Hey there, fellow car enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid, a ride that’s been making waves with its updated design and impressive hybrid capabilities. If you’re in the market for a hybrid SUV that combines style, performance, and a host of modern features, you’re in for a treat. Let’s break it down.
What’s New for 2025?
First things first, what’s new in the 2025 Sorento Hybrid? Well, Kia has taken the already impressive Sorento and given it a bit of a facelift. Both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models now sport the sleek exterior styling and interior upgrades that were first seen on the non-hybrid models in 2024. The most exciting update? All Sorentos now come equipped with an updated infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, regardless of the trim level you choose. That’s right, no more fumbling with cords to get your favorite apps on the big screen!
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Alright, let’s talk dollars and cents. The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid starts at $40,065 and can go up to $54,465 depending on how fancy you want to get. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- EX: $40,065
- SX Prestige: $48,265
- EX PHEV: $49,365
- SX Prestige PHEV: $54,465
So, which one should you go for? We like the EX trim. Even though it’s the base model, it comes packed with goodies like faux-leather upholstery, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and remote start. It’s a solid choice that gives you a lot of bang for your buck without breaking the bank.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Now, onto the heart of the beast: the engine. The Sorento Hybrid is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine paired with an electric motor, combining for a total of 227 horsepower. Front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission come standard, but you can opt for all-wheel drive if that’s more your style.
If you decide to go the plug-in hybrid route, you’ll get a bit more oomph. The plug-in hybrid powertrain features the same basic setup but with a more powerful electric motor that brings the combined horsepower up to 261 ponies, and all-wheel drive is standard.
0–60 MPH Times
For those curious about the Sorento Hybrid’s speed, it managed a 7.2-second run to 60 mph at our test track. That’s pretty impressive for a three-row family SUV! However, if speed is your top priority, you might want to look at faster rivals like the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. Interestingly, despite having extra power, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version was slightly slower, hitting 60 mph in 7.6 seconds.
Towing and Payload Capacity
When it comes to towing, the Sorento Hybrid offers a 2000-pound capacity, which is sufficient for most light-duty tasks. However, it does lag behind some competitors, like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which can tow up to 6000 pounds. If towing heavy loads is crucial for you, this might be something to consider.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The plug-in hybrid model features an 11.8-kWh battery pack, delivering 32 miles of electric-only driving per charge. This is fantastic for those short daily commutes and local errands. However, this extra battery weight likely contributes to the PHEV’s slower acceleration times.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
If you’re looking for fuel efficiency, the conventional hybrid Sorento is the top choice in its lineup. With EPA estimates of 36 mpg city and 36 mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive model, it’s quite economical. The PHEV version shines with a combined rating of 79 MPGe, and although its gas-only estimates are slightly lower at 35 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, the ability to drive up to 32 miles on electric power alone adds significant savings.
In our real-world tests, the Sorento Hybrid EX achieved 31 mpg on our 75-mph highway route, while the SX Prestige PHEV managed 25 mpg.
2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Stepping inside the Sorento Hybrid, you’ll find an interior that’s both attractive and functional. The dashboard design is simple yet stylish, flanked by upright air vents and accented with ambient lighting and stitched surfaces. This gives the cabin an upscale feel that rivals more expensive SUVs.
Storage is abundant with numerous cubby spots and cupholders, ensuring that all your essentials have a place. The Sorento’s family-friendly nature is evident with standard second-row captain’s chairs and a two-place third-row bench. While adults will find the front and second-row seats spacious and comfortable, the third row is better suited for kids or smaller teens.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid places a strong emphasis on infotainment and connectivity, ensuring you have access to all the latest tech features. Every hybrid model comes equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes a six-speaker stereo, in-dash navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. If you’re looking for an upgrade, the SX Prestige trim offers a 12.3-inch digital gauge display and a premium 12-speaker Bose stereo system, elevating your audio experience to the next level.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Safety is a top priority for the Sorento Hybrid, and it comes with an impressive suite of driver-assistance features. Standard features include:
- Automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Each trim also includes adaptive cruise control and Kia’s Highway Driving Assist, which helps keep the Sorento centered in its lane while using the adaptive cruise system. For more detailed information on the Sorento Hybrid’s crash-test results, you can check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Kia offers one of the most impressive warranty plans in the automotive industry, providing peace of mind for Sorento Hybrid owners. The warranty coverage includes:
- Limited warranty: Covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: Covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Hybrid components: Covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles
However, it’s worth noting that Kia does not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance, which is a perk available from its corporate counterpart, Hyundai.
