The 2025 Kia Sorento is a great choice in the midsize SUV market. It combines good performance, strong safety features, and fuel efficiency. There are several engine options available, including a regular 2.5L engine, a turbocharged 2.5L, and hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. This makes the Sorento suitable for different driving needs. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are especially fuel-efficient, making them popular among people who care about the environment. The Sorento also comes with a strong warranty and modern tech features, making it a good option for families. Its design is stylish and up-to-date, adding to its appeal.
We will discuss about Kia Sorento 2025: Review, Hybrid, Interior, Pricing, Specifications, Features and More
Kia Sorento 2025 (Release Date): Overview
The 2025 Kia Sorento is currently open for purchase, with retail commencing in 2024. This SUV is produced in both South Korea and the United States; it offers many different types of engines, including a 2.5L 4-cylinder, a turbocharged 2.5L, a hybrid 1.6L turbo engine and a plug-in hybrid engine. Gas-fueled models can achieve up to 23 MPG in city driving and 31 MPG on the highway, whereas the hybrid version boasts great fuel economy, yielding 36 MPG for both city and highway driving. The LX base model of the gasoline variant has a starting price of $37,090. The Kia Sorento will appeal to families who want a midsize SUV that is roomy, economical and full of features.
| Manufacturer | Kia |
| Production Site | United States & South Korea (Hybrid models) |
| Country | USA/South Korea |
| Introduction year | 2024 |
| Platform | N3 |
| Powertrains | 2.5L I4 (191 hp), Turbo 2.5L I4 (281 hp), Hybrid 1.6L Turbo (227 hp), PHEV 1.6L Turbo (261 hp) |
| EPA MPG (City/Hwy) | Gas: 23/31; Hybrid: 36/36 (FWD) |
| Starting MSRP | $37,090 (LX gas) |
Kia Sorento 2025 Price, Variants & Trim Levels
In the year 2025, the base price for Kia Sorento was set at $31,990 for the LX FWD model (with an extra charge of $1,375) and the highest price of $47,390 was for the X-Pro SX-P AWD gas version.
In addition, hybrid models will have initial pricing starting at $47,000 for the EX trim level, while plug-in hybrid versions will have initial pricing at $57,000 or greater. In addition, when compared with other mid-size SUVs, Sorento offers value.
Here are the details of the Kia Sorento 2025 trims, along with their pricing:
| Trim | Style Category | Powertrain (hp) | Drivetrain | Starting MSRP (est.) |
| LX | Base | 2.5L I4 (191) | FWD std.; AWD opt. | $37,090 |
| S | Mid | 2.5L I4 (191) | FWD std.; AWD opt. | $39,290 |
| EX | Upper mid | Turbo 2.5L (281) or Hybrid (227) | FWD/AWD | $42,865 (gas) $47,115 (Hybrid) |
| SX | Premium | Turbo 2.5L (281) or Hybrid (227) | AWD | $48,765 (gas) $52,485 (Hybrid) |
| SX-Prestige | Top | PHEV (261); X-Pro (281 turbo) | AWD std. | $57,365 (PHEV) $49,915 (X-Pro) |
2025 Kia Sorento Specs
| Specification | Details |
| Engine | 2.5L I4 gas (191 hp/181 lb-ft); Turbo 2.5L (281 hp/311 lb-ft); Hybrid 1.6L turbo I4 + electric (227 hp/258 lb-ft) |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto (gas/turbo); 6-speed auto (hybrid) |
| Drivetrain | FWD std.; AWD opt./std. on premium/hybrids |
| EPA Fuel Economy | Gas: 23 city/31 hwy; Hybrid: 36 combined (FWD), 34 (AWD); PHEV: 32-mile EV range |
| 0-60 mph (Tested) | 8.0 sec (gas); 7.5 sec (hybrid) |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs (gas base); 1,654 lbs (hybrid) |
| Curb Weight | 3,975–4,345 lbs |
| Dimensions (L/W/H/WB) | 189.0 x 74.8 x 66.7 in / 110.8 WB; Ground Clearance: 6.9–8.2 in |
| Cargo (max) | 75.5 cu ft |
Engine and Performance
In 2025, consumers across the U.S. will have access to multiple options regarding engines for their new Kia Sorento. The base engine will be a 2.5L inline-four that has a maximum output of 191 hp with 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine can provide a smooth ride during day-to-day life while providing good overall fuel efficiency, and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
For those looking for something a bit stronger, the turbocharged 2.5L engine will generate a respectable amount of torque and power to the tune of 281 hp and 311 lb-ft, providing quicker acceleration and the capability to tow up to 2,000 lbs.
Drivers looking for a hybrid option on this vehicle will be able to choose from a 1.6L turbocharged engine coupled with a battery; this option gives you 227 hp and, thanks to the battery, a very zippy experience.
Additionally, a plug-in hybrid option that produces 261 hp and has a full electric driving range of around 32 miles will be available, providing an excellent choice for someone who only needs to make short trips while reducing their gas consumption.
Driving Dynamics and Mi-Drive modes
Engineers have enhanced the 2025 Sorento’s suspension, allowing for a smooth, responsive ride and accurate steering.
The addition of an all-wheel drive (AWD) option will enhance traction when driving on packed snow or light off-road terrain. For those who want a more rugged SUV experience, the X-Pro trim has an all-terrain setup with 8.2 inches of ground clearance.
New this year for the Sorento are five Mi-Drive modes (Eco/Sport/Comfort/Smart/Snow), which adjust throttle/transmission/stability settings based on driving conditions.
