Winnipeg families face a practical challenge: local driving around Charleswood, St. Vital, and St. James requires efficiency, but weekend trips to Lake Winnipeg or Riding Mountain need range and space. The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV solves both problems with 55 kilometres of all-electric driving for daily errands and a full hybrid system for long-distance travel. Six-passenger seating, 2,139 litres of maximum cargo space, and 268 horsepower mean you don’t sacrifice capability for efficiency.
This plug-in hybrid combines the fuel savings of electric driving with the confidence of gasoline backup. For Manitoba families who mix city routines with highway trips, the Sorento PHEV delivers both worlds in one vehicle.
Trim Breakdown: Choose Your Level of Capability
LX Trim
The LX establishes the Sorento PHEV’s foundation with complete plug-in hybrid capability and essential family features. Every LX includes the full 268-horsepower powertrain, 55-kilometre electric range, and six-passenger seating with 50:50 split-folding second and third rows.
Key features for families:
- 19-inch alloy wheels with temporary spare tire
- LED lighting throughout (headlights, fog lights, positioning lights, daytime running lights)
- Heated, power-adjustable sideview mirrors with signal repeaters
- Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear console ventilation
- Heated front seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power adjustable driver’s seat with two-way lumbar support
- 12.3-inch multimedia interface with navigation
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio
- Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines and parking distance warning (front and rear)
Safety systems include nine airbags, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 1.5, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist 2, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (rear), Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Rear Occupant Alert with sensor.
The LX delivers full plug-in hybrid capability and comprehensive safety at the entry level. Families who prioritize electric driving and core features will find everything needed here.
EX Trim
The EX adds premium comfort and advanced safety monitoring. Beyond the LX foundation, this trim brings technology that enhances both convenience and awareness.
EX upgrades include:
- LED taillights replacing combination LED and bulb units
- Power-folding sideview mirrors for tight garage clearances
- Panoramic sunroof adding natural light throughout the cabin
- Rain-sensing wipers that activate automatically
- Gloss black grille with chrome front and rear skid plate accents
- Parking Collision Avoidance Assist (reverse) for backing up safely
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2 with additional detection capabilities
- Parking distance warning for front, side, and rear obstacles
- Surround View Monitor showing 360-degree views around the vehicle
- Blind-View Monitor displaying blind spot video when signalling
- Highway Drive Assist 2 for hands-on lane centring and adaptive cruise on highways
- Digital Key for smartphone-based vehicle access
- Bose premium audio system
- 12.3-inch Supervision LCD/TFT instrument cluster
- Digital electric chromic rear-view mirror with HomeLink garage door opener
- Heated steering wheel and synthetic leather seats
The EX suits families who want enhanced safety monitoring and premium comfort features. The Surround View Monitor and Highway Drive Assist 2 make highway trips and parking easier.
SX Trim
The SX represents the top Sorento PHEV configuration with luxury interior appointments and maximum comfort features. This trim adds details that elevate long drives and daily use.
SX exclusive features:
- Leather seats replacing synthetic leather
- Driver’s seat memory function storing preferred positions
- Four-way driver’s seat lumbar support with cushion extension
- Power passenger seat with two-way lumbar support
- Air-cooled (ventilated) front seats for hot Manitoba summers
- Heated second-row seats extending comfort to rear passengers
- Integrated manual rear door sunshades for privacy and sun protection
- Express up/down function for all four windows
- Obstacle-detecting front and rear windows
- LED interior lighting and cargo lamp
- Ion-plated inside door handles
- Suede headliner, pillars, and sun visors
- Deluxe pedals
The SX targets families who want the highest level of comfort and interior refinement. Ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats make year-round driving more pleasant, while the leather interior and suede headliner create a premium cabin environment.
Comparing the Sorento PHEV Trims

|
Feature
|
LX
|
EX
|
SX
|
|
Powertrain
|
268 hp PHEV, 55 km electric range
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268 hp PHEV, 55 km electric range
|
268 hp PHEV, 55 km electric range
|
|
Seating
|
Cloth, heated front
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Synthetic leather, heated front
|
Leather, ventilated front, heated rear
|
|
Display
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12.3” media + 4” cluster
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12.3” media + 12.3” digital cluster
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12.3” media + 12.3” digital cluster
|
|
Sunroof
|
None
|
Panoramic
|
Panoramic
|
|
Advanced ADAS
|
FCA 1.5, LKA, LFA 2, BCA-R
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FCA 2, HDA 2, SVM, BVM
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FCA 2, HDA 2, SVM, BVM
|
|
Audio
|
6 speakers
|
Bose premium
|
Bose premium
|
|
Target Buyer
|
Value-focused families wanting full PHEV capability
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Families prioritizing advanced safety and comfort
|
Buyers seeking maximum luxury and refinement
|
Plug-In Hybrid Power That Adapts
The Sorento PHEV pairs a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. Combined output reaches 268 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, sent through a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels.
