The next-gen Kia Sorento should ideally arrive in 2026, adhering to the midsize SUV’s typical six-year lifecycle. However, on the back of the current model’s strong sales performance, the South Korean automaker has reportedly decided to extend its life by about a year and postpone the fully redesigned model.
Having experienced the current and previous iterations of the Sorento, here’s everything that’s reported, and our expectations from the fifth-generation model, codenamed Kia MQ5.
Design
Much like every other all-new Kia in recent years, the next-gen Sorento should feature a quirky design. The future model is expected to retain a familiar silhouette, giving it a modern crossover appearance, but with an unconventional lighting design and graphics.
While the current generation adopted vertical headlamps with the facelift, the next one may take a step further with a split setup and a more technical-looking cluster.
Interior
The interior of the next-gen Kia Sorento should come with a completely new design for the dashboard, steering wheel, door cards, center console, and seats. In addition to various new utility and connectivity features, it should pack the all-new Pleos Connect infotainment system.
Hyundai Motor Group is developing the system with a smartphone-like interface, including multi-window functions, split-view, and customizable user profiles. A larger, tablet-like display is also expected, improving readability and accessibility.
In our experience, the Sorento already offers one of the best cabins in the segment, thanks to premium touches such as quilted upholstery, Dust Blue accents, and a panoramic curved panel housing dual 12.3-inch screens. The first and second rows provide good comfort, space, and modern features like OTA updates, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Digital Key 2.0.
However, the third row remains cramped, with limited legroom, poor under-thigh support, and tight headroom, making it suitable only for children, something the company would want to improve in the next generation.
Powertrain
Hybrid & PHEV
On the powertrain front, Kia should retail the Sorento with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains based on a 1.6-liter gas engine, globally. The engine and motor together may produce around 235 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque with the TMED-II powertrain, which we expect in the U.S.
As for the new Sorento PHEV, the system should deliver around 245 hp and 260 lb.-ft. These electrified variants should rely on 1.49 kWh and 13.8 kWh battery packs, respectively.
Range Extender (EREV)
For customers wanting a longer EV driving experience, we’re expecting Kia to launch a first-ever extended-range electric vehicle variant of the Sorento sometime during the lifecycle of the fifth generation.
The company has confirmed it is developing a 2.5-liter turbocharged gas engine for EREVs. With its corporate cousin, Santa Fe, receiving the EREV option next year, it is a matter of time before the Sorento follows suit.
Release Date & Price
Based on information from Woopa TV, a report from The Korean Car Blog said on July 25, 2025, that Kia will unveil the next-gen Sorento in 2027. We expect the company to launch it in the U.S. in the middle of the same year, with prices starting at around USD 40,000 for the Hybrid, and USD 50,000 for the range-extender.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
