Drive Electric for Pickering Errands, Use Hybrid for GTA Commutes: 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV

Durham Region families know the routine: school drop-offs in Pickering, hockey practice in Ajax, weekend trips to Toronto, and the occasional drive to cottage country. The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV handles all of it with dual capability—electric mode for local errands and hybrid mode for longer commutes and highway drives.

This isn't about choosing between electric or gasoline. It's about having both, in one vehicle that adapts to your schedule.

Electric Mode Covers Most Pickering Daily Needs Without Gas

The Sorento PHEV offers 55 km of all-electric range on a full charge. For many Durham families, that's enough to cover daily driving without using a drop of fuel.

Morning school run? Electric. Grocery shopping in Pickering? Electric. Evening activities around town? Electric.

The vehicle automatically switches to hybrid mode when the battery depletes, so you never have to worry about running out of charge. Just plug in at home overnight (3.8 hours on a 240V charger), and you're ready for another day of electric driving.

For families who mostly drive within Durham Region, this means significant fuel savings over the course of a year.

Hybrid Mode Provides Confidence for Highway 401 to Toronto

Long commutes to downtown Toronto or weekend trips beyond the GTA require more than 55 km of range. That's where hybrid mode delivers.

The Sorento PHEV combines its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a permanent magnet synchronous motor. Total output: 268 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels.

On the highway, the gasoline engine takes over primary propulsion. The electric motor assists when you need extra power for passing or merging. Regenerative braking helps recharge the battery as you drive, capturing energy that would otherwise be lost.

Fuel economy in gasoline-only mode: 6.9 L/100 km combined. That's still more efficient than most three-row SUVs running on gas alone.

268 hp Ensures Strong Highway Performance

The Sorento PHEV doesn't sacrifice performance for efficiency. With 268 hp on tap, it accelerates confidently from a standstill and maintains highway speeds without strain.

Merging onto the 401 during rush hour? No problem. Passing slower traffic on two-lane highways? The powertrain responds quickly. Climbing hills with a full load of passengers and cargo? The all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged engine handle it.

The electric motor's instant torque provides smooth, quiet acceleration in electric mode. The gasoline engine adds power seamlessly when needed. The transition between modes is subtle—most passengers won't notice the switch.

Seating for Six Accommodates Family Activities

The Sorento PHEV seats six across three rows:

• First row: Two heated front seats with available air-cooling and power adjustment
• Second row: Captain's chairs with sliding and reclining capability (heated on higher trims)
• Third row: Two seats with auto-folding headrests for easy cargo access

Captain's chairs in the second row make it easier for kids to climb into the third row. They also create a centre aisle for parents to reach back and help with seatbelts, snacks, or dropped toys.

The second-row seats slide and recline, allowing you to balance legroom between rows depending on who's riding where. The third row folds flat when not in use, expanding cargo space.

2,139 Litres of Cargo Space Handles Sports Equipment and Groceries

Cargo capacity in the Sorento PHEV:

• Behind third row: 357 litres
• Behind second row: 1,090–1,274 litres (depending on second-row position)
• Behind first row: 2,139 litres (with all rear seats folded)

That's enough space for hockey bags, soccer gear, camping equipment, or a week's worth of groceries for a family of five.

The 50:50 split-folding second and third rows give you flexibility to carry both passengers and cargo. Need to bring home a new piece of furniture? Fold the third row and slide the second row forward. Transporting a youth sports team? Keep all seats upright.

The available smart power liftgate opens automatically when you stand behind the vehicle for three seconds with the smart key. You can also set a maximum opening height to avoid hitting low garage ceilings.

Key Sorento PHEV Specifications

LX Trim: The Foundation

The Sorento PHEV LX comes standard with:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights and taillights
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents
• 12.3-inch multimedia interface with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Smart cruise control with stop-and-go capability
• Forward collision-avoidance assist 1.5 (detects cars, pedestrians, cyclists, junctions)
• Lane keeping assist and lane following assist 2
• Blind-spot collision avoidance assist
• Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines

The LX provides strong value with essential tech, safety features, and plug-in capability at the entry price point.

EX Trim: Added Comfort and Visibility

Step up to the EX, and you gain:

• Panoramic sunroof
• LED projection headlights (4-cube)
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Power-folding sideview mirrors
• Synthetic leather seats with heated steering wheel
• 12.3-inch supervision LCD/TFT instrument cluster
• Navigation
• Bose premium audio system
• Digital Key (lock/unlock/start via smartphone)
• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2 (adds junction crossing, direct oncoming, and evasive steering assist)
• Highway Driving Assist 2 (hands-on lane centring and adaptive cruise on highways)
• Surround View Monitor (360-degree camera view)
• Blind View Monitor (displays blind-spot camera feed in instrument cluster)
• Parking collision avoidance assist (reverse)
• Parking distance warning (front/side/rear)

The EX brings advanced driver-assist features and higher-quality interior materials. The Surround View Monitor is particularly useful for parking in tight spots or navigating crowded parking lots.

SX Trim: Premium Features

The SX adds:

• Leather seats
• Air-cooled front seats
• Heated second-row seats
• Driver's seat memory function
• Four-way driver's seat lumbar support
• Power passenger seat with two-way lumbar support
• Express up/down front and rear windows (with obstacle detection)
• LED interior lighting and cargo lamp
• Integrated manual rear door sunshades
• Suede headliner, pillars, and sun visors

The SX focuses on comfort and convenience. Air-cooled seats help on hot summer days. Heated second-row seats keep rear passengers comfortable in winter. The integrated rear door sunshades block sun glare without needing aftermarket shades clipped to windows.

Why the Sorento PHEV Works for Durham Region Families

The Sorento PHEV solves a real problem: how to minimize fuel costs for local driving while maintaining range and performance for longer trips.

Electric mode handles school runs, errands, and activities within Pickering, Ajax, and Whitby. Hybrid mode provides confidence for commuting to Toronto or heading to cottage country on weekends. All-wheel drive handles Ontario weather year-round. Three rows of seating accommodate growing families.

You don't need to plan your routes around charging stations. You don't need to worry about battery range on road trips. You just plug in at home when you can, and drive.

Contact Bessada Kia to Learn How the Sorento PHEV Fits Your Family's Routine

The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV offers Durham Region families the flexibility to drive electric locally and use hybrid power for longer trips. See how it works in person. Contact Bessada Kia in Pickering to schedule a test drive and learn how the Sorento PHEV fits your daily routine.

To learn more about the 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV, visit Kia.ca