We recently tested the Acura MDX Type-S SUV, and while we loved it’s storming, Euro-baiting performance, it was also an expensive proposition at well over $70k. We think that most 3-row SUV buyers will be shopping something more sensible like the Kia Sorento. While the regular model got an upgrade for 2024, the hybrids had to wait a year for the 2025 model to get all the new goodies. A good excuse to drive a 2025 Sorento SX, with the top-of-the-line plug-in hybrid powertrain!
Fresh Face
Up front, the Sorento gets a new look, bringing it more into line of the latest products like the Kia EV9. The “Tiger Nose” grille is more prominent and defined, while the previous model’s horizontal design headlamps are replaced with vertical LED lights the manufacturer calls “Star Map”, while a new lower grille and fascia feature horizontal LED fog lights and contrasting lip for some added bling. All in all, a handsome and upscale first impression.
The new front flows into a familiar profile, that looks tough and capable with subtle flares on the wheel wells, plus cut-in doors with a metallic lower trim piece for some added bling. Our favorite part are the 19-inch blacked-out, throwing-star design alloy wheels that give a rugged and handsome vibe.
The rearview makeover is more subtle with a freshening to the lighting design, and a lower garnish that looks more integrated to the overall design. Subtle but nice. Finishing off our tester was the Snow White Pearl paint that keeps things looking elegant and modern and really compliments the black and chrome trim. Handsome indeed!
Luxury and Tech along for the ride.
Inside is stylish, spacious and comfortable.
Open the door, and you’re immediately impressed with the airy, wide feeling with a horizontal dash line that spans the interior, and a wide center console that creates a dedicated driver’s environment. Our tester was dressed in a new interior color Kia calls Dust Blue that adds an elegant, relaxed feel to the design and enhances all the light that comes pouring in from the panoramic sunroof.
We like being in the driver’s seat, and that starts with handsome dual 12.3-inch screens that create a wall of info that looks like it belongs in some high-end brand like Audi or BMW. Kia calls it the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, with faster processing speeds and over-the-air updates.
The driver’s display gives you key information and has driver configurability, and like the best Hyundai/Kia/Genesis products when you signal left or right turn, a camera image for that side is presented on the driver’s display helping you to see traffic, curbs, etc. A great piece of tech you can use every day.
Seamlessly joined to it is a 12.3-inch info-tainment touchscreen display that’s big and bright and works superbly with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as in-dash navigation. We like the easy-swipe “tablets” that are part of accessing features – another thing that gives you a BMW-like vibe. And we’re also pleased that Kia includes a volume knob.
There is a bit of annoyance here, to keep things slender, the controls for the infotainment toggle with the climate control, so you can only access one or the other at a given time. Sometimes you think you’re turning up the volume and you start really cranking up the heat or a/c. We’d prefer dedicated controls to make things easier.
Other than that, it’s all at your fingertips, with a nice chunky, 3-spoke leather wheel, and an easy-to-twist gear knob. We like this better than the pushbutton designs we’ve found on the upscale Acuras, but ultimately, we still prefer a shift lever. You do have paddle shifters, to be fair, and since the Sorento isn’t really pushing the sport motif, we’re fine with the current system.
You’re not only surrounded by tech, but there are high-quality materials on our Prestige model that do feel..ahem…prestigious. It’s a well thought out vehicle, with loads of storage spots, a massive center console, and nicely sized vents for good airflow. The heated and cooled front buckets are well padded and designed to make any drive a comfy one.
Those in the 2nd row will enjoy equally comfortable captain’s chairs that recline for limo-like comfort. Or you can opt for a 3-person 2nd row bench if you need more room. The Sorento also features 3rd row seats, and like most vehicles in the class, it’s best for kids, but nice to have the flexibility. Access to the 3rd row is easy with second row seats that glide up and tilt for simple access with a single touch. With the 3rd row up, cargo space is tight, improving a great deal when you fold them, creating a nicely sized flat cargo floor.
Frugal Fun
While just about all the above can be spec’d out on any Sorento, our Plug-in Hybrid changes the stakes in driving performance and efficiency.
You actually have two choices in Sorento Hybrids. Both feature a 1.6-liter, turbo four-cylinder engine that makes its home in many Kia and Hyundai models. In the standard hybrid, it’s combined with an electric motor to create a solid 227 horsepower. Step up to the PHEV plug-in hybrid model and you get 261 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft of torque that comes in almost instantaneously. While that extra hp sounds good, the PHEV carries a larger battery pack that adds weight, so the acceleration for both models is a reasonable mid 7 second 0-60mph.
In the PHEV like our tester, it makes a big difference to keep it in Sport Mode, which gives you strong oomph off the line that makes it feel faster than it is, but you’ll have no problem keeping up or passing traffic. And with the plug-in powertrain you get up to 30 miles of pure EV mode. In the right situation you might never need to use the gas engine!
Once you’ve depleted that pure EV power, you still get impressive performance with a 33-mpg combined EPA rating – frankly we did better than that in our tester. And this is a modern hybrid system that constantly shuffles between EV, and combined modes, and does it so smoothly, you rarely notice. The 4-cylinder does add some sporty flavor when you push it, but around town and driven gently it’s a smooth and quiet companion.
And that pretty much sums up the driving experience – the Sorento doesn’t goad you into driving quickly, or have much of a sporty streak, it’s about a comfortable, serene, stress-free drive. Ride quality is very smooth, handling is sure-footed, and the PHEV features standard AWD with center lock and Snow Mode for challenging weather or terrain.
Adding to the confidence and serenity is a full cache of driver assistance systems, including Forward Collision Avoidance, including Cyclist and Junction Turning, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep and Lane Following Assist, and more. We especially liked the Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control that helps keep your distance even in turns and Stop & Go that makes the daily commute much less taxing.
If that’s not enough, the 2025 Sorento Hybrid includes available Smart Cruise Control-Machine Learning designed to adapt to and match driving style with certain inputs; and available Highway Driving Assist with automatic lane change designed to help the vehicle maintain a set distance from the vehicle detected ahead, stay within detected lane markers on select highways, and aid in lane changes under specific conditions. And it all works very, very well!
We’d also point out the convenience of the 360-degree Surround View monitor and the Digital RearView mirror that gives you a camera-based wide-angle, unobstructed view, even with loads of passengers, balloons or whatever that would normally block your field of vision.
What’s the Charge for a Plug-in Sorento?
More good news here. If you can forego getting a hybrid, the base Sorento carries a starting MSRP of $32,190. For a large, well-equipped and handsome SUV, that’s a great value. The Sorento hybrid model starts at $38,890. Considering the added efficiency, we think it’s still a strong value.
Our plug-in Sorento PHEV SX-Prestige AWD is the whole enchilada model and started at $53,090. For all the tech and luxury, you get, quite reasonable. Our tester added Snow White Pearl paint ($495), Dust Blue Interior Package ($295), carpeted floor mats and cargo covers, plus $1,415 for Destination. All told, we rang the bell at $55,825.
There are some worthy competitors, too. We’d look at the all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, which is also stylish, has a larger engine and 329 horsepower, and is the latest and greatest from Hyundai/Kia. At $60, 880 it’s also more expensive, but definitely worth a look.
We also like the Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid. It’s more powerful than the Sorento, with 323 horsepower, but a slightly smaller 26-mile EV-only range. Still, it’s very stylish inside and out, and serves up a sporting drive. At $58,290 it’s also a bit more expensive. Worth a look to be sure!
Handsome looks, a spacious and upscale interior, and an ultra-comfy ride. The 2025 Kia Sorento is a great 3-row family SUV with the added efficiency of an advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain.
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