Kia halts petrol Sorento and Carnival sales in Australia in 2026 due to emissions limits, shifting to diesel and hybrid models.

Kia has stopped selling petrol versions of its Sorento SUV and Carnival people mover in Australia starting early 2026, due to the country’s strict emissions rules limiting CO2 to 117 grams per kilometer. The 3.5-liter V6 petrol engines emitted around 220–222 grams per km, triggering costly fines of $100 per gram over the limit, making the vehicles unprofitable. Only diesel, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models remain, with prices rising significantly. The base diesel Sorento now starts at $54,630, and the Carnival at $54,300. While petrol vehicles still dominate sales, hybrid and plug-in hybrid sales are surging, reflecting a broader shift toward cleaner alternatives in Australia’s automotive market.