The lithium-ion polymer battery stores 360 volts with 88 kilowatts of discharge capacity and 78 kilowatts of charging capacity. This setup provides 55 kilometres of all-electric range—enough to handle most daily driving around Winnipeg and neighbouring Manitoba communities without burning gasoline.
When the battery depletes, the Sorento switches seamlessly to hybrid mode. The gasoline engine and electric motor work together, with the system selecting the most efficient combination for current conditions. This mode delivers worry-free range for trips down the Perimeter Highway to downtown or weekend drives to Riding Mountain.
A full charge takes approximately 3.8 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger. You can charge overnight at home and wake up to a full battery every morning. Combined city and highway fuel consumption reaches 2.8 Le/100 km when using both gasoline and electric power. Running on gasoline alone, the Sorento PHEV achieves 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres.
Six Passengers and Serious Cargo Room
The Sorento PHEV seats six with a second-row configuration that slides, reclines, and features easy walk-in access to the third row. Second-row seats fold remotely from the cargo area, simplifying loading. Third-row headrests fold automatically when not in use.
Cargo capacity reaches 2,139 litres behind the first row with all rear seats folded. Behind the second row, space measures between 1,090 and 1,274 litres depending on second-row position. Even with all seats in use, the Sorento provides 357 litres behind the third row—enough for groceries, sports equipment, or weekend bags.
The smart power liftgate opens automatically when you stand behind the vehicle for three seconds with the smart key in your pocket. You can also set a maximum opening height to prevent the liftgate from hitting low garage ceilings. The liftgate closes automatically when you walk away with the key.
For towing, the Sorento PHEV handles between 748 and 907 kilograms (1,650 to 2,000 pounds) depending on configuration. While not designed for heavy trailer work, this capacity suits small utility trailers, bike racks, or lightweight camping gear.
Efficiency That Works in Manitoba
Electric driving makes sense for typical Winnipeg routines. A round trip from St. James to downtown covers about 35 kilometres—well within the 55-kilometre electric range. Trips to local schools, grocery stores, and activities fit easily into battery-only operation.
For longer drives, hybrid mode eliminates range anxiety. A weekend trip to Lake Winnipeg and back requires no charging stops. The regenerative braking system recaptures energy during deceleration and downhill driving, feeding it back to the battery.
The 47-litre fuel tank provides backup range when you need it. Combined with the electric capability, this gives the Sorento PHEV true go-anywhere flexibility.
Three years of Kia Connect services come included, offering remote start (useful for warming the cabin on cold mornings), door lock/unlock from your phone, and vehicle status checks showing current battery charge level.
Safety Systems for Family Protection
All Sorento PHEV trims include nine airbags covering driver, front passenger, side curtain, and front and rear side-seat positions. Electronic Stability Control, four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System, Hill-Assist Control, Downhill Brake Control, and Trailer Stability Assist work together to maintain control in challenging conditions.
The Rear Occupant Alert system with sensor detects movement in rear seats after you’ve parked and locked the vehicle. This helps prevent accidentally leaving children or pets inside. The system monitors the rear cabin and alerts you through the Kia Access app if it detects motion after locking.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System tracks individual tire pressures and alerts you to any significant drops. An immobilizer prevents unauthorized engine starting.
Built for Manitoba Families
The Sorento PHEV addresses a specific need for Winnipeg families: efficient daily driving without giving up space or capability for weekend trips. Electric range covers most local driving, hybrid mode handles longer journeys, and six-passenger seating with large cargo capacity accommodates family life.
At Winnipeg Kia, our team knows how Manitoba families use their vehicles. We understand the mix of short school runs, grocery trips, hockey practices, and weekend escapes to the lake or the cabin. The Sorento PHEV fits these varied demands while reducing your fuel costs.
Your New Sorento PHEV is Waiting
Contact our sales team at Winnipeg Kia in Winnipeg to discuss which Sorento PHEV trim matches your family’s needs. We’ll explain charging options, demonstrate the hybrid system, and help you understand potential fuel savings based on your actual driving patterns.
To learn more about the 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV, visit Kia.ca