Three Rows, Two Paths: Sorento vs. Telluride In A Battle For Your Driveway

Choosing the right three row Kia is an exciting decision, especially with such a strong lineup to explore. Kia currently offers four three row vehicles in the United States, including the Carnival, EV9, Sorento, and Telluride. Among these, the Sorento and Telluride stand out as the two most popular choices for families who want the versatility of an SUV paired with modern technology, comfort, and capability. 

Both models deliver impressive value and everyday usability, yet each one approaches the three row mission in a slightly different way. The best choice comes down to how drivers plan to use their vehicle and what matters most in daily life here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis.

The Sorento and Telluride share the same commitment to quality, safety, and thoughtful design, but they are built with different priorities in mind. The Sorento is a midsize three row SUV that emphasizes efficiency, flexibility, and easy maneuverability. The Telluride is a larger three row SUV that focuses on space, strength, and an upscale, commanding presence. Understanding how these two fit into a family’s lifestyle makes the decision much easier.

Powertrain Choices That Fit Different Lifestyles

One of the biggest differences between the Sorento and the Telluride is the variety of powertrain options available. The Telluride is designed to deliver strong, confident performance that feels effortless even when the cabin is full of passengers and gear. Its turbocharged engine options provide impressive horsepower and torque, which translates into smooth acceleration, confident highway passing, and a relaxed towing experience. 

For drivers who want a three row SUV that always feels composed and ready for big trips, the Telluride’s powertrains deliver exactly that kind of confidence. The Sorento, on the other hand, offers a broader range of choices that allow buyers to match the vehicle to their priorities. In addition to a traditional gasoline engine, the Sorento lineup includes both a hybrid and a plug in hybrid option. 

This gives families the flexibility to choose a model that fits their driving habits, whether that means prioritizing everyday efficiency, enjoying the benefits of electrified driving, or balancing power with fuel savings. The plug in hybrid version is especially appealing for drivers who want the ability to handle many daily trips using electric power while still having the freedom of a gasoline engine for longer journeys.

Meanwhile, the Telluride’s focus on strong performance makes it an excellent fit for families who regularly travel with a full load of people and cargo or who simply enjoy the feeling of having extra power in reserve.

Space That Matches Your Needs

Interior space is another area where these two SUVs take different approaches, and both do so very well. The Telluride is the larger of the two, and that size translates directly into a more expansive cabin. All three rows are designed with comfort in mind, and the third row in particular offers generous legroom, headroom, and shoulder room. This makes the Telluride a great choice for families who regularly carry adults in all three rows or who often travel with a full group of passengers.

Cargo space is also a major highlight of the Telluride. With ample room behind each row, it is easy to carry everything from groceries and sports gear to luggage for long road trips. The longer body of the Telluride allows it to offer a very flexible cargo area, making it simple to switch between passenger duty and hauling duty without feeling cramped.

The Sorento, while smaller overall, still provides a smartly designed and highly usable interior. The first and second rows are comfortable and roomy, and the third row is perfect for kids, teens, or occasional adult use. For many families, this layout is ideal because it keeps the vehicle easier to park and maneuver while still offering the versatility of three rows when needed. The Sorento’s cargo area is well shaped and practical, and the fold flat seating makes it easy to adapt the space for different tasks throughout the week.

From a showroom point of view, the choice often comes down to how frequently the third row will be used. Families who rely on that third row every day tend to appreciate the extra room in the Telluride. Families who use it from time to time often find the Sorento to be a perfect balance of size, space, and convenience.

Design and Road Presence

Both the Sorento and Telluride reflect Kia’s modern design language, but they express it in different ways. The Telluride has a bold, confident look that makes a strong impression wherever it goes. 

Its wide stance, upright proportions, and distinctive lighting give it a premium, commanding presence that feels right at home in a school pickup line or at the entrance to a hotel. Inside, the cabin continues that upscale theme with high quality materials, thoughtful details, and a layout that feels both modern and welcoming.

