Navigating Toronto's packed parking lots during the holiday rush demands a capable SUV with precision and efficiency. The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV delivers both, combining advanced parking technology with hybrid efficiency that makes city driving and holiday shopping trips stress-free.
For families in Toronto juggling multiple stops across the city, the Sorento PHEV offers a practical solution. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain provides 55 kilometres of all-electric range for local errands, while advanced camera systems and compact dimensions make tight parking situations manageable. No matter if you're navigating the Yorkdale Shopping Centre lot or squeezing into a street parking spot in the Distillery District, this three-row SUV brings the right tools to simplify your daily routine.
Parking Confidence Through Advanced Camera Technology
The 2026 Sorento PHEV EX and SX trims include a Surround View Monitor that displays a 360-degree view of your vehicle's surroundings on the 12.3-inch multimedia interface. This system uses multiple cameras positioned around the vehicle to create a comprehensive overhead view, helping you spot obstacles, curbs, and tight spaces that would otherwise remain in blind spots.
Complementing the Surround View Monitor, the Blind View Monitor provides additional visual assistance when changing lanes or manoeuvring in congested areas. Both EX and SX trims also feature Parking Distance Warning for front, side, and rear detection, with audible alerts that intensify as you approach obstacles. The SX trim adds Parking Collision Avoidance Assist—Reverse, which can automatically apply braking if the system detects an imminent collision while backing up.
For hands-free convenience, all Sorento PHEV trims include a smart power liftgate that opens automatically when you approach with the key fob. You can set a maximum opening height, particularly useful in low-clearance parking garages common throughout Toronto's downtown core.
Dimensions That Work in Urban Spaces
While the Sorento PHEV seats six passengers across three rows, its footprint remains manageable for city driving. The vehicle's turning characteristics and compact exterior help it navigate Toronto's narrow residential streets and crowded shopping centre lots without the bulk of larger three-row SUVs.
The Sorento PHEV's 19-inch alloy wheels and body-coloured skid plate accents maintain a refined appearance while keeping overall dimensions practical. Heated, power-adjustable sideview mirrors with signal repeaters fold electrically on EX and SX trims, reducing width when parking in tight spaces or narrow garage bays.
Hybrid Efficiency for Stop-and-Go Holiday Shopping
The 2026 Sorento PHEV pairs a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, producing 268 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive deliver smooth power delivery from stoplights or merging onto the Gardiner Expressway.
For holiday shopping trips around Toronto, the Sorento PHEV's 55-kilometre all-electric range covers most local errands without burning gasoline. Charge the 360-volt lithium-ion polymer battery overnight using a 240-volt outlet (3.8 hours estimated), and you'll start each day with a full electric range. When the battery depletes, the gasoline engine seamlessly takes over, eliminating range anxiety on longer trips to Vaughan Mills or Mississauga.
Key Efficiency Metrics:
- All-electric range: 55 kilometres
- Combined fuel consumption (gasoline + electric): 2.8 Le/100 km
- Gasoline-only consumption: 6.9 L/100 km
- Fuel tank capacity: 47 litres
- Charging time: 3.8 hours (240V)
The Sorento PHEV's Drive Mode Select allows you to optimize performance for different conditions. In electric mode, the vehicle operates silently and efficiently for short trips. When you need full power or extended range, the hybrid system automatically balances electric and gasoline propulsion for optimal efficiency.
Three-Row Practicality Without Compromise
The Sorento PHEV accommodates six passengers with a 2+2+2 seating configuration. The second-row captain's chairs slide and recline for personalized comfort, while the Easy Walk-In feature provides convenient access to the third row. Both second and third rows feature 50:50 split-folding capability, with remote folding for the second row and auto-folding headrests in the third row.
Cargo capacity adapts to your needs: 357 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,090–1,274 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,139 litres with all rear seats folded. This flexibility handles everything from weekly groceries to holiday gift hauls, while the smart power liftgate simplifies loading in crowded parking lots.