The Sport mode will provide a more responsive vehicle, while the Snow mode provides better traction in winter. A Tow mode keeps the vehicle stable while carrying heavy loads of up to 2,000 lbs.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
- The hybrid powertrain provides 36 miles per gallon in the city and on the highway (front-wheel drive), which drops to 34 miles per gallon when using all-wheel drive, performing better than gas models that get 23 to 31 mpg.
- The plug-in hybrid offers 32 miles of electric-only driving plus 29 mpg in hybrid mode, helping commuters save on fuel costs.
- Features like regenerative braking and engine stop-start technology improve real-world fuel efficiency.
- The vehicle also comes with a 10-year hybrid warranty for long-term reliability. The gas turbo engine achieves 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway when driving under heavy load.
Kia Sorento 2025 Interior Features
This vehicle comes equipped with two 12.3-inch LCDs. The first display serves as the vehicle’s dashboard, while the second display functions as the vehicle’s entertainment centre. All vehicle trims support wireless device connectivity through either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Seating accommodations for seven persons are provided by the vehicle’s interior layout, which has the ability to adjust the middle row of seats forward and backwards. Additionally, the middle row of seats can fold flat, providing up to 75.5 cubic feet of available storage space for luggage and other items.
The driver and passenger front row seating provides heated leather seats and may include available cooling systems for the front row, as well as heated seats for the second row. The driver’s seat will also adjust up and down to maximise driver comfort during extended drives.
The vehicle’s climate control system enables the front two seats to determine their individual temperatures. Passengers in both the rear and third row are kept comfortable regardless of outside temperatures by providing heating and cooling sources located in the back and third row.
Exterior Features
LED headlights and taillights: The design is sharp and updated, with automatic high beams as standard; it improves visibility and gives a modern look to all models.
Panoramic sunroof: This power-operated glass roof is available on EX and higher trims; it lets in a lot of light into the cabin while still giving enough headroom for taller people.
20-inch alloy wheels: These are standard on SX and X-Pro models, and off-road versions come with all-terrain tyres; they add to the vehicle’s style and help with handling on different types of roads in the US.
Hands-free power liftgate: This feature automatically opens and closes the tailgate with adjustable height; it makes it easier to load groceries or sports gear without needing to fumble with keys.
Safety & Driver Assistance
Collision Prevention with Cameras and Radar: Using cameras and radar, this vehicle determines if an object (e.g., another vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist) is in an unsafe position with respect to the vehicle (‘forward collision’) and automatically applies the brakes when it is determined that a collision is imminent. This technology is offered in every trim and serves to provide additional safety.
Blind Spot Monitoring with a Camera System: Provides a visual warning if an object is located in the driver’s blind spot. When activated, this system includes alert notifications displayed on the Multi-Information Display (MID). Also includes a ‘Rear Cross Traffic’ warning to assist in executing safe lane changes or backing up the vehicle safely.
Highway Driving Assistance: Maintains a safe distance from other travelling vehicles, maintains a lane while driving and helps the driver to maintain the same speed as other vehicles legally travelling on the highway. Highway Driving Assistance is particularly helpful during long-distance travel on a highway.
360-Degree Surround View Monitor: Available on the higher trim levels of this trim-level, this camera system allows a user to see 360-degrees around the vehicle for the purpose of parking and executing tight turns.
Kia Sorento 2025 Ratings & Market Position
The 2025 Kia Sorento is a top choice in safety, as it has been named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for models made after July 2024 in the U.S. It got good scores in crash tests, including front and side impacts, plus for its headlights and front crash prevention system, which works well up to 43 mph.
However, its rear passenger safety in overlap tests was only rated as “marginal,” which stopped it from getting the Top Safety Pick+ rating.
The Sorento is also expected to receive a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. Car and Driver gave it an 8.5 out of 10, praising its smooth ride, tech features, hybrid fuel efficiency, and overall value, though the third-row seating is a bit cramped.
Kia Sorento 2025 Market Position
- In the midsize SUV market, the Sorento does well, especially in the hybrid
- category, thanks in part to Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.
- It also keeps a solid 55% resale value after five years. With a starting price of $37,000, it’s more affordable than many other models, which usually cost around $42,000.
- While the Sorento is more efficient than most, it doesn’t match the Honda Pilot in towing power. Still, its mix of affordability, warranty, and hybrid performance makes it a great option for families looking for a reliable and budget-friendly SUV.
Kia Sorento 2025 Competitors Analysis
Here is the analysis with all the major competitors of the Kia Sorento 2025:
| Competitor | Starting Price | Base Engine/HP | Towing Max | Key Strengths vs. Kia Sorento 2025 |
| Honda Pilot | $40,000 | 3.5L V6/285 | 5,000 lbs | More towing, spacious third row |
| Toyota Highlander Hybrid | $41,500 | Hybrid 2.5L/243 | 3,500 lbs | Proven reliability, better resale |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | $35,000 | Turbo 2.5L/277 | 2,000 lbs | Similar features, bolder styling |
| Ford Explorer | $38,000 | Turbo 2.3L/300 | 5,600 lbs | Higher towing, sportier drive |
Final Verdict
In a competitive segment of large SUVs, the 2025 Kia Sorento impresses with great value, economy and trusted reliability from the manufacturer. There are several different types of powertrains available: gasoline (traditional), hybrid (combines gasoline with electric) or plug-in hybrid (combines gasoline with electric). Safety features that also provide peace of mind include collision avoidance systems/collisional warnings, and blind-spot monitoring. The Sorento may not offer as much towing capacity as other models in its class, including the Honda Pilot, but due to its exceptional resale value, excellent pricing compared to competitors, and extended warranty coverage, the Sorento is a good choice for people looking for a family-oriented vehicle.
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