The Sorento takes a slightly sportier and more streamlined approach. Its design feels sleek and contemporary, with clean lines and a profile that is easy to live with in everyday driving. The interior is just as thoughtfully designed, with intuitive controls, comfortable seating, and a focus on making every drive enjoyable. While it may not have the same sheer size as the Telluride, the Sorento makes excellent use of its space and feels refined and well put together.

Technology and Safety Come Standard

No matter which model drivers choose, both the Sorento and Telluride deliver the technology and safety features that families expect from a modern Kia. Large touchscreens, smartphone integration, digital displays, and available premium audio systems help keep everyone connected and entertained on the road. The interfaces are designed to be easy to use, which makes daily driving and long trips equally enjoyable.

Safety is another shared strength. Both vehicles offer a wide range of driver assistance features that help support confidence behind the wheel. From systems that help monitor traffic to features that assist with braking and lane awareness, these SUVs are built to help protect what matters most. This commitment to safety is a major reason why so many families feel comfortable choosing either model.

Choosing the Right Kia for Your Garage

From a Kia dealer’s perspective, there is no wrong choice between the 2026 Kia Sorento and the 2027 Kia Telluride. Each one excels in its own way and serves a slightly different type of driver. The Telluride is ideal for families who want maximum space, strong performance, and a commanding presence that makes every trip feel special. The Sorento is perfect for drivers who want flexibility, efficiency options, and a three row SUV that fits easily into a busy daily routine.

Both vehicles showcase Kia’s dedication to quality, design, and real world usability. Whether the priority is extra room for passengers, the freedom of electrified driving, or a balanced blend of comfort and capability, there is a Kia three row SUV that fits the job perfectly. The best choice is the one that matches how life is lived every day, and both the Sorento and Telluride are ready to deliver miles of confidence, comfort, and enjoyment. 

Seven Sub-Zero Defying Wins, Zero Glitches: Kia Runs the Table on 2026 Value Awards

For drivers looking for smart choices in a competitive market, the 2026 lineup is turning heads and winning awards here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis. In the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Cars for the Money, Kia took home seven honors across multiple segments, affirming the brand’s leadership in value, capability, and innovation. These recognitions reflect a consistent commitment to delivering quality vehicles that blend thoughtful design, advanced technology, and reliability in ways that resonate with real drivers.

Across snow-covered roads and icy highways, Kia vehicles have impressed families, commuters, and adventurers alike with strong performance and everyday usability. Cold weather is a thorough test of comfort and capability, and Kia models have proven themselves ready for winter driving while remaining efficient and connected. From three-row electric SUVs to compact hybrids, the 2026 award winners demonstrate how far the brand has come.

Award Winners That Matter

Among the 2026 honorees are several standout models. The Kia EV9 was recognized as the Best Midsize Electric SUV for the Money, offering spacious seating, strong performance, and cutting-edge EV technology. The Sorento and Sorento Hybrid earned top marks as the Best Midsize Three-Row SUV for the Money and Best Midsize Hybrid SUV for the Money, respectively, balancing passenger comfort with strong efficiency and capability.

The Sportage Hybrid and Sportage Plug-In Hybrid led their categories for compact hybrid SUVs, while the Niro and K4 captured honors in subcompact hybrid SUV and compact car segments. These awards highlight how Kia vehicles deliver exceptional value through thoughtful engineering, generous feature content, and projected long-term cost benefits. The evaluation process by U.S. News combines overall quality scores with ownership costs over time, making this recognition particularly meaningful for buyers focused on smart investments in their mobility.

Testimonials That Tell the Whole Story

Owners consistently share how their Kia enriches their daily lives and stands up in real-world conditions. Enthusiastic EV9 owners report that the SUV is “an excellent daily commuter” with a smooth, comfortable ride, even at higher mileage, and that its spacious cabin makes every trip feel enjoyable and effortless. 

In online forums, a number of drivers describe their EV9’s combination of performance and comfort as a surprise upgrade from other luxury marques they had previously owned, praising how the vehicle handles long drives and family duties with ease.

Other owners echo this sentiment across Kia’s SUV lineup. Sportage owners have shared that their vehicles perform beautifully on road trips and handle changing seasons with confidence, turning routine drives into memorable experiences. One long-time Kia owner noted how a 2018 Sportage carried the family through thousands of miles with reliability and comfort they still appreciate.

