What Is the 2025 Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento is a three-row mid-size SUV with seating for up to seven. The base powertrain is a 191-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Optional is a 281-hp turbocharged version of this engine, which pairs with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Sorento is also available with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The hybrid employs a gas-electric powertrain with a turbo 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 227 hp and returns an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in combined city/highway driving with front-wheel drive and 34 mpg with all-wheel drive. Sitting atop the range, the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid comes standard with AWD; its 261-hp gas-electric powertrain uses a turbo 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and has an EPA-estimated electric driving range of 32 miles on a full charge.
If toting around little ones is part of your daily routine, you can see how the Sorento scored in our Car Seat Check. The Sorento’s rivals include the Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander.
What’s New on the 2025 Kia Sorento?
For 2025, the hybrid and PHEV Sorentos adopt the updates the regular-line Sorento received for 2024. These include refreshed styling, available dual 12.3-inch displays for the instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid gains a more affordable and less well-equipped starting trim, the EX, in addition to the SX-Prestige trim that was the sole choice for 2024. The gas-only Sorento is carried over with no noteworthy changes.
What Features in the 2025 Kia Sorento Are Most Important?
Standard features include:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
- Five USB ports
- Second- and third-row bench seats
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure steering assist
- Rear automatic emergency braking
Available features include:
- Panoramic moonroof
- Leather upholstery
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row captain’s chairs
- Heated steering wheel
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Bose premium stereo
- 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
- Wireless device charging
- 360-degree camera system
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Hands-free power liftgate
Should I Buy the 2025 Kia Sorento?
The Sorento impresses with its cabin quality, a long roster of standard comfort and safety features, and bold exterior design. The hybrid and plug-in versions are more appealing, too, since they’ve gained the welcome updates the regular Sorento received previously. Compared with larger three-row rivals like the Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Grand Highlander, the Sorento’s third row is tight and its cargo volume is stingy when the rear seats are occupied. Even so, many families might find the Sorento to be sized just right, offering the flexibility of a third row and more space all around than a compact SUV while being easier to park and maneuver than a larger three-row SUV would be.
