2026 Kia Sorento AWD Capability: What Richmond Hill Families Need to Know About Winter Driving

The 2026 Kia Sorento delivers the ground clearance, all-wheel drive capability, and advanced safety systems needed to tackle Ontario's winter roads. From snowy highways to icy cottage access roads, this three-row SUV handles challenging conditions that stop less capable vehicles.

For families planning winter trips through Ontario—Richmond Hill to Muskoka, or across Highway 400 during snowstorms—the Sorento's suspension setup and clearance capabilities matter. This guide examines the engineering that keeps you safe and comfortable when roads get rough.

Suspension and Wheel Design for Winter Roads

The 2026 Sorento sits on 19-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment across all trims. The body-on-frame construction and suspension geometry handle Canadian winter conditions including moderate snow accumulation, rutted roads, and uneven terrain.

Front and rear skid plate accents—body-coloured on LX trim, chrome on EX and SX—provide modest protection for underbody components. Roof rails complete the capability package.

The independent front and rear suspension absorbs impacts from potholes and frost heaves—common hazards on Ontario roads after freeze-thaw cycles. This design maintains tire contact with the road surface, critical for traction on ice and packed snow.

The Sorento's curb weight—heavier than compact SUVs due to its three-row configuration and hybrid powertrain—provides natural stability in crosswinds and on slippery roads. Battery pack placement lowers the centre of gravity, enhancing handling predictability in winter weather.

All-Wheel Drive and Traction Control

All 2026 Sorento models—Hybrid (HEV) and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)—come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). This system automatically distributes power between front and rear wheels based on traction conditions, maintaining stability on snow-covered highways and icy intersections.

The Sorento's AWD works with several safety technologies:

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) adjusts braking and power delivery to prevent skids
• Hill-Assist Control (HAC) prevents rollback when starting on steep, icy hills
• Downhill Brake Control (DBC) maintains controlled speed on slippery descents
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) manages trailer sway in crosswinds or slippery conditions

The 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) ensures maximum stopping power on snow and ice. Traction control prevents wheel spin when accelerating from a stop on slippery surfaces.

Drive Mode Select adjusts throttle response and transmission behaviour based on conditions. The 6-speed automatic transmission includes steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, giving drivers manual control over gear selection when navigating steep or slippery terrain.

Winter Capability: HEV vs PHEV

Both Sorento powertrains deliver winter-ready performance with different characteristics:

The HEV offers greater fuel tank capacity, reducing refueling stops during long winter trips when gas stations are sparse. The PHEV provides more power and torque for merging on highways or climbing steep grades, plus the ability to run on electric power alone for short trips—useful for daily commuting in Richmond Hill without using gasoline.

Both models include the same AWD system, safety features, and suspension design.

Safety Features for Low-Visibility Conditions

Winter driving means reduced visibility from snow, fog, or early darkness. The Sorento addresses these challenges:

LX Trim (Standard):

• LED fog lights for improved visibility in heavy snow
• Heated, power-adjustable sideview mirrors with signal repeaters
• Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines
• 9 airbags including side curtain airbags for all three rows
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5 (FCA 1.5)

EX and SX Trims Add:

• Rain-sensing wipers (also clear snow and sleet automatically)
• Panoramic sunroof
• Surround View Monitor (SVM) for 360-degree visibility when parking in tight, snow-banked spaces
• Blind View Monitor displays blind spot area on instrument cluster
• Highway Drive Assist 2 (HDA 2) maintains lane position and following distance on highways
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 (FCA 2)

The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system detects vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists even in low-light conditions, automatically applying brakes if a collision is imminent. This feature proves valuable when visibility drops suddenly due to blowing snow or whiteout conditions on Highway 400 or Highway 11.

Heated Comfort Features

Staying warm during winter drives improves both comfort and safety—cold drivers react more slowly and make poorer decisions.

LX Trim:

• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Rear console ventilation duct
• 2nd and 3rd row heating ducts
• Automatic defog system

EX and SX Trims Add:

• Heated 2nd row seats
• Air-cooled front seats

The heated steering wheel and front seats activate quickly, warming your hands and core before the cabin reaches full temperature. The comprehensive heating duct system ensures all three rows stay comfortable, even on extended trips to northern Ontario destinations.