Stories like these underline how Kia is more than a transportation choice. For many drivers, their Kia becomes a partner in everyday living, offering peace of mind and a sense of enthusiasm whether navigating winter roads, hauling gear for outdoor adventures, or transporting loved ones on holiday journeys.

Winter Ready and Family Focused

Winter presents unique challenges for drivers, from slick highways to snowy suburban streets. Kia’s lineup delivers technology and confidence when conditions change. Available all-wheel-drive systems, advanced driver assistance features, and responsive traction control help grip the road even when the temperature drops. Comfort features such as heated seats and steering wheels ease the chill for every occupant, making cold mornings more enjoyable from the moment doors open.

Interior design also plays a role in winter usability. Spacious cabins with thoughtful storage, ample cargo room, and easy-to-clean materials make every journey feel effortless, from school runs to airport trips. Connectivity features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep passengers entertained and drivers fully informed, even when weather demands extra attention.

Value You Can See and Feel

Beyond awards and tech lists, Kia owners often remark on how driving their vehicle feels like a smart decision in both everyday life and seasonal weather. Vehicles like the Sorento with its flexible seating options or the EV9 with its cutting-edge electric range weave practicality, style, and long-term value into a package that consistently impresses automotive reviewers and buyers alike.

The broad range of winners from compact cars to three-row SUVs and electrified models reflects Kia’s deep understanding of diverse driver needs. Families appreciate the space and connectivity. Tech enthusiasts enjoy the advanced systems and seamless integration. Commuters value efficiency and daily comfort. All these perspectives knit together into a single theme: Kia delivers value that is recognized by experts and celebrated by real owners.

The Road Ahead

The 2026 Best Cars for the Money awards are not just a testament to engineering excellence. They reinforce that smart automotive decisions result in long-lasting satisfaction. These recognitions underscore Kia’s commitment to design, technology, and quality across its vehicles, from electric pioneers to versatile hybrids and efficient compact cars.

For drivers navigating winter weather, busy schedules, and long drives, Kia’s award-winning models offer capability and comfort that elevate every journey. With thoughtful design, practical space, and advanced safety and connectivity, these vehicles make everyday life just a little easier and more enjoyable.

As winter continues to test vehicles and drivers alike, Kia’s success in the 2026 awards serves as reassurance that smart value does not fade when temperatures fall. These wins highlight a lineup engineered for real conditions and real lives, where confidence behind the wheel matters most. From daily commutes to family road trips, Kia continues to deliver vehicles that feel dependable, modern, and rewarding every mile of the way.

Spark Notes for the Screen-Loving Set: Touchscreens, Tech, and the Future Inside the 2026 Kia EV6

The Kia EV6 has quickly established itself as one of the most compelling electric vehicles in today’s market. Positioned between the compact Niro EV and the larger three row EV9, the EV6 delivers a thoughtful balance of athletic design, everyday practicality, and advanced electric performance. Since its introduction, the EV6 has proven that an electric crossover can be engaging to drive, flexible to own, and packed with modern features that drivers actually use.

Designed from the ground up as a dedicated electric vehicle, the EV6 takes full advantage of advanced EV architecture here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis. Its low, wide stance and sculpted body lines give it a confident road presence, while the interior layout maximizes space and comfort for both drivers and passengers. This is an EV that feels purposeful, not experimental.

Flexible Power and Range Choices

One of the strongest advantages of the Kia EV6 is its range of configurations. Rather than forcing buyers into a one size fits all solution, the EV6 lineup offers multiple battery sizes, drivetrain options, and performance levels. This allows drivers to select a model that aligns with their daily driving habits, commuting needs, and road trip plans.

Two battery packs are available, providing flexibility for different lifestyles. Drivers who primarily use their vehicle for daily errands and local travel can choose a configuration optimized for efficiency and simplicity. Those who frequently travel longer distances or want added peace of mind on extended drives can opt for a larger battery that delivers impressive driving range.

