Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the Sorento beats their 26.3 mpg average by 5.7 mpg, about $260 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2003, the 1.6L 4-cyl Hybrid (2021–2026), does 36.8 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.5L 6-cyl (2003–2013), 18.4: $1,044 a year apart.
Every Kia Sorento engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl Hybrid | 38.2 / 35.3 | 2021–2026 | $1,043 | |
| 1.6L 4-cyl Plug-in hybrid | 34.2 / 33.4 | 2022–2026 | $1,143 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 23.5 / 30 | 2021–2026 | $1,477 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 21 / 28.3 | 2011–2020 | $1,607 | |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 17.6 / 24.3 | 2007–2020 | $1,892 | |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 16.6 / 21.6 | 2003–2013 | $2,087 |
Is the hybrid worth it? In our listings for 2023–2025 model years, a hybrid Sorento asks a median $3,098 more than a gas one of the same year. At 36.5 against 26 mpg it saves about $425 a year in fuel, so the extra pays back in about 7.3 years. Hybrids make up 5% of the gas and hybrid Sorento listings we track from the last ten model years.
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota RAV4 gets 37.5 mpg, the Jeep Wrangler 18.8 mpg and the Honda CR-V 35 mpg, next to 32 mpg for the 2026 Sorento.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.100 |
| Fuel per year | $1,200 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,000 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | −$260 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,622 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Kia Sorento gives up 2.7 mpg in town: 33.7 on the highway against 31 in the city, $100 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 31 mpg | $1,239 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 33.7 mpg | $1,139 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +2.7 mpg (9%) | Narrow — equally happy either way |
How the Sorento changed over the years
The Sorento peaked in 2024 at 32.3 mpg (32.3 city, 33 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2003 at 15 — 17.3 mpg apart, or $1,371 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 32. The biggest single-year change came in 2021: 23.5 to 31.5 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 31 / 33.7 | 3 | $1,200 | |
| 2025 | 30.7 / 33.7 | 3 | $1,211 | |
| 2024 | 32.3 / 33 | 3 | $1,189 | |
| 2023 | 32.7 / 32.3 | 3 | $1,189 | |
| 2022 | 32.7 / 32.3 | 3 | $1,189 | |
| 2021 | 31.5 / 32 | 2 | $1,219 | |
| 2020 | 20.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 2019 | 20.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 2018 | 19.5 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2017 | 19.5 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2016 | 19.5 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2015 | 19 / 26 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2014 | 19 / 25.5 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2013 | 20.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 2012 | 20.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 2011 | 20.5 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 2009 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2008 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2007 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2006 | 14 / 20 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2005 | 14 / 20 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2004 | 14 / 18 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2003 | 14 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 44 EPA ratings of the Kia Sorento — 6 engines across 2003–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,622. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Kia Sorento get?
32 mpg combined, 31 city and 33.7 highway, per EPA; its 3 versions that year range from 26 to 37. Across every year since 2003 the Sorento has averaged 25.4 mpg.
Is the 2026 Sorento more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 32 against 31.7 mpg combined.
Which Sorento year has the best gas mileage?
The 2024, at 32.3 mpg combined (32.3 city, 33 highway).
Does the Sorento get better gas mileage than the Toyota RAV4?
No: 32 mpg for the 2026 Sorento against 37.5 for the 2026 Toyota RAV4, about $176 a year more to run.
Is the Sorento hybrid worth the extra cost?
In our listings a hybrid asks a median $3,098 more than a gas Sorento of the same year and saves about $425 a year in fuel, so it pays back in about 7.3 years.
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