Summer road trips in Quebec mean packing coolers, beach gear, and sometimes a trailer bound for the cottage. Families cross-shopping a three-row SUV this July want real answers about space, towing, and how far a plug-in hybrid actually goes between fill-ups. The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV answers those questions directly, and here is what Quebec drivers are asking before they book a test drive.
How Much Space Does the Third Row Really Offer?
The 2026 Sorento PHEV seats six across three rows, giving families room for kids or occasional adult passengers on longer drives. The second row slides and reclines with an easy walk-in design, so reaching the third row doesn’t mean climbing over a fixed bench.
Both the second and third rows fold 50:50, so you can drop one side for a cooler or stroller while keeping seating for the rest of the family. That flexibility matters most on trips where gear and passengers compete for the same space.
What Can the Sorento PHEV Tow on a Summer Getaway?
Properly equipped, the Sorento PHEV tows 1,650 to 2,000 lbs (748 to 907 kg), enough for a small utility trailer, a pair of jet skis on a light trailer, or a compact camper. Trailer lighting pre-wiring comes ready for hookup, and trailer stability assist helps keep a swaying trailer in line on the highway.
The 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor produce a combined 268 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, sent through standard all-wheel drive. That torque arrives early, which helps on hilly stretches and in summer heat when a loaded trailer works the powertrain harder.
How Far Will It Go Before You Need Gas or a Charge?
For short trips, the Sorento PHEV covers up to 55 km on electric power alone, enough for grocery runs, errands, or laps around a campground without touching the gas tank. Plug into a 240V Level 2 charger and a full charge takes about 3.8 hours.
On a long highway drive without charging, the Sorento PHEV runs on gasoline at a combined 6.9 L/100km, with 7.2 L/100km in city driving and 6.7 L/100km on the highway. Drivers who plug in regularly and mix in local errands see combined efficiency drop to 2.8 Le/100km.
When the battery runs low, the gasoline engine simply takes over, so a depleted charge never strands the trip partway to the lake.
How Much Gear Can You Actually Pack?
Behind the second row, the Sorento PHEV holds 1,090 to 1,274 L for luggage, coolers, and outdoor equipment, depending on how the second row is positioned. Fold both rear rows flat and cargo space grows to 2,139 L, room for camping gear, folding chairs, and larger loads.
A smart power liftgate opens hands-free, which helps when your arms are full of beach bags, and roof rails add a spot for a cargo box or kayak rack. A 12V power outlet in the cargo area keeps a cooler or an inflatable pump running on the way to the water.
What Comfort and Safety Features Help on a Long Drive?
Dual-zone automatic climate control and a rear console ventilation duct keep second and third-row passengers comfortable through a hot afternoon, and heated second-row seats cover cooler mornings at the start of a trip. Digital Key lets a driver hand off smartphone access to another family member without a spare fob.
A 12.3-inch touchscreen runs navigation and audio for the drive, and a wireless phone charger keeps devices topped up. Surround view monitor and blind spot collision avoidance assist add visibility when parking near a trailer, a crowded rest stop, or a tight campsite spot.
Quick Answers for Summer Trip Planning
- Seating: 6 passengers across 3 rows, with 50:50 split-folding second and third rows
- Towing: 1,650 to 2,000 lbs (748 to 907 kg) when properly equipped
- Electric range: 55 km, with a 3.8-hour Level 2 (240V) charge time
- Cargo: up to 2,139 L with both rear rows folded flat
Matching the Sorento PHEV to Your July Plans
Families who spend most of July on local errands, day trips, and campground runs get the most from the electric range, since a 55 km battery covers most short trips without burning gasoline. Families planning one long highway drive have the 6.9 L/100km gasoline-only rating to fall back on, so the trip isn’t tied to finding a charger along the way.
Towing changes the calculation. A trailer, jet skis, or a light camper pull toward the top of the 2,000 lb rating, so matching the right hitch and trailer weight with the standard all-wheel drive and trailer stability assist keeps the drive controlled through hilly terrain and summer heat.
Booking a Test Drive at Lallier Kia Vimont
The 2026 Sorento PHEV pairs a 55 km electric range with a three-row layout built for six, giving Quebec families a flexible way to handle daily errands and longer summer drives. Its towing range, cargo flexibility, and dual fuel-and-electric efficiency cover most of what a July road trip demands.
Visit Lallier Kia Vimont in Laval to sit in the third row, check the cargo space against your own gear, and ask our team how the Sorento PHEV fits your summer plans.
To learn more about the 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV, visit Kia.ca
