2025 Kia Sorento

MSRP:  $31,990

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Overview

The 2025 Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV with three seating rows and one of the widest powertrain selections available in this class. The gas models run naturally aspirated or turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines with either 191 hp or 281 hp, but there’s also a 227-hp hybrid and a 261-hp plug-in hybrid, both using a turbocharged 1.6L turbo-four engine, and the latter with up to 30 miles of electric range.

Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional, except on the AWD-only PHEV. The Sorento’s typical class rivals include the Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda Passport, and Toyota Highlander.

What’s New for 2025?

The gas models received a facelift last year that brought in a broader grille, new LED headlights, updated taillights, and new wheel designs, while cabin improvements centered around larger digital displays, new software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all trims, plusher materials, machine learning for the adaptive cruise control, automatic lane changing for the Highway Driving Assist, and improved connectivity. 

The gas Sorentos carry over unchanged, but the hybrids now get all of the above-mentioned changes for the 2025 model year. There’s also a new EX base trim for the PHEV, reducing the entry-level 2025 Kia Sorento’s PHEV price by $2,300.

Exterior

For the 2025 Sorento, a new wide cascading grille and vertically stacked LED headlights are now common to all trims, with the hybrids being brought into line with the gas models, which received these changes last year. With a length of under 190 inches, sitting on a 110.8-inch wheelbase, the Sorento is fairly compact for a midsize model, and remains easy to park, yet it still offers genuine three-row utility. The LX runs on 17-inch alloy wheels, but sizes increase to 18 and 20 inches further up the range, while all the hybrids get 19s. X-Line trims gain ruggedized trim, roof rails, and more ground clearance. The X-Pro has matte-black 17-inch wheels.

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Interior

A 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is standard, joined by a digital gauge cluster of the same size at SX level, while the SX Prestige gets a head-up display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The second row offers a generous 41.7 inches of legroom, with dual captain’s chairs on the EX and up, and a three-seater bench for the LX and S, increasing seating capacity to seven. USB-C ports serve passengers in all three rows.

The third row’s 29.6 inches of legroom is admirable, given the compact body, but suitable for children only. Cargo space is a tight 12.6 cu-ft behind the third row, increasing to 38.5-45.0 cu-ft behind the second row and 75.5 cu-ft behind the first row. The hybrids lose no cargo capacity compared to the gas models.

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Price Range and Best Value Trim

The gas EX FWD is the cheapest trim with the turbocharged engine, while it also gets the captain’s chairs, 20-inch alloys, LED fog lights, and features such as leatherette upholstery, heated power front seats, and a power liftgate, so it’s the best value. The EX is also the best hybrid trim if you’re after its fuel savings, delivering 36 mpg combined for only $600 more.

Key Specs

Fuel Economy (MPG)

Warranty

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Four powertrain options, including hybrids and PHEVs
• Industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• Spacious second row (41.7 inches of legroom)
• 281-hp turbo with 0-60 mph in 6.0-6.7 seconds

Cons:

• Third row tight for adults with limited cargo behind it (12.6 cu-ft)
• Ride stiff on rough pavement, especially on 20-inch wheels
• PHEV models push well past $50,000
• Dual-clutch transmission shudders at low speeds in stop-and-go traffic

Verdict

The 2025 Kia Sorento’s niche between larger three-row midsize SUVs and smaller two-row crossovers gives it a compact footprint, so you must accept that the third row is suitable for kids only and the trunk behind it is small. Ride quality is also a bit stiff, especially on the 20-inch wheels.

On the plus side, it offers generous standard equipment, a selection of powertrains, and an outstanding warranty. The EX is the best value, unlocking the 281-hp turbo engine and a decent equipment level for just $38K, but the hybrid EX still offers acceptable performance at only $600 more, allied to 36-mpg economy, without coming anywhere close to the PHEV’s high price.

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Competitors

• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Toyota Highlander
• Honda Pilot
• Mazda CX-90

About the author

Cobus F. Potgieter

Reviews and Features Editor

Cobus F. Potgieter is a Reviews and Features Editor at Autoblog covering new car reviews, and technology and historical features. He moved to motoring media full time in 2021 after a career as a public relations practitioner and joined The Arena Group in June 2025.