Can the 2026 Kia Sorento fit my family and gear for life in Eau Claire, WI?

Prestige Auto - Can the 2026 Kia Sorento fit my family and gear for life in Eau Claire, WI?

Families around Eau Claire, WI often need a three-row SUV that can handle weekday routines and weekend adventures without compromise, and the 2026 Kia Sorento delivers with flexible seating, smart storage, and confidence-inspiring tech. If you are asking whether Sorento truly has room for your crew and their stuff, the short version is that Sorento’s thoughtful packaging and features make it a strong fit for daily errands, road trips to the Northwoods, and everything in between.

Inside, Sorento provides standard 3rd-row seating with a 2nd-row bench that slides forward at the touch of a button for easy 3rd-row access. That smart slide function trims the hassle when installing child seats or loading passengers in tight parking spots around downtown Eau Claire. If you prefer a more open second row, available 2nd-row captain’s chairs offer generous space and a natural pathway to the third row. In back, standard 50/50 split-folding 3rd-row seats make it simple to balance passengers and cargo on the fly.

Comfort is well covered. Available heated and ventilated front seats, heated 2nd-row seats, and a heated steering wheel help keep everyone happy through Wisconsin winters. For a premium touch, Sorento can be equipped with genuine leather seat trim and a premium suede headliner, while available acoustic laminated front glass helps quiet the cabin during highway drives on I-94.

Cargo flexibility is another Sorento strong suit. With the 2nd and 3rd rows folded flat, you can unlock up to 75.5 cu. ft. of cargo room for larger items, seasonal gear, or college move-ins. Loading and unloading is easier with the available Smart Power Liftgate w/ Auto Close, which can open automatically when it senses your key and close when the key fob leaves the area. Need to bring more along? Available roof rails pair with optional excursion accessories such as a bike rack or rooftop cargo box for even more versatility.

Tech that keeps up with family life comes standard and available throughout the lineup. The available Dual Panoramic Display w/ Navigation offers approximately 24 in. of total combined display area, and you can access standard Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Wireless Android Auto™ for seamless podcasts, playlists, and directions. The available 360° Surround View Monitor can assist with parking around Water Street, while the available Full Display Digital Rearview Mirror can help you see behind even when cargo or tall passengers fill the cabin. For road trip soundtracks, the available 12-speaker Bose® audio system elevates every playlist.

When Eau Claire weather turns, Sorento’s available all-wheel drive w/ Terrain Mode can help you move with confidence. If your weekends include gravel roads or trailheads, Sorento X-Pro adds all-terrain tires and 8.2 in. of ground clearance, along with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive w/ Terrain Mode, to extend the trip beyond the pavement. This added capability complements Sorento’s family-first interior by making sure you can reach the places where memories get made.

Safety and driver assistance round out the everyday usability. Standard Auto Emergency Braking w/ Pedestrian, Cyclist, Car, and Junction Turning Detection can help you respond to the unexpected. Available Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and standard Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist add confidence in traffic and crowded parking lots. Standard front and rear parking sensors and available side parking sensors provide helpful alerts at low speeds, while available Highway Driving Assist 2 can assist with lane changes and maintaining speed and distance on longer drives.

If you are cross-shopping three-row SUVs for your family in the Chippewa Valley, these quick highlights summarize why Sorento belongs on your test-drive list.

• Seating capacity: Up to 7, with available 2nd-row captain’s chairs for added comfort
• Cargo room: Up to 75.5 cu. ft. with 2nd and 3rd rows folded flat
• 3rd-row access: 2nd-row bench slides forward at the touch of a button
• Liftgate: Available Smart Power Liftgate w/ Auto Close for hands-free loading
• Family tech: Available 24-in. total combined Panoramic Display w/ Navigation plus standard Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Wireless Android Auto™
• Visibility aids: Available 360° Surround View Monitor and Full Display Digital Rearview Mirror
• All-weather confidence: Available all-wheel drive w/ Terrain Mode; Sorento X-Pro adds all-terrain tires and 8.2 in. of ground clearance

From weekday school drop-offs in Altoona to weekend escapes near Lake Wissota, Sorento’s combination of smart packaging, easy-loading features, and advanced tech makes daily life simpler. At Prestige Auto, our team is ready to walk you through seating configurations, demonstrate cargo solutions, and help you compare trims so you can choose the layout that fits your crew best.

Visit Prestige Auto in Eau Claire to experience the 2026 Kia Sorento in person. We can help arrange a test drive, value your trade, and explore lease or finance options tailored to your needs. Our service center stands by with Saturday hours to keep your Sorento running smoothly long after you drive home to Lake Hallie, Menomonie, or anywhere across the Chippewa Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How comfortable is the 2026 Kia Sorento’s third row for adults?

The third row is well suited for kids and teens, and it can accommodate adults on shorter trips. For frequent adult passengers in the third row, many shoppers choose the available 2nd-row captain’s chairs to maximize legroom and ease of access.

Should I choose the 2nd-row bench or available captain’s chairs?

Pick the bench if you want maximum 7-passenger capacity and a wider seat for two child seats side by side. Choose the available captain’s chairs if you prefer a more open feel, easier third-row access, and individual seating comfort for two passengers in the second row.

Can I carry long items and still keep some seats up?

Yes. The standard 50/50 split-folding 3rd-row seats and fold-flat second row make it easy to create a mix of passenger seating and cargo space. Many shoppers fold one side of the third row for strollers, hockey bags, or skis while keeping room for additional passengers.

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