Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.MSRP: $31,990Use the table of contents to jump to a sectionOverviewThe 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.AdvertisementAdvertisementFront-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.ExteriorFor 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.KiaView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleInteriorA 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.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 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.KiaView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articlePrice Range and Best Value TrimTrimDrivetrainPriceBase Trim: gas LXFWD$31,990Best Value: gas EXFWD / AWD$38,090 / $39,590Top Trim: gas X-Pro SX PrestigeAWD$47,390Top Trim: Hybrid SX PrestigeAWD$46,890PHEV: SX PrestigeAWD$53,090The 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 SpecsSpec2.5L2.5L TurboHybridPHEVPower191 hp / 195 lb-ft281 hp / 311 lb-ft227 hp / 258 lb-ft261 hp / 258 lb-ftTransmission8-speed auto8-speed DCT6-speed auto6-speed autoElectric RangeN/AN/AN/A30 milesFuel Economy (MPG)ModelCityHighwayCombined2.5L FWD / AWD23 / 2331 / 2826 / 252.5L Turbo FWD / AWD20 / 2029 / 2723 / 23Hybrid FWD / AWD36 / 3436 / 3436 / 34PHEV AWD--74 MPGe, 33 mpg gas onlyWarrantyCoverageDurationBasic (Bumper-to-Bumper)5 years / 60,000 milesPowertrain10 years / 100,000 milesRoadside Assistance5 years / 60,000 milesHybrid/EV Battery10 years / 100,000 milesPros and ConsPros:AdvertisementAdvertisementFour powertrain options, including hybrids and PHEVsIndustry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warrantySpacious second row (41.7 inches of legroom)281-hp turbo with 0-60 mph in 6.0-6.7 secondsCons:Third row tight for adults with limited cargo behind it (12.6 cu-ft)Ride stiff on rough pavement, especially on 20-inch wheelsPHEV models push well past $50,000Dual-clutch transmission shudders at low speeds in stop-and-go trafficVerdictThe 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.AdvertisementAdvertisementOn 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.KiaCompetitorsHyundai Santa FeToyota HighlanderHonda PilotMazda CX-90Shop the Car MarketplaceView the original article to see embedded media.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jun 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Cars section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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