The Three-Row Hybrid SUV That Doesn’t Sacrifice Fuel Efficiency

The car market hasn't looked this good in years, with all the diverse vehicles offering performance, luxury, space, and technology. You name it, and there's a car that has whatever trait you could think of. One of the more popular wants or desires is a spacious SUV that pulls in convenience and practicality. If you dive into some of the newer hybrids in 2025, you'll see a wide variety of models that bring just that. SUVs can cater to anyone, but if you have a large family or take your friends out every weekend, a three-row SUV should be at the top of your selection.

Hybrids (HEVs) aren't the only car platform that delivers optimized fuel economies and ranges, but it is one that showcases it effortlessly. You would think the larger the size of a vehicle, the less efficient it will be. While that's the case for many examples, there are several three-row hybrid SUVs that come with roomy interiors while pulling in some impressive fuel economies. There isn't just one right answer, but if you're trying to add another SUV to your list of possible candidates, there's one particular model that shouldn't be overlooked.

The Kia Sorento Hybrid Packs Some Efficiency Without Sacrificing Space

A blue 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid midsize hybrid SUV is driving on the road.

The Kia Sorento Hybrid is a phenomenal SUV that practically has it all and covers each base. The exterior boasts a sleek and boxy design, whereas the interior pulls in elevated themes through its innovative technology and features encapsulating comfort. Kia has been going full force ahead with its work within the electric automotive industry. While the Korean brand has steadily offered non-electric models over the years, a good portion of its focus has been on platforms such as hybrids, plug-ins, and electric vehicles. The Sorento Hybrid is just one example that backs up Kia's important role within the electric automotive industry, and it would be a shame not to explore this three-row hybrid SUV with all it has to offer.

A Combined Fuel Economy Of 34 To 36 MPG

Kia

Diving into what you're really here for: the interior space and efficiency. The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid is offered in two drivetrains, either front- or all-wheel drive. This changes the fuel economy ever so slightly, with the front-wheel-drive setup delivering 36 MPG across the board (city, highway, and combined). When it comes to the all-wheel-drive variant, it knocks it down two notches, offering 34 MPG in every category. This fuel economy is quite impressive, especially for a three-row SUV, but it gets even better with its overall driving range. The 2025 Sorento Hybrid provides an overall driving range of 602 to 637 miles. If you were to search for the best hybrid SUV with the longest driving range, you'd see this model towards the top of the list.

2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid Fuel Economy

Side profile shot of a 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid driving down the road

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An Interior That Offers Space And Comfort

Kia

Get ready to "unpack" the second, or possibly the most, important factor on the Kia Sorento Hybrid: its interior volume. When it comes to headroom, the Sorento Hybrid provides 40.3 inches in the front, 39.1 inches in the second row, and 36.8 inches in the third row. Depending on the person, legroom may be more important than headroom, and the Sorento Hybrid has you covered in each category. Regarding its legroom, the Sorento Hybrid offers 41.4 inches in the front, 40.7 inches in the middle, and 29.6 inches in the rear. It's apparent that the Sorento Hybrid capitalizes on interior space and comfort, but can it flip the script and use this space for cargo?

2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid Interior Dimensions

The Hybrid SUV With Some Of The Best Cargo Space

Kia

Kia knows how to utilize a cabin properly, offering admirable space that can then be used for cargo or storage. Starting out in the back of the SUV, the trunk alone provides 12.6 cubic feet of storage. Thanks to the seats being able to fold, if you were to just fold down the third row, you'd up that cargo capacity to 38.5 cubic feet. If you need even more than that, the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid offers a maximum cargo capacity of 75.5 cubic feet. Overall, the Sorento Hybrid offers 121.3 cubic feet of interior volume.

2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid Cargo Capacity

2023 Kia Sorento

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The Sorento Hybrid Isn't The Only One With Similar Specifications

The Santa Fe Hybrid Matches It In A Lot Of Aspects

Hyundai

The Sorento Hybrid isn't the only SUV on the market pulling in an accommodating cabin space or efficiency. In fact, another three-row hybrid SUV matches its main feature to the T. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid may look completely different from the Sorento Hybrid, but they share many of the same mechanical components underneath. Hyundai was actually the one to offer the powertrain seen on the Santa Fe Hybrid to Kia for their Sorento Hybrid. The real deciding factor is what you're looking for in an SUV because while they share the same powertrains, they house their own unique features, inside and out.

The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Shares The Same Powertrain And Fuel Economy

Hyundai

Both the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid are powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder hybrid engine. The biggest change, which isn't that big at all, is their performance numbers. The Sorento Hybrid falls ever so slightly in terms of power, delivering 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It makes sense that the manufacturer that designed and built the engine would come out on top in terms of performance, which is seen on the Santa Fe Hybrid, producing 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. While there was a slight power difference, both models share the exact same fuel economies and ranges.

2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid Vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Specifications

While it would be a long discussion over the differences seen on the inside and outside of both models, since the fuel economy was easy enough to compare, the only area left is the Santa Fe's interior dimensions. After all, you're trying to find three-row SUVs that capitalize on space and efficiency. Skipping past the head or leg space, the Santa Fe Hybrid provides 165.6 cubic feet of interior volume, 44.3 more than the Sorento Hybrid.

With all seats folded down, the Santa Fe Hybrid offers 79.6 cubic feet of cargo, 4.1 cubic feet more than the Sorento Hybrid. The Santa Fe Hybrid may be slightly larger and keep the same performance numbers but it will always come down to personal preference as to which model would best suit you.

The Sorento Hybrid Starts At $38,690

Kia

Kia keeps things simple on the Sorento Hybrid, offering it in just two trims: the EX and the SX Prestige. As you probably could have gathered, the base will be offered in Kia's free standard features, whereas the SX Prestige, which just by the name gets the point across, will house more features and technology. Kia starts the Sorento Hybrid out at $38,690 for the EX and goes up to $46,890 for the SX Prestige.

While higher trims seem more captivating, don't shrug off the EX because it comes with some impressive features such as large screens, driving aids, second-row captain's chairs, and more. Ultimately, if you're looking for an efficient three-row SUV, it's a no-brainer to check out some of the hybrid SUVs on the market. If space is a concern, various car brands offer three-row seaters, with the Sorento Hybrid being just one example of the many that are already out on the market.