2026 Sorento X-Line EX

Where AWD stops being an upsell

Every Sorento below this trim treats all-wheel drive as something you add — an option on the S, an option on the EX, unavailable at all on the LX and SX. X-Line EX flips that: AWD is simply part of the car, bundled with the styling package rather than priced as its own line item. For anyone who's already decided AWD is non-negotiable, this trim is worth comparing directly against a straight EX with AWD checked, since the price gap buys 20-inch wheels, the raised look, and the gloss-black trim on top of the drivetrain you were paying for anyway.

The styling is real, not just a badge

X-Line isn't a trim-level relabel with a sticker — the roof rails, wheel design, and gloss-black lower cladding are visible from across a parking lot, and they carry through the rest of the X-Line and X-Pro range above this trim. For 2026, Kia extended the gloss-black treatment to the front air intake and radiator grille surround as well, which sharpens the look further compared to last year's X-Line EX.

Who cross-shops this trim

Buyers deciding between "turbo Sorento with AWD" and "turbo Sorento with AWD that also looks the part" tend to land here once they see both side by side. Reviews from Manahawkin Kia customers who bought Sorentos with the X-Line's raised styling mention the same thing repeatedly — a smooth, low-pressure process regardless of which exact configuration they walked in wanting. One buyer, working with a salesperson who shows up across years of the dealership's reviews: "I worked with the salesman Chandler, who was willing to discuss reasonable pricing before I even set foot in the dealership... Chandler pulled no punches and I was pleasantly surprised that all numbers in the paperwork were exactly as we had discussed prior to my arrival."

Frequently asked questions

How much does the 2026 Sorento X-Line EX cost?

$42,790 MSRP, all-wheel drive standard, plus the $1,495 destination charge before New Jersey's 6.625% sales tax, title, and registration.

What's the difference between X-Line EX and a regular EX with AWD?

Both carry the same 281-hp turbo engine and AWD hardware. X-Line EX adds 20-inch wheels, raised ride height and styling, gloss-black exterior trim, and for 2026, standard BOSE audio — features that are either unavailable or bundled into a separate package on the standard EX.

Does X-Line EX have off-road capability, or is it just styling?

Mostly styling and standard AWD with Terrain Mode's snow/mud/sand settings — genuine off-road hardware like all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance is reserved for the X-Pro SX Prestige. X-Line is the look and the drivetrain without the full off-road package.

How many seats does the X-Line EX have?

Seven, with the standard second-row bench — X-Line EX doesn't include the Premium Package's captain's chairs that a standard EX can be optioned with, so it keeps the extra seat.

Where can I test drive an X-Line EX near Manahawkin?

Manahawkin Kia keeps X-Line trims in stock for comparison against the standard EX — browse inventory online or schedule a test drive at the Route 72 store.

The bottom line

X-Line EX is the trim for buyers who were always going to pay for AWD anyway and would rather it come with a look that matches the price. It's a clean, no-asterisks upgrade over a standard EX-with-AWD build.