All three rows benefit from climate control, with dual-zone automatic temperature control up front, rear console ventilation ducts, and dedicated heating ducts for second and third rows. Heated front seats come standard on all trims, with the EX and SX adding heated second-row seats and a heated steering wheel—welcome features during Toronto's winter months.
Trim-by-Trim Breakdown
LX: Foundation Features
The Sorento PHEV LX establishes strong baseline equipment, including LED projection headlights, a 12.3-inch multimedia interface, and a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines. Standard safety technology includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist 2, and Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist—Rear. The LX also features Smart Cruise Control with stop-and-go functionality, Parking Distance Warning (front and rear), and a smart key with push-button start.
Interior amenities include cloth seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat with 2-way lumbar support, and heated front seats. The 6-speaker audio system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Kia Connect provides remote start with climate control, remote door lock/unlock, and find-my-car functionality for the first three years.
Best for: Budget-conscious families who prioritize hybrid efficiency and essential safety technology without premium features.
EX: Enhanced Technology and Comfort
The EX trim adds the Surround View Monitor, Blind View Monitor, and Parking Collision Avoidance Assist—Reverse that make tight parking significantly easier. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist upgrades to version 2, and Highway Drive Assist 2 provides advanced driver assistance on highways. The panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, and LED taillights enhance comfort and convenience.
Inside, the EX upgrades to synthetic leather seats with driver's seat memory, 4-way driver's seat lumbar support, and cushion extension. The power passenger seat includes 2-way lumbar support, while air-cooled front seats and heated second-row seats improve climate comfort. The Bose premium audio system and 12.3-inch Supervision LCD/TFT instrument cluster elevate the multimedia experience. Digital Key allows you to use your smartphone as a secure key, and the full display digital electric chromic rear-view mirror with HomeLink adds convenience.
Best for: Families who frequently navigate congested urban areas and value advanced parking assistance, premium audio, and enhanced comfort features.
SX: Premium Refinement

The SX trim retains all EX features while adding premium interior finishes. Integrated manual rear door sunshades, express up/down front and rear windows with obstacle detection, LED interior lighting, ion-plated inside door handles, and a suede headliner with matching pillars and sun visors create a more refined cabin environment. Deluxe pedals complete the upscale aesthetic.
Best for: Buyers seeking the most refined Sorento PHEV experience with premium materials and maximum convenience features.
Comparing the Sorento PHEV Trims
|
Feature
|
LX
|
EX
|
SX
|
|
Surround View Monitor
|
—
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
Blind View Monitor
|
—
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
Parking Collision Avoidance—Reverse
|
—
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
Panoramic Sunroof
|
—
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
Seating Material
|
Cloth
|
Synthetic leather
|
Leather
|
|
Bose Premium Audio
|
—
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
Digital Key
|
—
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
Heated Second-Row Seats
|
—
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
Suede Headliner
|
—
|
—
|
✓
|
|
LED Interior Lighting
|
—
|
—
|
✓
|
Additional Capability and Safety
The Sorento PHEV handles light-duty towing with a capacity of 1,650–2,000 pounds, sufficient for small trailers or recreational equipment. Trailer lighting pre-wiring comes standard, and Trailer Stability Assist helps maintain control when towing.
Standard safety equipment across all trims includes nine airbags, Electronic Stability Control, 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System, Hill-Assist Control, Downhill Brake Control, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Rear Occupant Alert with sensor helps prevent accidentally leaving passengers or pets in the vehicle—a valuable feature during busy holiday shopping trips.
Your 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV Awaits in Toronto
The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV brings together advanced parking technology, hybrid efficiency, and three-row versatility in a package sized for Toronto's urban environment. From navigating holiday shopping crowds to managing daily family routines, the Sorento PHEV's combination of electric range, camera systems, and practical dimensions simplifies city driving.
Visit North York Kia in Toronto to experience the Sorento PHEV's parking assistance technology firsthand and discover how its hybrid powertrain can reduce your fuel costs during daily commutes and weekend errands.
To learn more about the 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV, visit Kia.ca