Kia’s 2026 SUV range now spans from everyday crossovers to full-electric family haulers. Refreshed Sportage and Sorento bring efficiency and style, while Telluride continues to lead with reliability. EV6 delivers nimble electric crossover performance, and EV9 breaks new ground with three‑row electric utility and tech, all backed by Kia’s class-leading warranty. Kia’s broad range ensures there’s a smart SUV choice for nearly every lifestyle and budget; commuters, growing families, and EV enthusiasts can all find something in Kia’s SUV collection.
Which Kia SUV Is Right for Me?
City-Friendly Crossover
Sportage & Sportage Hybrid shine in urban settings with compact size, strong efficiency, and award-winning design. Their nimble handling and smaller footprint make parking and tight streets a breeze, while hybrid models stretch every gallon.
Flexible Three-Row Utility
Sorento and Telluride offer seating for up to seven, strong resale, and optional hybrid or PHEV power. These are ideal for families who want space and flexibility without moving to a full-size SUV.
Tech-Forward EV Options
EV6 offers compact electric crossover thrills; EV9 delivers three-row electric capability and high-tech interiors. Both provide near-luxury experiences at attainable prices.
Performance-Oriented & Tow-Capable Trims
EV6 GT-Line and EV9 GT trims bring sport-tuned suspension, unique styling, and powerful electric motors. EV9 GT also delivers real-world towing up to 5,000 lb.
Spacious Electric Family Hauler
EV9 seats 6–7, offers ~300 mile range, and up to 5,000 lb towing—a rarity in three-row EVs. It merges practicality with top-tier technology for forward-thinking families.
Model by Model: Inside the Experience
Sportage (2026 Facelift)
The 2026 Kia Sportage enters the year with a subtle design refresh and a focus on efficiency and tech. Available in gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants, the Sportage offers a comfortable ride, spacious second row, and up to 34 mpg combined in the hybrid trim. Inside, the dual panoramic display setup now comes standard on more trims, and higher trims offer a Harman Kardon sound system and advanced driver assistance like Highway Driving Assist. It’s a smart pick for urban commuters who want utility without sacrificing efficiency.
Sorento
Sorento continues to be Kia’s midsize workhorse, offering three rows of seating in a manageable footprint. The 2026 model adds a cleaner grille design and better fuel economy, particularly in the hybrid and PHEV trims. The cabin blends rugged style with upscale appointments, including available quilted leather and a larger curved infotainment display. With AWD available across the lineup and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped, the Sorento remains a do-it-all SUV for families that need flexibility.
Telluride
The Telluride has earned its place among the most awarded SUVs in its class—and for good reason. The 2026 version maintains its bold, boxy styling while offering new color palettes, trim-specific wheels, and improved ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). A 3.8L V6 continues to deliver confident acceleration, and available X-Pro trims offer off-road-oriented features like all-terrain tires and a self-leveling rear suspension. The cabin is exceptionally roomy, with a real third row that adults can use comfortably, making the Telluride one of the best options for growing families.
EV6
Sleek, sporty, and seriously fun to drive, the EV6 returns for 2026 with performance upgrades and new tech. The base Light trim offers over 310 miles of range, while the GT-Line adds AWD, 320 hp, and a sport-tuned suspension. Inside, the cabin feels futuristic with its curved dual-display and floating center console. The EV6 GT tops the lineup with 576 hp and a 0–60 mph time under 3.5 seconds—competing with high-performance EVs at nearly double the price. It’s the go-to Kia SUV for buyers who want EV efficiency without giving up driving excitement.
EV9
The EV9 stands as Kia’s electric flagship—a bold three-row SUV that redefines family transport in the EV era. Built on the E-GMP platform, it supports 800V architecture for ultra-fast charging and delivers up to 305 miles of range. Available in Light, Wind, Land, and GT-Line trims, the EV9 blends tech, space, and sophistication. Inside, you’ll find a triple-screen dashboard, optional second-row captain’s chairs that swivel, and sustainable materials throughout. With up to 5,000 lb towing and available dual-motor AWD, the EV9 is more than just an electric alternative—it’s a category leader.
GT-Style & Trail-Ready Trims
- EV6 GT-Line: Sport suspension, visual upgrades, top-tier features.
- EV9 GT: 508 hp, ~4.6s 0–60, exclusive styling, 5,000 lb towing.
