2026 Kia Sorento Pricing Announced, But Is The Hyundai Santa Fe A Better Deal?

2026 Sorento still one of the most affordable three-row crossovers

Following a stylish update for the 2024 model year, the Kia Sorento remains one of the best family vehicles at its price point. Along with the Hyundai Santa Fe, these are three-row SUVs that undercut the Telluride/Palisade on price, while sacrificing some third-row space and performance in the process.

Pricing for the 2026 Kia Sorento has now been revealed, along with a couple of minor updates to its specification. Here’s a closer look at what it costs and how it compares to its closely related sibling, the Santa Fe.

Related: The Sorento’s Success Is Giving Kia A Problem

2026 Sorento Only $200 Pricier

Excluding the destination charge of $1,415, the 2026 Kia Sorento now starts at $32,190 for the base LX, which is only $200 more than the equivalent 2025 trim. Here’s full pricing for the non-hybrid Sorento:

• LX: $32,190
• S FWD: $35,090
• EX FWD: $38,290
• SX: $42,090
• S AWD: $37,090
• EX AWD: $39,790
• X-Line EX: $42,590
• X-Line SX: $43,890
• X-Line SX-P: $46,590
• X-Pro SX-P: $47,590

Although the base model’s price is nearly the same as last year, there are bigger increases elsewhere. For instance, the S FWD derivative is now $500 more expensive, while the X-Line EX’s price has gone up by $800. Overall, though, the price hikes are reasonable. 

Styling Enhancements And Trim-Specific Changes

It’ll be hard for most people to tell apart the 2026 Sorento from the 2025 version, but the crossover hasn’t been left entirely untouched for the new model year. On X-Line and X-Pro models, there is now glossy black front/rear trim, and the same finish for the front air intake and radiator grille surround.

All AWD models now get a new Terrain Mode, while inside, there is a new leather-trimmed steering wheel. In case you’re wondering, the rugged X-Pro isn’t a hardcore off-roader, but it’ll handle snow and other slippery surfaces comfortably.

Standard hands-on detection for the steering wheel makes its way into the base LX, too.

The S grade loses navigation and Wi-Fi, so it may be better to pick up a 2025 version if you’re going for this trim. For the EX, there is a new Premium Package containing captain’s chairs, a Bose sound system, and a panoramic roof. The X-Line EX and SX both get the Bose sound system, while the latter enjoys a heated steering wheel, rear integrated sun blinds, and an electrochromic rearview mirror with Homelink.

There have been no mechanical updates to the non-hybrid Sorento, so expect the same 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as standard. A 281-hp turbocharged version of this engine is available on upper trims.

Should You Get The Newer Hyundai Santa Fe Instead?

Although it still looks fresh after its facelift, the fourth-generation Sorento first went into production five years ago, so it’s older than the latest Santa Fe.

At a starting price of $34,800, the Hyundai is more expensive, but we believe it’s worth the extra money for one main reason. The Santa Fe gets a standard turbocharged engine with 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, so it’s much quicker and more responsive than the non-turbo Sorento. 

As you work your way up the range, the Hyundai is actually cheaper in some instances. The more rugged Santa Fe XRT with standard AWD and a Terrain Mode costs $41,790, whereas the cheapest Sorento X-Line goes for $42,590. 

The newer Hyundai also has a bit more legroom and headroom in its third row, plus greater overall cargo space. The Santa Fe’s design is more polarizing, though, so if you’re after a conventional-looking crossover, the Kia may be preferable.

Although the two vehicles are closely matched, the much better standard engine in the Santa Fe sways the decision in favor of the Hyundai.