The Kia Sorento occupies an unusual niche in the SUV landscape. It’s not quite as big as the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot, but it still has three rows, and it’s more accommodating and sizable than small two-row models like the RAV4. It’s actually a practical package, and the in-between nature means it’s priced impressively well against larger competitors. The subject of this post, the hybrid, is also compelling for its good fuel economy and additional horsepower.
None of that has changed for 2027, despite a small price hike, and Kia has even added a new trim so that you can get a tougher-looking model for a lower price than last year.
2027 Kia Sorento from the rear three-quarter angleKia
Kia Has A New Happy Medium
The new starting price for the 2027 Sorento is the EX trim at $39,090, or $40,585 with the unchanged $1,495 destination charge. That’s an increase of $200 over last year, though it’s still about $5,000 less than a Grand Highlander hybrid, and about $8,000 less than a regular Highlander hybrid. Plus it’s right in line with the Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid.
That base trim also comes with just front-wheel drive, and adding all-wheel drive costs another $1,800. The other carry-over trim is the X-Line SX-Prestige, and its price rose by $400, but it also now comes standard with a head-up display. You can see all the starting prices listed below.
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2027 Kia Sorento MSRPs
- EX: $39,090
- X-Line EX: $43,090
- X-Line SX-Prestige: $47,590
The new trim for this year is the X-Line EX. As you may have guessed from the name, it’s a blend of the base EX trim with the top-level X-Line. This means that it’s equipped similarly to the EX, but it adopts some of the X-Line styling cues to look more off-road ready. These include different bumper designs with faux skid plates, plus gloss black wheels and exterior trim, and wood interior trim. All-wheel drive is also standard.
However, it doesn’t include off-road drive modes like the SX-Prestige (though they are optional), and it lacks a few extra details like the X-Line logos in the seatbacks. However, we think a lot of buyers would be fine with missing some of those features to save $4,500.
What Comes With A Sorento Hybrid?
Naturally, the Sorento hybrid has a hybrid powertrain. Specifically, it’s a combination of a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor, and it’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It makes 232 horsepower and an impressive 270 pound-feet of torque while also returning anywhere from 34 to 37 mpg in combined driving, depending on specification.
The EX, while the base trim, still comes nicely equipped. On the outside it has 19-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights, plus heated mirrors. Inside, it has heated power-adjustable front seats, leatherette upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, dual-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charger, and a power tailgate. Safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane-centering, blind-spot warning, and adaptive lights. Among optional and higher-trim features are upgraded sound systems, a panoramic sunroof, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, front seat ventilation, leather upholstery, and automated lane change functionality.
2027 Kia Sorento from the front three-quarter angleKia
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
The Sorento has had a solid year of sales this year, and is up by 4% so far. Last month was particularly good, with September’s sales up by 37% over September 2025. Also, while the Sorento isn’t the biggest seller for Kia, it still outperforms the Carnival minivan and K5 sedan, so it’s good for Kia for it to stick around and keep growing.
Considering that Kia has added some variety, kept prices reasonably low, and kept the standard equipment high, the Sorento has plenty of success to come.
