Does the Sorento still have a spot in the lineup?
Ever since the spectacular Kia Telluride hit the scene in 2020, Kia’s other, smaller three-row Sorento SUV has lived in its shadow. The Sorento had built a loyal following after 18 years on the market, but the emergence of the larger Telluride took the market by storm. Even after the gas-only Sorento received a nice refresh for 2024, it continues to do well, but it still lags behind the Telluride in sales. However, one advantage the Sorento has had is an available hybrid variant, whereas the Telluride has been gas-only. That will change this year with the addition of a Telluride Hybrid model.
For 2025, the Sorento Hybrid adopts the refresh from the gas-only variant. It’s tight timing since a fully-redesigned Sorento will debut in 2026 for the 2027 model year. My tester was a 2025 Sorento Hybrid SX-Prestige AWD with a starting price of $46,890. The total price, including options and a $1,415 destination fee, came to $49,705.
Standard feature highlights included a 227-horsepower 1.6L turbocharged hybrid powertrain, a 6-speed automatic transmission, 19-inch alloy wheels, a smart power liftgate, 12.3-inch infotainment display with navigation, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seating surfaces, heated and ventilated front-row seats, heated 2nd-row Captain’s Chairs, heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, surround view monitor, Bose Premium audio, and premium interior trim. My week-long review involved daily errands, school shuttles, grocery runs, and my kids’ athletic events. Here’s how it went.
Exterior and interior styling – 8.5/10
Everyone in the family really liked the look of the Sorento Hybrid. It was sporty and refined in its appearance without looking overdone. My middle-school daughter hates flashy vehicles, so the Sorento Hybrid was a win. The 2025 refresh is a trickledown from the gas model, bringing it into the smaller Sportage’s design realm with a more truck-like front end, new DRLs and headlights, and a bolder black mesh grille.
Most of the changes were up front, and the rest of the Sorento remains the same, meaning attractive. The D-pillar should’ve been redesigned to be more cohesive with the squared-off look. It now looks out of place. I’m also not a big fan of the front fender garnish, a styling element that’s supposed to be refined but now looks like an afterthought. Aside from those minor details, the Sorento Hybrid is well-proportioned and has a premium look about it.
As nice as the exterior is, my family loved the cabin. Inside, the Sorento looks premium at the top trim level, besting competitors with near-luxury details. It nails the balance between family-friendly durability and premium design. The materials in the SX-Prestige trim feel genuinely upscale, with soft-touch surfaces across the dash and doors, high-grade plastics, diamond-quilted seat bolsters, and tasteful metallic accents. The optional dusty blue leather looks incredible and sets it apart from so many conventional-looking SUV seats.
The linear dash undergirds the expansive tech nicely, flanked by the Sorento’s large and uniquely styled trapezoidal vents. It’s a much better layout than the old one, thanks to the removal of the large split-opening center vents in the dash, which seemed like an obstruction and were overly complicated based on their location.
Infotainment, technology, and controls – 9/10
Kia doesn’t scrimp on tech, and the expansive dual display on top trims is stunning. It’s wide, vivid, and crisp. Responsiveness also seems to have improved on Kia systems, and the Sorento is very good. This feels like the norm now, but it’s nice that Kia still uses physical controls like tactile audio/climate control knobs. The climate and audio controls swap with the touch of the panel. The panel controls save space, but we’d much prefer actual physical buttons to manage these functions.
The infotainment system is responsive, intuitive, and easy to navigate without distracting the driver. Wireless Apple CarPlay connects quickly and operates without issue. We had some problems with the wireless charging, which was a bit finicky, requiring some fussing with the phone’s position in the angled deck. The Bose premium audio system delivers solid sound quality, and it’s nice to have it as standard equipment in the top trim.
The updated rotary shift knob no longer has piano black plastic on it. Its new metallic and clear plastic cap with side knurling looks and feels a lot like versions found in Genesis vehicles. As rotary shifters go, it’s one of the best. Steering wheel buttons for adaptive cruise control and audio are also excellent. The drive mode selector is conveniently placed aft of the shifter. Modes are easy to select (and visible on the instrument display, as well), and the electronic locking diff feature is activated by pressing on the knob.
Powertrain, performance, and efficiency – 8/10
The Sorento Hybrid pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 227 horsepower. It’s not a performance SUV, but it’s more than adequate for daily driving. I merged into 70+ mph highway traffic without any issues, and I didn’t even need to dial it into Sport mode to do so. The transition between electric and gas power is smooth, and the hybrid system does a good job of staying seamless.
Fuel efficiency is one of the biggest reasons to choose a hybrid, but the Sorento Hybrid with all-wheel drive falls short of EPA 34 City/34 Highway/34 combined estimates. During my week of driving and toggling between Smart, Eco, and Sport modes, the Sorento Hybrid SX-Prestige AWD achieved just over 30 mpg. Under more conservative habits, I would’ve come closer. Real-world mileage lands comfortably above what most gasoline-only three-row SUVs can manage, making the Sorento Hybrid particularly appealing for families with long commutes or frequent errands.
The driving experience – 8/10
Behind the wheel, the Sorento Hybrid is pleasant to drive. The ride is smooth and compliant without feeling overly floaty. Steering is light but precise enough for confident highway cruising, and visibility is excellent thanks to large windows and well-placed mirrors. There are significant differences between drive modes, which is a plus. Eco feels leisurely, while Sport is noticeably more aggressive, especially in the throttle response. The display’s gauges reflect the changes with different colors. 0-60 mph happens in about 7.2 seconds, which is respectable but not front-of-the-pack-quick.
Brake feel is predictable, which isn’t always a given in hybrid vehicles, and regenerative braking is well calibrated. I never experienced any grabbiness or pedal mush. Body roll is present, but the Sorento Hybrid doesn’t feel unbalanced or unpredictable in the turns or curves. For a ride this smooth and comfortable, the Sorento Hybrid feels very composed. My family enjoyed their time in it and marveled at its level of comfort and smoothness.
Space, comfort, and usability – 8.5/10
The first two rows of seating are excellent. They’re supportive, well-cushioned, and wide. Row two gets up to 41.7 inches of legroom, which is one of the roomiest in the segment. My two older kids were able to stretch out and still have room for their school backpacks and winter gear. The wide passthrough made it easy for my youngest to get to the third row, which isn’t huge at just under 30 inches of legroom, a smidge less than the Toyota Highlander. Adults will struggle to sit back there for longer periods of time, mostly because of the low seating position.
Cargo space is very good with 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 45 cubic feet behind row two, and a generous 75.5 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. A low, wide load floor and an underfloor storage bin make loading bulky gear and everyday cargo easy. The cargo dimensions are a little bit smaller than the Toyota Highlander’s at 16.4, 48.4, and 84.3, respectively. Storage space is solid thanks to a versatile center console, a large center armrest compartment, well-sized door pockets, and useful bins in front of the front door armrests.
Final verdict – 8.5/10
The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid SX-Prestige AWD is a great choice for families that don’t need a big third row. Its manageable dimensions, solid powertrain, and high style make it very approachable. The efficiency is good but not great, so assess whether or not it’s worth the extra cost to save a little at the pump. In terms of style, comfort, and tech, it’s an impressive package. It may be one of the most well-rounded options available in this segment. If you’re looking for a daily family SUV that’s easy to live with, efficient, comfortable, and even upscale, the Sorento Hybrid makes a compelling case.
About the author
Amos Kwon
Contributing Writer, Autoblog