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2026 Honda Ridgeline Review2025 Kia Sorento Review
Check out our comprehensive review of the 2025 Kia Sorento for details on the cabin, technology, amenities, and safety of this midsize crossover.What is New for the 2025 Kia Sorento?
2025 Kia Sorento – kia.com | Shop 2025 Kia Sorento on Carsforsale.com
The 2025 Kia Sorento is a do-it-all midsize 3-row crossover. From the low-cost LX to a premium SX Prestige with off-road gear and a pair of hybrids – traditional or plug-in – the Sorento can be configured for nearly any need. It sits below the Telluride, which we compare here, in Kia’s lineup, and for 2025 is largely unchanged. Badging on X models is now black, Panthera Metal replaces Gravity Gray on the paint palette, and hybridized Sorentos gain the mid-cycle updates from last year’s model.
Carsforsale.com Score
8.5/10
Powertrain
Score
8.75/10
Interior
Score
8.75/10
Technology
Score
8.5/10
Value
Score
8.25/10
The Breakdown
Hybrid fuel efficiency
Low entry price
Loaded with modern tech
Heavy use of the letter X
PHEV powertrain cost upcharge
Off-road bits require top trim line
The crossover for everyone
2025 Kia Sorento Specs
- 191 horsepower from base engine
- 195 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 8 available trims
- 12.6 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- Towing capacity of 4,500 lbs
- IIHS Top Safety Pick
- Available 12-speaker Bose audio system
- 100,000 miles powertrain protection
2025 Kia Sorento Powertrain 8.75/10
In LX and S trim, the 2025 Kia Sorento is powered by a 2.5L inline-4 making 191 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with an 8-speed automatic to spin the front wheels or, optionally, all four. Fuel efficiency comes in at 26 mpg combined for FWD models or 1 less when AWD is fitted. The rest of the lineup gets a turbocharged version good for 281 horses and 311 torques that works with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Fuel economy drops to 23 mpg combined for this engine regardless of drivetrain.
For an extra $500-$600, EX and SX Prestige models can be equipped with a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid mill that makes 277 hp and sips fuel at a rate of 36 mpg combined for FWD Sorentos or 34 with AWD. Or you can pony up as much $9,900 to add a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain to the same two models. The PHEV Sorento is AWD only, earns 33 mpg combined, and offers 30 miles of electric driving range. Towing capacity for the 2025 Sorento ranges from 2,000 pounds on base models to 4,500 with the X-Pro SX Prestige.
2025 Kia Sorento Interior 8.75/10
Every 2025 Sorento has 3 rows of seating, though occupancy ranges from 6 to 7 depending on the middle row setup. Like the similarly sized Hyundai Santa Fe, the Sorento has 42” of second-row legroom and 30” for the third row. Cargo capacity maxes out at 75 cubic feet and offers flexibility via a sliding second row, 50/50 split third row, and dual-level rear bay.
Comfort-wise, heated front seats and faux leather SynTex upholstery show up on S models and even base LX trims have geometrically patterned cloth seats to add some style. Across the board, an acoustic laminated windshield is standard and with the subscription-based Kia Connect, you can pre-heat or cool the cabin before getting in.
2025 Kia Sorento Technology Features 8.5/10
A 12.3” central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Kia Connect all come standard on the 2025 Sorento. SX models add a 12.3” digital instrument panel and for audiophiles, look to the SX Prestige models to enjoy a 12-speaker Bose stereo.
Kia fits every 2025 Sorento with forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a lane-keeping system, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. The NHTSA gave the Sorento 5 stars overall in crash testing and the IIHS rated last year’s model a Top Safety Pick.
2025 Kia Sorento Trims & Pricing
LX – $31,990
The entry-level Sorento features 17” alloy wheels, LED headlights, cloth upholstery, and a 6-speaker stereo system.
S – $34,890
In S trim, upgrades include 18” wheels, automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, wireless phone charging, and Highway Driving Assist.
EX – $38,090
Along with the turbocharged engine, Sorento EXs come with a hands-free liftgate, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and second-row captain chairs.
SX – $41,690
The Sorento SX is well-equipped with 20” rims, rain-sensing wipers, ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and a blind-spot view monitor.
X-Line EX – $41,790
Building off the EX model, the X-Line variant gains special 20” wheels and body styling along with black badging and LED cabin lighting.
X-Line SX – $43,490
Like the regular SX, X-Line versions feature LED taillights, a surround-view monitor, digital key tech, and Highway Driving Assist.
X-Line SX Prestige – $46,390
With the Prestige moniker, the Sorento boasts a choice of black, green, or brown leather upholstery, AWD, heated rear seats, and acoustic laminated front windows.
X-Pro SX Prestige – $47,390
Matching the X-Line SX Prestige Sorento for content, the X-Pro variant adds special seat embossing and matte black 17” wheels with all-terrain rubber.
2025 Kia Sorento Overall Value 8.25/10
For about $3,000 more than the base model, a 2025 Kia Sorento EX is a great place to start for buyers as it adds desirable content like heated seats, parking sensors, and Highway Driving Assist. It’s still some $2,000 cheaper than an entry-level Honda Pilot, but you could save even more money going the used Kia Sorento route. Kia’s leading warranty includes 5 years of basic coverage and 10 years on the powertrain, but no complimentary maintenance.
Carsforsale.com Overall Score 8.5/10
2025 Kia Sorento – kia.com | Shop 2025 Kia Sorento on Carsforsale.com
It’s hard to find faults with the 2025 Kia Sorento for someone who wants a comfortable crossover with decent cabin space and reasonable towing capability. The PHEV variants can be sort of outrageously expensive, but unless you must have the ability to drive on electricity alone for short trips, it’s not really worth it anyway.
The hybrid setups offer excellent fuel efficiency for only a few hundred dollars more than non-hybrids, and those regular ICE-powered Sorentos are well-rounded in their own right. With a $32,000 base price, loads of available upgrades, and knockout warranty, the 2025 Kia Sorento is a solid midsize crossover.
FAQ’s About the 2025 Kia Sorento
Is the Sorento AWD?
The Sorento is FWD with the option for AWD.
Where is the Kia Sorento built?
Sorentos for the North American market are built at Kia’s factory in Georgia.
Does the Sorento have a 3rd row?
Yes, every 2025 Kia Sorento has 3 rows of seating.
