2026 Sorento S

The $2,000 question

Most Sorento shoppers who cross-shop the S are really deciding one thing: is all-wheel drive worth $2,000? For anyone who spends a night a year white-knuckling the Manahawkin Bay Bridge in a January squall — or just wants the traction on hand without thinking about it — the answer tends to be yes. The new-for-2026 Terrain Mode adds snow, mud, and sand settings on top of the standard AWD hardware, which is more capability than most Sorento owners will ever need but costs nothing extra to have once you've paid for the drivetrain.

What actually changed this year

The S picks up a leather-trimmed steering wheel like every 2026 Sorento, along with some styling and convenience upgrades over the LX. The trade-off buyers should walk in already knowing about: Kia pulled built-in navigation and the Wi-Fi hotspot from this trim for 2026. If those were selling points on a 2025 S you test drove, they're gone here — phone-based navigation through CarPlay or Android Auto fills the gap for most people, but it's worth confirming you're comfortable with that before signing.

Who this trim fits

Buyers who've already decided AWD is non-negotiable but don't need the turbo engine's extra power — commuters covering Route 9 and the Parkway in all weather, or families who split time between the mainland and LBI year-round rather than just in summer. The dealership's long service history backs up that this is a car people keep. One customer, on a car she'd owned for over a decade: "As usual, [Manahawkin Kia] took my car promptly for a filter change & fob battery. It took under an hour, quick & efficient- no complaints. They're keeping my 10 year old Kia Sorento running almost like new."

Frequently asked questions

How much does the 2026 Sorento S cost?

$35,290 MSRP with front-wheel drive, $37,290 with all-wheel drive, both plus the $1,495 destination charge before New Jersey tax, title, and registration. The pricing guide covers the full out-the-door number.

Does the S have navigation?

Not built in — Kia removed factory navigation and the Wi-Fi hotspot from the S for 2026. The touchscreen still supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which covers navigation for most drivers through their phone.

Is AWD worth the $2,000 on the S?

If winter driving, unpaved roads, or general peace of mind matter to you, yes — it's the least expensive way into a Sorento with all-wheel drive and the new standard Terrain Mode. If you're firmly a fair-weather, paved-road driver, the front-wheel-drive S saves the money and still delivers the better mileage of the two.

What's the mileage difference between FWD and AWD?

The front-wheel-drive S is EPA-estimated at 23 city / 31 highway; adding AWD drops that to 23 city / 28 highway. Both use the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine on regular gas.

Where can I test drive an S near Manahawkin?

Manahawkin Kia keeps both FWD and AWD S models in stock — browse current inventory online or stop by 270 Route 72 East to compare them back to back.

The bottom line

The S is a clear, one-decision trim: pay $2,000 for AWD and Terrain Mode, or don't. Everything else about it — the engine, the warranty, the basic shape of the interior — mirrors the LX closely enough that the drivetrain is really the whole conversation.