Following the gasoline and diesel versions, the self-charging hybrid (HEV) variant of the Sorento has been upgraded in design and features by the Thaco-Kia joint venture for the Vietnamese market. The vehicle is available in two versions: the 1.6 turbo signature and the 1.6 turbo signature AWD. Before its official media launch, the new Sorento hybrid was already present at some Kia dealerships from late April to gauge customer reactions.

The Kia Sorento hybrid 2026 at its launch event in TP HCM on 6/6. *Photo: Thanh Nhan*

The robust grille design.

Overall dimensions remain unchanged.

Slightly refined rear.

New LED headlights.

New-style taillights.

19-inch wheels.

The Sorento's hybrid engine.

The 2026 Kia Sorento hybrid shares a similar design with its previously launched internal combustion engine counterparts. It features a new, robust grille that seamlessly integrates with the four-bulb vertical headlights. The taillights also adopt a new, sharper design. The Sorento hybrid 2026 maintains the same dimensions as its predecessor, with both versions equipped with 19-inch wheels that evoke an electric vehicle aesthetic.

Inside, the Sorento hybrid showcases Kia's latest steering wheel style, featuring a two-spoke, flat-bottom design. The cockpit remains familiar with a curved display integrating a 12,3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12,3-inch infotainment screen. Most function buttons below this screen are touch-sensitive.

All seats in the Sorento hybrid are upholstered in leather. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, includes memory functions, and offers both ventilation and heating. The Sorento hybrid provides a comprehensive suite of amenities for a D-segment vehicle, such as a head-up display (HUD), interior ambient lighting, sunshades, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.

The Sorento hybrid cockpit.

New-style two-spoke steering wheel.

12,3-inch infotainment screen.

Touch-sensitive controls below the central screen.

Wireless charging is standard equipment.

Seat ventilation control button.

Rotary electronic gear selector.

Control buttons on the armrest.

Passenger seat adjustment button from the second row.

All seats upholstered in leather.

Power adjustment button on the second row for third-row access.

The 2026 Kia Sorento hybrid's powertrain combines a 1.6 turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a total output of 232 horsepower and 367 Nm of torque. This setup is similar to the one found in the Santa Fe hybrid. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, offering either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Kia states that the hybrid system's electric motor has increased its output from 60 to 64 horsepower, enhancing acceleration in pure electric mode. The manufacturer reports a combined fuel consumption rate of approximately 4,8 liters per 100 km, qualifying the vehicle for special consumption tax incentives applicable to hybrid cars.

In terms of safety technology, the Kia Sorento hybrid stands alongside its top-tier competitors. It includes: lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist when reversing, blind spot collision avoidance assist, a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, tire pressure monitoring, and six airbags.

Thaco, the assembler and distributor of Kia vehicles in Vietnam, has not yet announced the official price for the new Sorento HEV. Orders commenced on 6/6, with deliveries anticipated in August. The previous Sorento HEV model was priced at 1,149 billion VND, while the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant cost 1,399 billion VND. Current internal combustion engine versions of the Kia Sorento range from 1,199 billion VND to 1,419 billion VND. The new Sorento hybrid is set to compete with rivals such as the Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid, priced at 1,369 billion VND, and the Lynk & Co 08, which ranges from 1,289 billion VND to 1,389 billion VND.

Thanh Nhan