2025 Kia Sorento Review
Vehicle Type: The 2025 Kia Sorento is a midsize crossover SUV with three rows of seats, capable of seating six or seven passengers.
Price Range: Entry-level Kia Sorento LX models have a starting MSRP of $31,990 before any destination fees, dealership markups, or extra options. Top-of-the-line Kia Sorento X-Pro Prestige models have a starting MSRP of $47,390. Fully optioned X-Pro Prestige models can climb to $55,000 after options and accessories are added, in addition to the destination fee.
Powertrain: Base model Sorento LX models come with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive.
S models come with the same engine and transmission but can be optioned with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive.
EX and SX models come with front-wheel drive but include a more robust 2.5-liter turbo under the hood, which produces 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, sending it to the wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
X-Line and X-Pro models that slot above the standard trim levels also receive the more potent powertrain and standard all-wheel drive.
What’s New for 2025?
After a mid-cycle refresh that brought styling, infotainment, and trim level updates to the lineup for the 2024 model year, the 2025 Sorento sees no significant changes.
What’s Good?
- It's one of the least expensive three-row SUVs on the market
- A range of trim levels and two powertrains means more choices for buyers
- Modern and upscale interior
What’s Bad?
- It's one of the smallest three-row SUVs on the market
- Dual-clutch transmission is unrefined
- Pricier hybrid and plug-in hybrid models deliver more punch with better fuel economy
Would we buy one? Probably Not. The Sorento is an excellent crossover, but for around $5,000 more, we could have the Kia Telluride instead, and it does just about everything that the Sorento can and much more.
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Overview:
The 2025 Kia Sorento occupies an interesting space in the Korean automaker’s lineup. It slots above the smaller Kia Sportage and below the larger Kia Telluride. It joins the Telluride in the three-row club alongside the Kia Carnival minivan. It's smaller than both of those vehicles, but also costs about $5,000 less than both—a compelling incentive for families on a smaller budget.
The midsize SUV segment is a hot one, and the Sorento has to deal with three-row competitors such as the Toyota Highlander, the Hyundai Palisade, the Honda Pilot, the Nissan Pathfinder, the Ford Explorer, the Mazda CX-90, the Chevrolet Traverse, the Volkswagen Atlas, the Subaru Ascent, and the newly redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe. With the exception of the Mitsubishi Outlander, a three-row compact SUV, the Sorento is far less expensive than most other three-row SUVs.
Its budget pricing is not all it has to offer. The interior looks and feels upscale, its standard tech list is long, it offers passengers a comfortable ride, and comes with a choice of powertrains for those who like variety. Its exterior styling is modern without looking goofy, and less polarizing than its Kia Sportage sibling and Hyundai Santa Fe cousin.
Even though it has a lower starting price than both the Carnival and Telluride, both siblings give the Sorento problems. Each is larger, and the Telluride delivers much more than the Sorento for little more money. If about $5,000 breaks the budget, the Sorento is the better choice, but the fact that the Telluride exists makes it the better overall option.
Overall Score: 4/5 stars
Driving Experience: 3/5 stars
The Sorento is certainly a nice place to be when taking a drive or a ride, but offers just about everything one might expect when being transported in a midsize crossover. The ride is comfortable and quiet, and the entry-level powertrain, while not the most powerful around, is smooth and functions well, unless you start to push its 191 horsepower.
The more potent 281-horsepower engine is much peppier, and while it still isn't sporty to drive, it shows off the Sorento's competent handling capabilities a little better. Unfortunately, the dual-clutch transmission lets down its true potential, as it lacks refinement compared to other dual-clutch transmissions.
One thing the Sorento has going for it is its compact size compared to larger rivals like the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L. It feels more maneuverable and manageable in everyday situations than bulkier competitors.
Sorentos equipped with all-wheel drive also come with a center-locking differential. Most buyers will likely not be taking their vehicles on too many off-road excursions, but the X-Line models’ higher ground clearance and the X-Pro models’ minor off-road upgrades certainly give them a slight edge over standard crossovers.
Safety Features: 4.5/5 stars
The 2025 Sorento earns a near-perfect rating from us for its high safety scores and wide range of standard safety features. The NHTSA has awarded the Sorento a five-star overall safety rating, despite its four-star individual ratings in the front crash and rollover tests. The IIHS awarded the 2024 model a Top Safety Pick award, and with no changes on the docket for 2025, that high rating should carry over into the 2025 model year.