Charging Network & Home EV Solutions
800V architecture enables ultra-fast charging. Access to Tesla Superchargers via NACS. Home Level 2 charging takes ~10–11 hours. Built-in preconditioning improves cold weather charging.
Interior Features & Technology
Step inside any 2026 Kia SUV and you’ll be greeted by a surprisingly premium atmosphere—especially considering the price point. The design language emphasizes horizontal lines and curved surfaces, while materials improve as you move up the trim ladder. On the Sportage and Sorento, you’ll find dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays standard on mid-trims and higher, while Telluride and EV9 offer massive triple-screen layouts (up to 30+ inches of combined screen space in EV9). USB-C ports are widely available in all rows, and the EV9 includes a unique Digital Key 2.0 system that allows users to unlock the car with their smartphone or smartwatch.
Luxury-focused features like ambient lighting, ventilated seats, and heated steering wheels are also available in non-luxury trims—often at a lower price point than competitors. For example, while you’ll need to reach the upper trims of the Grand Highlander or Hyundai Palisade for a similar interior feel, even the Sorento EX delivers soft-touch surfaces and high-end switchgear.
Kia’s SUV Trim Strategy
- LX / Light: Entry-level, core features.
- EX / Wind: AWD, longer range, upgraded comfort.
- SX / Land: Premium features, towing, interior tech.
- GT-Line: Performance trims with styling and suspension upgrades.
Kia SUV Safety Features
Kia’s safety suite—Kia Drive Wise—is among the most comprehensive in the mainstream SUV segment. Standard safety features across almost every 2026 SUV include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, and Rear Occupant Alert. Most models also include Safe Exit Assist, which warns passengers if it’s unsafe to open the door due to approaching traffic.
Higher trims and EVs like the EV9 and Telluride SX Prestige add advanced features like a Blind-Spot View Monitor (with live camera feed in the instrument cluster), 360-degree Surround View Monitor, and Highway Driving Assist 2. This semi-autonomous driving system combines adaptive cruise control and lane centering with lane-change assist—putting it on par with or ahead of systems from Hyundai, Toyota, and even Honda’s Traffic Jam Assist.
Climate Control & Winter Readiness
Heated seats, AWD availability, heat pumps, and remote climate presets help Kia SUVs perform in cold climates.
Cargo & Seating Flexibility
2-row and 3-row options, optional captain’s chairs, and up to 87 cu. ft. of cargo make Kia SUVs road-trip ready.
Is Kia Going Electric?
With 11 EVs planned by 2026, including EV3, EV4, and EV5, Kia is committed to a global electric future.
Pricing Snapshot (MSRP)
| Model & Trim | Starting MSRP* |
|---|---|
| Sportage / Hybrid | ~$28,600–30,300 |
| Sorento PHEV / Hybrid | ~$38,700 / ~$34,500 |
| Telluride SX | ~$44,000 |
| EV6 Light | ~$42,900 |
| EV9 Light | $54,900 |
| EV9 Wind | $63,900 |
| EV9 GT-Line | $71,900 |
*Approximate based on TrueCar and Kia.
Leasing & Financing Highlights
- Eligible EVs qualify for $7,500 federal tax credit.
- Strong residuals for Telluride and EV9.
- Industry-best 7-year/100k-mile warranty.
How Kia Measures Up
| Feature / Model | Kia EV9 | Kia Telluride | Toyota Grand Highlander | Hyundai Palisade | Ford Mustang Mach-E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 6–7 | 7–8 | 7–8 | 7–8 | 5 |
| EV Range / MPG | ~305 miles | 20–26 MPG | 21–36 MPG | 19–26 MPG | ~300 miles |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lb | 5,500 lb | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb | 3,500 lb |
| Max Cargo | ~81.9 cu. ft. | ~87.0 cu. ft. | ~97.5 cu. ft. | ~86.4 cu. ft. | ~59.7 cu. ft. |
| AWD Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (select trims) |
| Starting MSRP | ~$54,900 | ~$37,000 | ~$44,500 | ~$37,000 | ~$44,000 |
Verdict
Kia’s SUV lineup is diverse, forward-looking, and packed with value. From the everyday practicality of the Sportage and Sorento to the flagship capability of the EV9, there’s a smart Kia SUV for nearly every buyer. The EV6 brings compact EV agility, while Telluride remains the benchmark for family-ready gas SUVs. Backed by warranty confidence, strong leasing incentives, and class-leading tech, Kia delivers a compelling mix of future-ready and right-now utility.
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