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Car and Driver
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Kia Sorento Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview While the larger Telluride steals much of Kia's mid-size three-row SUV limelight, the Kia Sorento is a handsome, well-equipped, and affordable family hauler. Variety is a major part of the Sorento's appeal, with a pair of engine options and an assortment of trims on offer. A 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 281-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter provides either the front or all four wheels with decent thrust, and an off-road-oriented X-Pro trim is available for outdoorsy folks. While the Sorento's thrifty price and laundry list of standard features make it a tempting option next to pricier competitors like the Honda Pilot and Kia Palisade, it falls short on third-row space and cargo capacity compared to those models. What's New for 2026? The Sorento was given a somewhat recent mid-cycle refresh in 2024 and carries on into 2026 unchanged. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Kia Sorento is expected to start around $34,000 and go up to $49,000 depending on the trim and options. LX $34,000 (est) S $37,000 (est) EX $40,000 (est) SX $44,000 (est) EX X-Line $44,000 (est) SX X-Line $45,000 (est) SX Prestige X-Line $48,000 (est) SX Prestige X-Pro $49,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k We like the EX. It's pricier than the base Sorento, but it comes with nicer amenities, including faux-leather upholstery, heated front seats, parking sensors, and a larger 12.3-inch infotainment display. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The Sorento has two engine options and is available with front- or all-wheel drive. A 191-hp 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine is standard, and a 281-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder is available too. Both pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid model uses a six-speed automatic. We drove a top-of-the-line SX trim with the turbo-four and appreciated its noticeable thrust, but we wish the powertrain felt more responsive off the line. The same model delivered poised handling, a nicely isolated ride, and firm brake-pedal feedback. The X-Pro trim comes only with the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and gets a center locking differential, 17-inch wheels, and all-terrain tires. 0–60-MPH Times While we haven't tested the newest Sorento yet, we suspect the 60 mph times we've recorded on previous model year variants will still apply. We estimate that the most powerful turbocharged trims will be capable of a 6.0-second run to 60 mph and that the nonturbo Sorentos could need as long as 9.6 seconds to hit the same speed. View Photos Kia More on the Sorento SUV 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro Is Movin' On Up Towing and Payload Capacity Although the Kia Sorento won't move mountains, its marginal towing capacity could prove helpful in some situations. The maximum towing capacity for the Sorento is 4000 pounds in X-Pro guise. Though the Sorento can't match the V-6-powered Kia Telluride's 5000-pound tow rating, it still can haul a couple of jet skis or small farm animals—depending on your lifestyle. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Sorento yet, but last year's model returned up to 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway when equipped with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter four received ratings of 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Without any significant changes, the newest model should achieve similar, or identical, results. When we get a chance to take the Sorento on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, we'll update this story with real-world test results. For more information about the Sorento's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The Sorento's interior has an attractive layout, nice materials, and solid build quality. The dashboard is bookended by two upright air vents but is otherwise simplistic in its design. Ambient lighting is smartly incorporated into the cabin and stitched surfaces on the door panels and seat inserts provide an upscale appearance. A variety of cubby storage spots and cupholders contribute to the Sorento's family-friendly mission. Along with a standard third row, its second-row bench can be swapped for a pair of captain's chairs. Compared with the larger Telluride, the Sorento's far-back seats aren't comfortable for adults, and we only managed to fit two carry-on suitcases in the cargo area with the third row in place—two fewer than the Telluride. View Photos Kia Infotainment and Connectivity The Sorento comes with an infotainment setup that consists of two screens mounted side-by-side in a curved panoramic display. A 4.3-inch digital gauge display and a separate 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen are standard, but higher-end trims get a larger 12.3-inch reconfigurable gauge display instead. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Other features include an optional wireless charging pad, a 12-speaker Bose stereo system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The Sorento enjoys a roster of standard and optional driver-assistance technology. For more information about the Kia's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Kia has one of the most impressive warranty plans in the industry. However, it doesn't offer the complimentary maintenance that its corporate counterpart, Hyundai, does. Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance Specifications Specifications 2024 Kia Sorento Vehicle Type: front-engine, front- or all-wheel-drive, 6–7-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE LX, $33,365; S, $35,765; S AWD, $37,765; EX, $39,365; X-Line EX AWD, $43,065; SX, $43,065; X-Line SX AWD, $44,865; X-Line SX-Prestige, $47,765; X-Pro SX-Prestige, $48,765 ENGINES DOHC 16-valve 2.5-liter inline-4, 191 hp, 195 lb-ft; turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.5-liter inline-4, 281 hp, 311 lb-ft TRANSMISSIONS 8-speed automatic, 8-speed dual-clutch automatic DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 110.8 in Length: 189.6 in Width: 74.8 in Height: 66.7 in Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 57/55/32 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 76/39–45/13 ft3 Curb Weight (C/D est): 3850–4300 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 6.0–9.6 sec 100 mph: 15.4–26.0 sec 1/4-Mile: 14.6–17.5 sec Top Speed: 124–131 mph EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 23–26/20–23/27–31 mpg More Features and Specs
Car and Driver