The Kia Drive Wise suite of safety features is standard on every Sorento trim level and includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance assist, pedestrian detection, cyclist detection, automatic high beam headlights, blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-following assist, intelligent speed limit assist, adaptive cruise control, driver attention monitoring, rear occupant alert, and safe exit assist.
Safety features reserved for higher trim levels include a blind-spot view monitor, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, front and rear parking distance monitors, side parking monitors, parking collision avoidance, a surround-view monitor, highway driving assist, and enhanced cruise control.
With one more star in the frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA, it would have gained a perfect score, but all that it has to offer is still very impressive.
Value: 5/5 stars
The Sorento does earn a perfect score in the value department. As a compact SUV, the Mitsubishi Outlander really has to stretch its limits to get its third row to work. As a midsize SUV, the Sorento is more competent. It still has one of the tighter third rows in the segment, but its starting MSRP of under $32,000, coupled with its standard safety features, tech features, and industry-leading warranty puts its value proposition well above more expensive competitors.
Even though the gas version's fuel economy can't match that of the hybrid and PHEV versions, it's not bad, considering its 3,800-pound curb weight, and it can even tow up to 4,000 pounds. That's lower than top competitors can muster, but still well above what many compact SUVs can tow.
Finally, the interior is inviting and comfortable. Most Sorento buyers will likely only use the third row in a pinch, and the 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third row will likely be opened up by folding down, giving buyers access to at least 38.5 cubic feet of cargo space. When considering the total package, few vehicles can match the Sorento’s value.
Tech Features: 4/5 stars
The bulk of the Sorento’s tech features come with its easy-to-use infotainment system and its over-the-air update capability. A 12.3-inch touchscreen comes on every model, and a four-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth with multi-device connectivity capability round out its standard infotainment features. A rear-seat entertainment system is an optional extra.
Other standard tech features include hill-start assist, downhill brake control, push-button start, power-adjustable side mirrors, and automatic LED headlights.
Features further up the trim level ladder include a camera-based rear-view mirror, dual-zone climate control, power-operated front seats, heated front seats, ventilated front seats, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a power-operated liftgate, and LED foglights.
Practicality: 3.5/5 stars
If practicality were solely based on having a third row, the Sorento would do better. The third-row seat is tight, though, and it cuts down dramatically on cargo space, 12.6 cubic feet of which is all that's available when the third-row seat is up. With the third row folded, 38.5 to 45 cubic feet are available, depending on the model. With all seats folded, buyers get 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
If that's not enough, the Sorento has a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds. Many midsize crossovers, such as the Honda Pilot, the Toyota Highlander, the Ford Explorer, and the Nissan Pathfinder can tow 5,000 pounds or more. Still, that figure is higher than many compact SUVs that can typically tow 3,500 pounds or less.
The third row may be tight, but the Sorento’s cabin is roomy. Rear-seat passengers have 41.7 inches of legroom and 39.1 inches of headroom, and front seat passengers have an equally spacious 41.4 inches of legroom. The Sorento’s cabin is practically laid out, storage cubbies are plentiful, visibility is good, and opting for second-row captain’s chairs makes access to the third row much easier.
Styling & Design: 4/5 stars
The Kia Sorento is a handsome crossover. It shares its front-end styling cues with the Kia Carnival minivan while its overall shape isn't as boxy as the Carnival's or the Telluride's. Its grille isn't overly large but wide and rectangular, clearly displaying its Kia lineage. X-Line and X-Pro models don't look overtly tougher than the standard trim levels, but come with more substantial wheels and higher ground clearance to give them a truck-like stance and a sportier look.
Inside, buyers will find high-quality materials and an upscale feel now typical of the Kia lineup. The cabin layout is simple but modern, and the recessed dashboard opens up the canopy, making it feel every bit as open and roomy as it is.
High-end trim levels come with luxuries such as leather seating, second-row captain’s chairs, heated second-row seats, a panoramic sunroof, a SynTex suede headliner, and simulated wood grain trim accents. These features don't make it any more elegant than other high-end midsize SUVs in the class with similar or better features, but it can go head-to-head with competitors.
Fuel Efficiency: 3.5/5 stars
The 2025 Kia Sorento does well for itself in the fuel efficiency department compared to other midsize crossovers. Front-wheel drive models have EPA fuel economy estimates of 23 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway for a combined rating of 26 MPG. All-wheel drive Sorento S models with the non-turbo engine earn the same city rating as the FWD Sorento with the same engine but a slightly lower 28 MPG highway rating, bringing combined fuel economy down by 1 MPG.
