steering wheel, expanded ambient lighting suite for the flagship GT-line and a new 19-inch alloy wheel design for select hybrid variants.

No changes have been made to any of the established petrol (3.5L V6), diesel (2.2L turbo), hybrid (1.6L turbo) or plug-in hybrid (1.6L turbo) powertrains, however we should finally see some more affordable hybrids added to the mix.

Odds are the new cut-price plugless variants will be offered on the entry-level S and Sport trim levels if the mechanically-related Carnival is anything to go by, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the penultimate Sport+ got an electrified offering too/instead.

Expect prices to increase subtly over the current range which starts from $50,880 plus on-road costs (S petrol) and tops out at $84,660 (GT-Line PHEV).

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