The 2027 Kia Sorento Is Still a Three-Row SUV for Under $33K

Most three-row SUVs require buyers to part with well over $40,000, but the Kia Sorento brings seven-seat practicality within reach of a much broader audience. That hasn’t changed for the 2027 model year, as the Sorento still carries a base price of well below $35,000, on par with many compact crossovers. Kia hasn’t made any major changes to the 2027 model, which underwent a mid-cycle update for the 2024 model year. Is this still a solid three-row crossover, or should you spend more on a Telluride?

2027 Kia Sorento Pricing

For now, Kia has only released 2027 pricing for the ICE Sorento, not the hybrid models. Here’s a look at how much this SUV will cost for the new model year:

• Sorento LX: $32,590
• Sorento S FWD: $35,490
• Sorento EX FWD: $38,690
• Sorento SX: $42,490
• Sorento S AWD: $37,490
• Sorento EX AWD: $40,190
• Sorento X-Line EX: $42,990
• Sorento X-Line SX: $44,290
• Sorento X-Line SX-Prestige: $46,990
• Sorento X-Pro SX-Prestige: $47,990

These prices exclude a destination charge of $1,495. The only change announced by Kia for 2027 is a new color called Black Jade Green, which replaces the previous Jungle Green. The base model is only $200 more expensive versus the 2026 version.

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As before, the standard Sorento uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged version with 274 hp and 311 lb-ft is available, and provides much better performance. The EX is the first trim to come with the turbo engine. 

The 2027 Kia Sorento comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, cloth upholstery, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Top models get leatherette or leather, heated seats, a full digital gauge cluster, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Related: Kia Sportage Vs. Sorento Reliability: It’s Not Even Close

Comparison Vs. Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride recently entered a new generation, so it boasts the latest Kia design language inside and out. It starts at $39,190, putting it roughly on par with the Sorento EX. A larger vehicle, the Telluride has more cargo and passenger space. It comes with the same turbo engine as the Sorento EX, so performance is similar. The Sorento is slightly more economical, though. Choosing the Telluride brings with it the following upgrades:

• Seating for eight occupants
• Improved third-row legroom and headroom
• Larger cargo area (22.3 cubic feet behind third row in Telluride vs. 12.6 cubic feet in Sorento)
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Dual wireless phone charging

However, the Sorento EX has quite a few features not found on the more expensive Telluride LX. These include heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, full leatherette upholstery, and a smart power tailgate. 

If you’ll only be using the third row occasionally or smaller kids will sit back there, there’s a strong case to be made for the Sorento EX. However, the Telluride LX is a much more practical SUV and nicer to drive. It’s a better option if adults or older teens will often be seated in the third row.

Final Thoughts

One of the only other three-row crossovers at this price point is the Hyundai Santa Fe, but that starts at $35,300, so the Sorento comfortably undercuts it. Other midsize three-row crossovers like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Ford Explorer all cost thousands more, so the Kia remains uniquely positioned in the U.S. market. It’s a strong option at under $35k, but above that point, it may be worth considering a new or nearly new Telluride; it’s newer, bigger, and more comfortable.

Related: Hyundai Santa Fe Vs. Kia Sorento Sales: It’s Not Even Close