The 2025 Kia Sorento continues to assert itself as one of the most compelling three-row midsize SUVs on the market, offering a blend of comfort, versatility, and value that appeals to a wide spectrum of buyers. Redesigned in recent years with an emphasis on quality, capability, and technology, the Sorento has matured from a practical family hauler into a well-rounded SUV that stands tall among rivals in its class. For 2025, Kia expands its appeal even further by offering a range of powertrains—including a new plug-in hybrid variant—while refining the Sorento’s design, safety features, and interior comfort. Whether you’re ferrying kids to school, navigating daily commutes, or heading out on weekend adventures, the Sorento delivers confidence, refinement, and modern convenience in a package that prioritizes everyday usability.
The exterior styling of the 2025 Sorento reflects Kia’s contemporary design language, combining sophistication with a robust presence. The front fascia features Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille flanked by sleek LED headlights that convey a sense of energy and purpose. The SUV’s profile is defined by dynamic character lines that flow smoothly from front to rear, giving the Sorento an athletic yet elegant look. The available two-tone paint options and larger wheel designs—up to 20 inches depending on trim—enhance its modern appeal, while roof rails add a practical touch for outdoor gear and cargo accessories. At the rear, updated LED taillights and a clean liftgate design complete the cohesive and upscale appearance. Overall, the 2025 Sorento manages to feel both rugged and refined, striking a balance that suits families and lifestyle buyers.
Under the hood, the 2025 Kia Sorento offers a diverse range of powertrain options, now including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The standard setup is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering balanced performance for everyday driving. For those seeking improved efficiency with electrification, the traditional hybrid pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor and battery pack, yielding a combined output that enhances both fuel economy and responsiveness. New for 2025, the Sorento PHEV couples the same 1.6-liter turbo engine and electric system with a larger battery pack that enables significant all-electric driving capability before the gasoline engine engages. This plug-in hybrid configuration delivers an engaging blend of strong total system power and zero-emission range, making it especially attractive for buyers who want to minimize gasoline use on a daily basis without sacrificing SUV practicality. All powertrain choices are available with all-wheel drive, adding traction and confidence in varied road conditions.
Behind the wheel, the 2025 Sorento delivers a composed and comfortable driving experience that underscores its role as a family-oriented SUV. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and irregular pavement with ease, resulting in a smooth ride quality that’s ideal for both city streets and highway travel. Steering is precise and predictable, enhancing maneuverability in suburban traffic while feeling stable and confident at higher speeds. Acceleration from the standard engine is sufficient for most everyday scenarios, while both the traditional hybrid and PHEV variants offer quicker throttle response and a more refined driving feel—particularly in urban settings where electric assist helps with smooth initial acceleration. The Sorento’s high seating position and excellent outward visibility further support driver confidence, whether navigating school zones or long road trips.
Fuel economy is an important strength of the 2025 Sorento, and the range of available powertrains provides options for diverse priorities. The standard 2.5-liter gasoline engine earns EPA-estimated ratings in the mid-20s combined, which is competitive for a three-row SUV. The traditional hybrid improves on this significantly, delivering substantially better fuel economy in combined driving due to frequent electric assist and regenerative braking. The new Sorento PHEV stands out with its ability to drive meaningful distances on electric power alone before switching to hybrid mode, translating into lower overall fuel use for many daily driving patterns. When operating in hybrid mode once the electric range is exhausted, the PHEV continues to deliver strong overall efficiency that remains competitive with the traditional hybrid model, making it an appealing choice for eco-minded buyers who still need SUV practicality.
Safety remains a cornerstone of the 2025 Sorento’s appeal, and the model comes equipped with an impressive suite of driver-assistance and crash-avoidance technologies. Standard safety gear includes forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims add features such as a surround-view camera system, parking collision mitigation, and advanced highway assist that reduces driver workload during longer trips. While official IIHS and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2025 model are still emerging, the Sorento’s strong structural design and abundance of active safety systems position it well to earn high marks in both organizations’ evaluations.
Stepping inside, the 2025 Kia Sorento delivers a comfortable and intelligently designed cabin that accommodates passengers and cargo with ease. The interior reflects thoughtful material choices and craftsmanship, with soft-touch surfaces, available leather upholstery, and accent stitching that elevate the overall ambiance. Seating is supportive and spacious across all three rows, with generous headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The third row is best suited for children or shorter adults, but overall it enhances the Sorento’s family-friendly versatility. Cargo space is generous even with all seats upright, and folding the second and third rows provides flexibility for larger items. Practical storage solutions throughout the cabin—large door pockets, a roomy center console, and hidden cubbies—reinforce the SUV’s everyday usability.
Technology in the 2025 Sorento is advanced and user-friendly, reflecting Kia’s commitment to connectivity and modern convenience. The infotainment system is anchored by a responsive touchscreen that includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. Available upgrades bring larger screens, premium audio systems, and enhanced navigation. Additional features such as a head-up display and a customizable digital instrument cluster add sophistication, while wireless charging and multiple USB-C ports keep devices powered and passengers connected. Over-the-air software updates help keep the Sorento’s tech current without requiring dealership visits, and connectivity features like Wi-Fi hotspot capability enhance the overall in-car experience.
The 2025 Kia Sorento is offered in multiple trims to suit a variety of budgets and needs. The base trim provides a strong list of standard features including many active safety systems and essential connectivity options. Mid-level trims add comfort and convenience upgrades such as heated seats, sunroof, and enhanced upholstery, while higher trims deliver luxury touches like premium interior materials, advanced driver-assist packages, and high-end audio systems. Pricing for the gasoline models begins in the low-to-mid $30,000s, with hybrid and PHEV variants commanding a premium over their conventional counterparts due to their advanced powertrain technology and improved efficiency. Fully equipped Sorento models with top-tier features can approach the upper end of the segment, but they remain competitive given the comprehensive content and capability provided.
The 2025 Kia Sorento stands out as a well-rounded and thoughtfully refined midsize SUV that balances value, capability, and modern features. Its comfortable ride, spacious interior, advanced technology offerings, and competitive fuel economy make it an attractive choice for families and daily drivers alike. The addition of hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains broadens its appeal without sacrificing practicality, offering buyers flexible options that range from efficient everyday driving to lower-emission commuting with electric-first capability. With its combination of safety, tech, comfort, and versatility, the 2025 Sorento delivers a compelling package for virtually any lifestyle, proving that Kia continues to push the boundaries of what a midsize SUV can achieve.