Rear wheel drive and all wheel drive configurations are also available. Rear wheel drive models prioritize efficiency and smooth performance, while all wheel drive versions add confident traction and enhanced acceleration. Regardless of configuration, the EV6 delivers instant electric torque that makes merging, passing, and city driving feel effortless.

Performance levels scale naturally as drivers move through the lineup. Single motor versions provide brisk acceleration and smooth responsiveness, while dual motor models add noticeable punch and confident all weather capability. At the top of the range, the EV6 GT delivers exhilarating performance that rivals many traditional performance vehicles, all while remaining unmistakably electric.

Confident Charging and EV Convenience

Charging capability is a major consideration for electric vehicle shoppers, and the Kia EV6 is well equipped for modern charging needs. Fast charging support allows drivers to add significant range in a short amount of time when using compatible DC fast chargers. This makes longer trips easier and more convenient than ever.

Recent updates also bring expanded charging compatibility, giving EV6 owners access to a broader charging network. This added flexibility helps simplify ownership and makes it easier to plan both daily driving and longer journeys with confidence.

At home, the EV6 integrates seamlessly into everyday routines. Overnight charging ensures the vehicle is ready to go each morning, while intelligent energy management features help optimize efficiency.

A Cabin Built Around Technology and Comfort

Step inside the Kia EV6 and the focus on thoughtful design becomes immediately clear. The cabin blends clean lines, high quality materials, and advanced technology into a space that feels modern and welcoming. A wide digital display integrates the instrument cluster and infotainment screen into a single, flowing panel that keeps information clear and accessible.

Even the entry level EV6 comes generously equipped with features that drivers expect in a modern vehicle. Smartphone integration, wireless charging, navigation, and heated front seats all come standard, creating a strong foundation across the lineup. The intuitive infotainment system is easy to use and responsive, keeping drivers connected without distraction.

Moving up through the trims adds layers of comfort and convenience. Available features include ventilated front seats, memory settings for the driver’s seat, and a premium audio system that fills the cabin with rich sound. A hands free power liftgate makes loading cargo easier, while vehicle to load capability allows the EV6 to power external devices when needed.

GT Line models elevate the experience with sport inspired styling details and additional technology. A panoramic style roof brings natural light into the cabin, while a head up display projects key driving information directly into the driver’s line of sight. These features enhance both comfort and confidence behind the wheel.

For drivers who prioritize performance, the EV6 GT delivers a unique interior experience. Supportive sport seats and performance focused details reinforce the vehicle’s athletic character while maintaining everyday usability.

Designed for Everyday Life

Beyond performance and technology, the Kia EV6 excels as a practical daily vehicle. The flat floor and smart packaging create generous passenger space, while the cargo area easily accommodates groceries, gear, and luggage. The rear seats fold down to expand storage when needed, making the EV6 adaptable to changing demands.

Advanced driver assistance features come standard, adding peace of mind on every drive. Systems designed to help monitor surroundings, assist with braking, and support lane awareness contribute to a confident driving experience in both city traffic and highway cruising.

Recognition and Long Term Appeal

The Kia EV6 has earned strong praise across the automotive industry for its design, performance, and overall execution. Industry reviewers consistently highlight its engaging driving dynamics, thoughtful interior layout, and impressive technology integration. These accolades reflect Kia’s commitment to building electric vehicles that feel complete and rewarding to own.

An Electric Vehicle That Feels Right

For drivers considering an electric vehicle that delivers style, performance, and real world usability, the 2026 Kia EV6 stands out as a smart and forward thinking choice. Its range of configurations ensures there is an EV6 suited to a wide variety of lifestyles, while its refined driving experience makes every trip enjoyable.

Whether it is commuting before sunrise, navigating snow-lined streets, or juggling work, family, and weekend plans, the EV6 keeps everything moving with calm efficiency. It turns winter from an obstacle into just another part of the day, proving that owning a Kia is not only about smart design and innovation, but about making busy seasons feel a little more manageable and a lot more enjoyable.

As electric mobility continues to evolve, the EV6 remains a strong example of how technology, design, and practicality can come together in a single package. It is an electric crossover that feels confident today and ready for what comes next.