How Does the 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV Handle Calgary City Driving and Rocky Mountain Trips?

Calgary families need vehicles that work in two worlds: weekday errands through the city and weekend escapes to Kananaskis or Banff. The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV delivers both. With 55 kilometres of all-electric range, most Calgary trips happen on battery power alone. When the mountains call, 268 horsepower and all-wheel drive handle Trans-Canada Highway climbs and unpaved trailheads with ease.

This isn't about choosing between efficiency and capability. The Sorento PHEV seats six passengers, hauls 2,139 litres of gear when the third row folds, and cuts fuel costs through plug-in efficiency. One SUV handles school drop-offs, grocery runs, and mountain adventures without compromise.

LX Trim: Essential Plug-In Capability

The Sorento PHEV LX establishes the foundation for dual-use performance. Every feature supports practical family use in Alberta.

Key Features:

• 268 horsepower 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with permanent magnet synchronous electric motor
• 55 kilometres of all-electric range for daily Calgary driving
• 19-inch alloy wheels with all-wheel drive for year-round traction
• Dual 12.3-inch displays with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 11 standard ADAS features including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Six-passenger seating with 50:50 split-folding second and third rows
• Heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control
• Smart power liftgate with adjustable height settings

Built For: Families prioritizing plug-in efficiency and essential technology at the entry price point.

EX Trim: Enhanced Comfort and Visibility

The EX trim adds convenience features that improve daily use and long-distance comfort.

Key Features (adds to or upgrades from LX):

• LED projection headlights with four-cube design
• Panoramic sunroof for natural light throughout the cabin
• Leather seats with synthetic material
• Heated steering wheel for cold Alberta mornings
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Wireless phone charger for cable-free device charging
• Electric chromic rear-view mirror with HomeLink system
• Gloss black grille with chrome front and rear skid plate accents
• Trailer lighting pre-wiring for towing accessories

Built For: Families seeking upgraded materials and added convenience during both city commutes and highway trips.

SX Trim: Premium Technology and Driver Assistance

The SX trim delivers the Sorento PHEV's fullest technology suite, including advanced driver assistance and premium cabin features.

Key Features (adds to or upgrades from EX):

• Highway Driving Assist 2 for reduced fatigue on long highway stretches to the Rockies
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 with expanded detection capabilities
• Surround View Monitor for tight parking situations
• Blind View Monitor displaying camera views in the instrument cluster
• Parking Collision Avoidance Assist (Reverse) and Parking Distance Warning (Front/Side/Rear)
• Digital Key for smartphone-based lock/unlock and remote start
• Bose premium audio system with 12 speakers
• 12.3-inch Supervision LCD/TFT instrument cluster
• Full display digital electric chromic rear-view mirror with HomeLink
• 110V inverter for powering devices and equipment
• Driver's seat memory function with 4-way lumbar support and cushion extension
• Power passenger seat with 2-way lumbar support
• Air-cooled front seats and heated second-row seats
• Integrated manual rear door sunshades
• LED interior lighting and cargo lamp with suede headliner

Built For: Families who want the most advanced safety technology, premium cabin materials, and maximum convenience for frequent long-distance drives.

Comparing the Sorento PHEV Trims

Electric Range for Calgary Errands

Fifty-five kilometres of all-electric range covers typical Calgary daily driving. Morning school drop-offs, errands across Beltline or Bridgeland, and evening activities happen on battery power alone. Plug in overnight using a standard 240V outlet (3.8-hour charge time), and the Sorento PHEV starts each day with a full charge.

For trips beyond electric range, the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine activates automatically. Combined gasoline and electric efficiency reaches 2.8 Le/100 km. On longer highway drives to the mountains, the system operates as a hybrid, using both power sources to maintain performance while maximizing efficiency.

268 Horsepower for Highway Confidence and Mountain Access

Power matters when merging onto Deerfoot Trail or climbing Highway 1 toward Kananaskis. The Sorento PHEV's 268 horsepower comes from a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. Combined torque reaches 270 lb-ft, providing strong acceleration from stops and confident passing power on two-lane mountain highways.

All-wheel drive comes standard across all Sorento PHEV trims. The system continuously monitors traction and distributes power between front and rear wheels to maintain grip on wet pavement, snowy roads, and gravel forest service roads. Ground clearance and approach angles allow access to trailheads and camping areas beyond paved routes.

Six Passengers and 2,139 Litres of Cargo

The Sorento PHEV's three-row layout seats six passengers across captain's chairs in the first two rows and a bench in the third. Second-row seats slide and recline for adjustable comfort, and one-touch folding allows easy third-row access.

Cargo capacity adapts to trip requirements. With all seats in use, 357 litres of space fits groceries and daily gear. Fold the third row, and capacity expands to between 1,090 and 1,274 litres—enough for ski equipment, hiking packs, and camping supplies. Fold both rear rows flat, and the Sorento PHEV provides 2,139 litres of cargo volume for larger loads like furniture or sporting equipment.

The smart power liftgate opens automatically when it detects the key fob nearby. Maximum opening height adjusts to fit garage clearances or individual preference. Available on all trims, this feature simplifies loading when hands are full of grocery bags or outdoor gear.

Plug-In Efficiency That Cuts Fuel Costs

Plug-in hybrid efficiency reduces operating costs for Calgary families. With the battery charged, short trips require no gasoline. Over time, this translates to fewer fuel station stops and lower monthly fuel expenses.

Combined gasoline and electric efficiency reaches 2.8 Le/100 km when the battery maintains charge through regular plugging. On gasoline only (for longer trips or when charging isn't available), efficiency holds at 6.9 L/100 km—still competitive for a three-row SUV with 268 horsepower.

Charging the 13.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery takes 3.8 hours using a 240V Level 2 charger. Most Calgary homes can accommodate this setup with a standard dryer-style outlet. For drivers without home charging access, public Level 2 stations throughout the city provide convenient alternatives.

Your New Sorento PHEV Is Waiting

The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV will arrive at Straightline Kia Calgary ready to handle your family's daily routine and weekend adventures. Our sales team can explain trim differences, demonstrate the plug-in charging process, and arrange test drives on both city streets and highway routes. Contact our sales team at Straightline Kia Calgary in Calgary to secure yours today.

Pour en savoir plus sur le Kia Sorento PHEV 2026, visitez Kia.ca