2026 Sorento EX

Where the power actually shows up

The jump from 191 to 281 horsepower isn't subtle once you're driving it daily. Merging onto the Parkway with a full third row, passing a slower car on Route 72 before the Manahawkin Bay Bridge traffic backs up, hauling a small trailer to the boat ramp — the turbo does all of it without the base engine's occasional strain. The eight-speed wet dual-clutch shifts with more urgency than the LX and S's conventional automatic too, though it can feel a half-beat slower to respond at parking-lot creep, which is worth noticing on a test drive rather than reading about.

A package, not a trim — read the fine print

The Premium Package is an option on the EX, not a separate trim level, and it's worth understanding before you fall in love with the panoramic roof and BOSE speakers: adding it swaps the standard second-row bench for captain's chairs, which drops seating from seven to six. Families who regularly need that seventh seat for carpool or grandparents should think hard before checking this box. Everyone else gets a meaningfully nicer cabin for the option's cost.

The trade-off against SX

Once you're spending EX-with-Premium-Package money, the Sorento SX is close enough in price that it's worth a direct look — the SX makes BOSE audio, a heated steering wheel, and captain's chairs standard rather than optional, without needing the pano roof to get there. The EX still wins if the panoramic sunroof specifically is the priority, or if you want the flexibility to skip the package and keep the seventh seat.

What buyers who chose EX say

The dealership's reviews reflect a lot of first-time Sorento buyers landing here for the engine step-up without needing the top trims. One recent buyer: "Everyone was so friendly & helped make it as quick as possible! Will be returning for our next!" Another, working with the same salesperson mentioned again and again in the store's reviews: "This was my second time purchasing a vehicle at [Manahawkin Kia]. We live about 1.5 hours away... we were met by some of the nicest salesmen I can imagine."

Frequently asked questions

How much does the 2026 Sorento EX cost?

$38,490 MSRP for front-wheel drive, $39,990 with all-wheel drive, both before the $1,495 destination charge and New Jersey's 6.625% sales tax. The Premium Package adds to that base price — ask Manahawkin Kia for current option pricing.

What's included in the EX Premium Package?

A panoramic sunroof, BOSE premium audio, and second-row captain's chairs. Choosing the captain's chairs reduces total seating from seven to six, since it removes the second-row bench.

How much can the EX tow?

Up to 3,500 pounds with the turbo engine and proper towing equipment — 1,500 pounds more than the LX and S's 2,000-pound rating with the base engine, though still short of the X-Pro's 4,500-pound maximum.

Is the turbo engine worth the price jump from S?

If daily merging, passing, or towing a small trailer matters to you, the extra 90 horsepower is noticeable in a way the spec sheet undersells. If your driving is mostly local errands, the S's naturally aspirated engine and lower price may be the more rational choice.

Where can I test drive an EX near Manahawkin?

Manahawkin Kia stocks EX models with and without the Premium Package — browse inventory online or schedule a test drive to compare both configurations back to back.

The bottom line

EX is where the Sorento gets genuinely quick and starts feeling like the SUV people picture when they say "turbo." The Premium Package is the one decision worth slowing down on — everything else about this trim is a clean upgrade over LX and S.