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Buick Enclave Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview Buick's largest SUV offering is the three-row Enclave, and its large footprint contains a cabin built for maximizing passenger space. It shares its mechanicals with the Chevy Traverse and the GMC Acadia but wears a design that looks like a scaled-up Buick Envision. All models get the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 328 horsepower, but you can choose from front- or all-wheel drive setups. Performance is mild but on par with rivals such as the Acura MDX and the Lexus TX. What those SUVs have that the Buick doesn't is prestige, and only its top-spec Avenir trim truly competes in the luxury game. However, if sheer space is your priority, you'll find the Enclave has one of the roomiest interiors in the class. What's New for 2026? The Enclave was entirely redesigned just last year. We expect to see no significant changes to the Buick's three-row SUV for 2026. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Buick Enclave is expected to start around $47,000 and go up to $60,000 depending on the trim and options. Preferred $47,000 (est) Sport Touring $50,000 (est) Avenir $60,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k $90k We'd stick with the entry-level Preferred trim, as it comes standard with most every feature buyers in the family-hauler segment are looking for and keeps costs low. The Preferred trim comes standard with 20-inch wheels, a host of driver-assistance features, a large digital dashboard display, a 12-speaker Bose stereo system, heated front seats with power adjustments, and adaptive cruise control. Engine, Transmission, and Performance All Enclave models are powered by the same 328-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine is shared with the Chevrolet Traverse and the GMC Acadia, and like those models, the Enclave comes with an eight-speed automatic and either front- or all-wheel drive. Unlike its stablemates, the Buick isn't offered with additional off-road goodies. Buicks are made for the boulevard. The top-spec Avenir model comes with adaptive dampers and 22-inch wheels; the Preferred and Sport Touring models have a more traditional passive-damper setup for their suspension systems and ride on standard 20s or optional 22s. The Enclave can tow up to 5000 pounds, but unlocking that number requires springing for the optional Trailering package. During our test drive of the Enclave, we found it to have a soft, compliant ride and little driving verve. The turbo-four provides adequate power, and the Buick differentiates itself from its siblings with extra sound deadening that makes for a quiet cabin. 0–60-MPH Times The front-wheel-drive Enclave Avenir we tested got to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. That's a few ticks slower than the old V-6 model. View Exterior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver More on the Enclave SUV Tested: 2025 Buick Enclave Is Big and Cushy Towing and Payload Capacity The Enclave is rated to tow up to 5000 pounds and a factory-installed trailer hitch is available on all trims as an optional feature. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Enclave yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings as high as 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. On our real-world 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the front-wheel-drive Enclave achieved 23 mpg. For more information about the Enclave's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Three spacious rows of seating are standard across the board in the Enclave. While the Preferred and Sport Touring models come nicely equipped, buyers looking to maximize luxury will want to spring for the Avenir. Only the top model can be had with one of two two-tone interior schemes: cream and blue or cream and brown. The Avenir also offers niceties such as ambient interior lighting, automatic windshield wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats—all standard. The Sport Touring model features some modestly sporty touches, including a flat-bottomed steering wheel and ST branding. View Interior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver Infotainment and Connectivity A large, 30.0-inch curved display wraps in a subtle crescent shape from behind the steering wheel to the center of the dashboard. A digital gauge display and a touchscreen infotainment system are presented with crisp graphics, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard for smartphone mirroring. The software interface is General Motors's latest Google-based system, and a host of apps are available for download to help customize the infotainment functions. A 12-speaker Bose stereo system is standard, as is a wireless smartphone charging pad, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, and plenty of USB ports. The Avenir trim comes with a 16-speaker stereo also tuned by Bose. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The Enclave offers several standard driver-assistance technologies such as automated emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlamps, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. GM's Super Cruise adaptive cruise control system with a hands-free driving mode is optional on all Enclave trims. For more information about the Enclave's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Buick offers a similar warranty as most rivals but sweetens the deal with a free maintenance visit within the first year of ownership. The Volvo XC90 offers longer complimentary maintenance and more years of corrosion protection. Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit Specifications Specifications 2025 Buick Enclave Avenir FWD Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 7-psassenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base/As Tested: $59,395/$64,375 ENGINE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection Displacement: 152 in3, 2494 cm3 Power: 328 hp @ 5500 rpm Torque: 326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 12.6-in vented disc/12.4-in vented disc Tires: Continental CrossContact LX-20 275/45R-22 108V M+S TPC Spec 3190 MS DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 120.9 in Length: 207.6 in Width: 79.6 in Height: 71.0 in Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 66/57/40 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 98/57/23 ft3 Curb Weight: 4734 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 6.8 sec 1/4-Mile: 15.1 sec @ 95 mph 100 mph: 16.9 sec 120 mph: 30.3 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.1 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.1 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.3 sec Top Speed (C/D est): 130 mph Braking, 100–0 mph: 164 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.83 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 20 mpg 75-mph Highway Driving: 23 mpg Highway Range: 440 mi EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 23/20/27 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