Cargo Space for Winter Gear

Winter road trips require extra gear—snow boots, jackets, emergency supplies, and sports equipment. The Sorento provides:

• Behind 3rd Row: 357 L
• Behind 2nd Row: 1,090–1,274 L (depending on seat position)
• Behind 1st Row: 2,139 L

The 50:50 split-folding 2nd and 3rd row seats allow flexible cargo configurations. The 2nd row slides and reclines, letting you balance passenger comfort with cargo needs. Remote folding seats (standard on all trims) allow you to reconfigure the interior from the rear cargo area—useful when loading skis or other long items in cold weather.

The smart power liftgate opens automatically when you approach with the key fob, keeping your hands free when carrying gear. You can set a maximum opening height to prevent the liftgate from hitting low garage ceilings or snow accumulation.

Real-World Winter Driving Scenarios

Ontario winters present specific challenges:

Highway Driving: The Sorento's 227–268 hp provides strong highway merging and passing power on 400-series highways during winter storms. Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go maintains following distance automatically, reducing driver fatigue on long trips.

Urban Driving: The Parking Distance Warning system (front and rear on LX, front/side/rear on EX/SX) helps navigate tight parking spots with snow banks. The Surround View Monitor (EX/SX) displays a bird's-eye view, making it easier to avoid hitting curbs hidden by snow.

Cottage Roads: The Sorento's suspension absorbs impacts from rough roads without harsh jolting. Downhill Brake Control maintains steady speed on steep cottage driveways, preventing sliding or loss of control.

Emergency Preparedness: The 110V inverter (EX/SX trims) powers small appliances or charges devices if you're stranded. The Rear Occupant Alert system prevents accidentally leaving children or pets in the vehicle during quick stops.

Maintenance for Winter Driving

Winter conditions demand specific maintenance attention:

Tire Selection: Dedicated winter tires significantly improve traction on ice and packed snow. Winter tires remain flexible in cold temperatures, providing better grip than all-season tires below 7°C.

Battery Performance: Both HEV and PHEV models include battery heating systems to maintain performance in extreme cold. The PHEV's 360-volt lithium-ion polymer battery uses 88 kW for discharge and 78 kW for charging, with thermal management to protect cells in freezing temperatures.

Fluid Checks: Regularly check washer fluid levels—winter driving uses significantly more fluid due to road salt and spray. The Sorento includes a low washer fluid warning indicator.

Undercarriage Cleaning: Salt and road chemicals corrode metal components. Regular undercarriage washes during winter protect the Sorento's frame, suspension, and brake components.

Who Should Choose the Sorento for Winter Driving?

The 2026 Sorento excels for:

• Families with Children: Three rows of seating with comprehensive heating, advanced safety systems, and flexible cargo space
• Cottage Owners: AWD capability, towing capacity up to 2,000 lb, and robust suspension for unpaved roads
• Daily Commuters: PHEV model offers 55 km all-electric range for gas-free city driving, with hybrid backup for longer trips
• Safety-Conscious Drivers: Nine airbags, multiple collision avoidance systems, and strong visibility features

The Sorento does not suit drivers seeking:

• Extreme Off-Road Capability: Ground clearance and approach angles are suitable for winter roads but not for serious off-roading
• Maximum Towing: 2,000 lb capacity handles small trailers or snowmobile trailers but not larger RVs or boats

Experience the 2026 Kia Sorento at Plaza Kia

Winter driving in Ontario demands a vehicle that balances capability, safety, and comfort. The 2026 Kia Sorento delivers all three, with standard AWD, advanced safety systems, and flexible seating for families who refuse to stay home when roads get challenging.

Our team at Plaza Kia in Richmond Hill can walk you through the Sorento's winter-ready features and help you choose between HEV and PHEV models based on your driving needs. We'll explain how the AWD system works, demonstrate the safety technologies, and show you how the heated seats and steering wheel make cold-weather commutes more comfortable.

Book your test drive today at our Richmond Hill dealership and experience how the Sorento handles real Ontario winter conditions. Our sales team is ready to answer your questions and help you find the right trim level for your family's needs.

To learn more about the 2025 Kia Sorento, visit Kia.ca