Front-wheel drive EX and SX models with 281 horsepower have fuel economy estimates of 20 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. X-Line AWD and X-Pro AWD models receive EPA estimates of 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway for a combined 23 MPG estimate.
The Honda Pilot, the Kia Telluride, the Hyundai Palisade, and the Nissan Pathfinder all fall short of the Sorento’s FWD and AWD figures. The Mazda CX-90 is more competitive; it comes standard with all-wheel drive, but earns a combined fuel economy estimate of 25 MPG with both its 280-horsepower and 340-horsepower powertrains.
Both the Kia Sorento Hybrid and the plug-in hybrid variants offer the ability for buyers to see higher fuel economy estimates, but they're more expensive. Simply because they are alternatives, the standard Sorento earns a lower score than it would if they were not.
What’s it Going to Cost Me?
Every 2025 Sorento comes standard with automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance assist, pedestrian detection, cyclist detection, automatic high beam headlights, blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-following assist, intelligent speed limit assist, adaptive cruise control, driver attention monitoring, rear occupant alert, and safe exit assist.
The 2025 Kia Sorento LX starts at $31,990 before the destination fee is added. It features a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It also includes a second-row bench seat, allowing it to transport up to seven passengers.
Its standard infotainment features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a four-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth with multi-device connectivity capability.
Other standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, hill-start assist, downhill brake control, push-button start, a smart key, air conditioning, power-adjustable side mirrors, automatic LED headlights, an electronic parking brake, and a drive-mode selector.
No package options are available with the LX trim, but standalone upgrades include a $350 auto-dimming rearview mirror, a $350 front skid plate, $790 running boards, a $1,500 rear-seat entertainment system, and various cargo assistance solutions, such as covers and interior protection items.
The 2025 Kia Sorento S starts at $34,590. It features the same powertrain as the LX, but buyers can choose to add all-wheel drive with a center-locking differential and a PTC heater for an additional $2,000.
It comes with the same standard features as the LX but adds front and rear parking sensors, Highway Driving Assist, navigation, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-operated driver’s seat, heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather-wrapped gear shift knob, roof rails, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
A $1,300 Panoramic Sunroof Package is available on the S trim and brings in a panoramic sunroof with a power-operated sunshade and LED interior lighting. In addition to $350 cross bars, its standalone options remain the same as the LX trim.
The 2025 Kia Sorento EX has a starting MSRP of $38,090. It comes solely with front-wheel drive but receives the upgraded 281-horsepower turbo-four and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The second-row bench seat is removed and replaced with second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to six passengers on the EX and subsequent trim levels.
It comes with the standard features from the S trim with the addition of an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a power-operated passenger seat, a power-operate liftgate, 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels, and LED foglights.
The 2025 Kia Sorento SX starts at $41,690 and features the same powertrain and drivetrain as the EX model.
It builds on the EX’s standard features and adds an upgraded forward collision avoidance system with evasive steering assist, a surround-view monitor, upgraded adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist II, a digital key, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power-folding side mirrors, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, aluminum sport pedals, LED interior lighting, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and LED taillights.
No package options are available with the SX, as the sunroof and LED interior lighting are included in the trim level’s standard features, but the standalone options remain largely the same as lower-trim models.
The 2025 Kia Sorento X-Line EX AWD has a starting MSRP of $41,790. It comes with the same 281-horsepower powertrain as the EX and SX models and all-wheel drive. Every X-Line model comes with increased ground clearance over the standard Sorento trim levels as well as X-Line gloss black wheels and two special color options: Jungle Green and Road Rider Brown.
The X-Line EX’s standard features mimic those of the EX trim with the addition of a panoramic sunroof, simulated wood grain interior accents, and high-utility gloss black roof rails.
The 2025 Kia Sorento X-Line SX AWD has a starting MSRP of $43,490. In addition to all-wheel drive and the X-Line upgrades, it comes with the same features as the standard SX model.
The 2025 Kia Sorento X-Line SX Prestige AWD has a starting price of $46,390. It shares its powertrain and X-Line features with the X-Line SX model, but the likes of leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and rear-window sunshades.
The 2025 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige AWD serves as the top-of-the-line Sorento model with a starting MSRP of $47,390. It comes with the same features as the X-Line SX Prestige, but adds 17-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and X-Pro embossed front seats to the mix.
Our Sorento model of choice would be the X-Line EX AWD model. We like the more potent powertrain, all-wheel drive, second-row captain’s chairs, and extra features that come with the EX trim. We could do without the unique X-Line styling and increased ground clearance, so the Sorento S would be a close second if we felt like saving some cash.
