Kia’s 2025 Sorento is here, a family-friendly 3-row SUV starting at just $32,000! Launched in July 2025, it offers gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options, seating up to seven, and a tech-packed cabin. Competing with the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, it’s perfect for big families. Book now for $500 at Kia dealers, with deliveries starting August 2025. Here’s why the Sorento rocks!
Pricing & Which One to Buy
The 2025 Sorento ranges from $32,000 (LX) to $50,000 (SX Prestige). The EX ($38,000) is the best pick, with a turbo engine, 12.3-inch touchscreen, and heated seats. The PHEV SX ($48,000) adds a 32-mile electric range for eco-conscious drivers.
EV Motor, Power, & Performance
The base Sorento has a 2.5L four-cylinder engine (191 hp, 181 lb-ft torque) with an 8-speed automatic. Need more power? The turbo 2.5L (281 hp, 311 lb-ft) is zippy. The hybrid pairs a 1.6L turbo with an electric motor for 227 hp, while the PHEV delivers 261 hp and 32 miles of electric-only driving. Front-wheel drive is standard; AWD is optional ($2,000). The turbo model hits 0–60 mph in 6.5 seconds, per Car and Driver, keeping up with the Pilot.
0–60 MPH Times
The turbo Sorento reaches 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, the base model in 8.0 seconds, and the PHEV in 7.2 seconds. They’re quick enough for highway merges and family road trips.
Range, Charging, & Battery Life
The PHEV’s 13.8-kWh battery offers 32 miles of electric range, charging in 3.5 hours on a 240-volt outlet. Gas models hit 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway (EPA), while the hybrid gets 36 mpg combined. The PHEV achieves 79 MPGe in electric mode. Real-world tests show the hybrid hitting 34 mpg at 75 mph.
Fuel Economy & Real-World MPGe
EPA rates the gas Sorento at 19/26 mpg (8.1/11.1 km/l) and the hybrid at 36 mpg (15.3 km/l). The PHEV gets 79 MPGe (33.6 km/kWh). In a 75-mph test, the hybrid delivered 34 mpg, and the gas EX hit 23 mpg, great for long drives.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo
The Sorento’s modern cabin seats six or seven, with captain’s chairs or a bench. Dual 12.3-inch screens (touchscreen and driver display) offer wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Extras like a panoramic sunroof, Bose audio, and heated/ventilated seats add luxury. The 357-liter cargo space expands to 2,138 liters with seats folded, beating the Highlander’s 2,027 liters.
Safety & Driver-Assistance
With a 5-star NHTSA rating, the Sorento includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims add a 360-degree camera and blind-spot monitoring.
Warranty & Maintenance
Kia offers a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. No free maintenance is included.
Why the Sorento Shines
At $32,000–$50,000, the 2025 Kia Sorento blends space, tech, and a 32-mile electric option, undercutting the Highlander ($36,000). Book now at Kia dealers or online—this SUV’s a family winner!