Planning a winter getaway to Mont-Tremblant or the Laurentians? Choosing the right SUV can make all the difference when you're packing skis, snowboards, boots, and gear for the whole family. The 2026 Kia Sorento and 2026 Kia Sportage both offer versatile cargo solutions, but their capacities differ significantly depending on your needs.
If you're comparing these two popular Kia SUVs for your next ski adventure, understanding their cargo configurations will help you make the right choice. Here's how the Sorento and Sportage stack up for winter trips across Quebec.
At a Glance: Sorento vs. Sportage Cargo Capacity
|
Feature
|
2026 Kia Sorento HEV/PHEV
|
2026 Kia Sportage HEV
|
|
Seating
|
6–7 passengers (3 rows)
|
5 passengers (2 rows)
|
|
Cargo Behind 3rd Row
|
357 L
|
N/A
|
|
Cargo Behind 2nd Row
|
1,090–1,274 L
|
977–1,119 L
|
|
Maximum Cargo
|
2,139 L
|
1,852–2,087 L
|
|
Dual-Level Cargo Floor
|
No
|
Yes (HEV only)
|
|
Towing Capacity
|
1,650–2,000 lb (748–907 kg)
|
Up to 2,000 lb (907 kg)
|
Cargo Space Breakdown: How Much Gear Can You Fit?
2026 Kia Sorento: Three Rows, Maximum Flexibility
The 2026 Sorento offers three-row seating for six to seven passengers, making it ideal for larger families or groups heading to the slopes. Here's how the cargo space works:
- Behind the 3rd row: 357 litres—enough for a few pairs of skis or a snowboard, plus boots and smaller gear
- Behind the 2nd row (3rd row folded): 1,090–1,274 litres—plenty of room for multiple sets of skis, snowboards, helmets, and winter clothing
- Maximum cargo (all seats folded): 2,139 litres—enough to haul everything from ski equipment to luggage for an extended trip
The Sorento's three-row layout gives you options. If you're travelling with six or seven people, you'll still have space behind the third row for essentials. Fold the third row flat, and you gain substantial cargo volume for gear-heavy trips.
2026 Kia Sportage: Compact Design, Smart Storage
The 2026 Sportage seats five and offers a two-row configuration with flexible cargo solutions:
- Behind the 2nd row (cargo floor raised): 977 litres
- Behind the 2nd row (cargo floor lowered): 1,119 litres (HEV only)
- Maximum cargo (all seats folded): 1,852–2,087 litres
The Sportage HEV includes a dual-level cargo floor, letting you adjust the height for taller items or create a flat loading surface. This feature is particularly useful when you're packing awkwardly shaped gear like ski poles or boot bags.
While the Sportage offers less cargo space than the Sorento with seats up, it's still a strong option for smaller groups or couples who prioritize manoeuvrability and fuel efficiency.
Powertrain and Towing: What's Under the Hood?
Both SUVs offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, delivering efficiency without sacrificing capability.
2026 Kia Sorento HEV:
- 1.6 L 4-cylinder turbo engine with permanent magnet synchronous motor
- 227 horsepower (combined)
- 258 lb-ft torque (combined)
- 6-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive (AWD)
- Fuel economy: 7.0 L/100 km (combined)
- Towing capacity: 1,653–2,000 lb (749–907 kg)
2026 Kia Sorento PHEV:
- 1.6 L 4-cylinder turbo engine with permanent magnet synchronous motor
- 268 horsepower (combined)
- 270 lb-ft torque (combined)
- 6-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive (AWD)
- All-electric range: 55 km
- Towing capacity: 1,650–2,000 lb (748–907 kg)
2026 Kia Sportage HEV:
- 1.6 L 4-cylinder turbo engine with permanent magnet synchronous motor
- 231 horsepower (combined)
- 271 lb-ft torque (combined)
- 6-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive (AWD)
- Fuel economy: 6.7 L/100 km (combined)
- Towing capacity: Up to 2,000 lb (907 kg)
2026 Kia Sportage PHEV:
- 1.6 L 4-cylinder turbo engine with permanent magnet synchronous motor
- 268 horsepower (combined)
- 271 lb-ft torque (combined)
- 6-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive (AWD)
- Towing capacity: Up to 2,000 lb (907 kg)
Both SUVs handle winter roads confidently with standard AWD across hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. The Sorento PHEV and Sportage PHEV deliver identical power output, while the Sportage HEV edges ahead slightly in fuel efficiency.
Technology and Convenience: Smart Features for Winter Trips
Both the Sorento and Sportage include tech features designed to simplify loading and driving:
- Smart power liftgate: Opens automatically when you stand behind the vehicle for three seconds with your Smart Key—helpful when your hands are full of gear
- Kia Connect: Remote start with climate control lets you warm the cabin before you load up
- Digital Key: Use your smartphone to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle without carrying a key fob
- Heated front seats and heated steering wheel: Standard on LX trims and above
The Sorento adds a few premium touches in higher trims, including heated second-row seats and a Bose premium audio system, making longer drives more comfortable.
Which SUV is Right for Your Ski Trip?
Choose the 2026 Kia Sorento if:
- You need three-row seating for six or seven passengers
- You want maximum cargo capacity with seats folded
- You're hauling gear for multiple people or extended trips
- You prefer a larger SUV with more interior space
Choose the 2026 Kia Sportage if:
- You're travelling with five or fewer people
- You want a more compact SUV that's easier to park and manoeuvre
- You prioritize fuel efficiency and lower running costs
- You appreciate the dual-level cargo floor for flexible storage (HEV only)
Both SUVs deliver strong performance, efficient powertrains, and practical cargo solutions. Your choice comes down to how many passengers you're bringing and how much gear you need to carry.
Experience the 2026 Kia Sorento and Sportage at Lallier Kia Vimont
Planning a weekend ski trip or a longer winter adventure? The 2026 Kia Sorento and Sportage offer the space, capability, and technology to get you there. Visit Lallier Kia Vimont in Laval to explore both models, compare cargo configurations, and find the SUV that fits your lifestyle.
To learn more about Kia SUVs like the 2026 Kia Sorento HEV, visit Kia.ca
