The Kia Sorento is a rare option in the midsize SUV category, as it combines three-row seating with a hybrid powertrain for added fuel efficiency.
The Sorento Hybrid retains the practicality of the standard Sorento, offering comparable interior space with improved fuel economy due to its electrified setup.
Originally launched in 2021, the Sorento lineup received an update in 2024, with the hybrid version carrying over these refinements in 2025.
Competitors to the Sorento Hybrid include the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, and Honda Passport. In addition to the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, Kia also offers a gasoline-only Sorento with two engine options.
What’s New
- Bolder styling with an updated grille and headlights
- New 19-inch wheels
- Standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Enhanced active driver-assistance features
- New exterior colors: Cityscape Green, Mineral Blue, Interstellar Gray, and Volcanic Sand
- New Dust Blue interior option
Our Take
While not the largest three-row SUV or the most efficient hybrid in its class, the Sorento Hybrid strikes a balance of attributes that make it appealing. Like the non-hybrid Sorento, the Sorento Hybrid is best seen as a midsize SUV with additional seating rather than a full three-row vehicle.
The first two rows offer generous space, but the third row is relatively compact. The Sorento Hybrid’s compact body and maneuverability, paired with substantial interior room, make it an ideal choice for families who prioritize versatility.
Though the hybrid powertrain doesn’t match the performance of the Sorento’s larger turbocharged engine, it offers adequate power for most daily driving needs, though performance dips slightly as the battery drains.
Nevertheless, its fuel economy may compensate for the modest acceleration, especially for those seeking efficiency over speed.
With its stylish design, versatile layout, and comprehensive driver-assistance features, the Sorento Hybrid is a solid choice among three-row SUVs with a focus on fuel savings.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Sorento Hybrid retains its powertrain from previous years, featuring a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine paired with an electric motor, yielding a combined 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Power is sent through a six-speed automatic transmission to either front-wheel drive (standard) or optional all-wheel drive. The Sorento Hybrid FWD achieves a 0 to 60 mph time of 8.4 seconds, with AWD potentially improving acceleration slightly.
Both hybrid trims have added weight for the new model year, leading to slightly reduced city fuel efficiency but a 1-mpg improvement on the highway.
The Sorento Hybrid now delivers 36 mpg for both city and highway driving with FWD, a 3-mpg drop for city driving. The AWD model offers 34 mpg for both city and highway, a decrease of 2 mpg in the city.
Sorento Hybrid vs. Plug-in Hybrid
The Sorento Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid both feature electric motors, but they differ in performance and efficiency. The Sorento Hybrid generates 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque from its 1.6-liter turbo-four engine and electric motor, with an impressive driving range of 655 miles (FWD) and 602 miles (AWD).
The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid uses the same gasoline engine but has a more powerful electric motor, delivering a combined 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
In testing, the Sorento PHEV went from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, a full second faster than the standard hybrid. Its range is 460 miles, though the PHEV offers an EPA-rated 30 miles of all-electric range, making it ideal for those with access to home charging.
For buyers without charging access, the regular hybrid may be the better option due to its longer range and reduced need for frequent refueling.
Safety Features
The Sorento Hybrid is equipped with a robust suite of safety and driver-assistance features as standard. These include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intersection collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams.
For 2025, Kia has added the Highway Driving Assist 2, which includes automatic lane-changing capability. Kia’s latest adaptive cruise control system also learns the driver’s braking and acceleration preferences, adjusting accordingly.
Interior Space and Cargo
The Sorento Hybrid seats six with second-row captain’s chairs, unlike the standard Sorento, which has seating for seven. Both models, however, offer similar interior space.
Technology
Entry-level Sorento Hybrid trims come with a 4.0-inch gauge cluster display, while upper trims upgrade to a 12.3-inch digital display.
All models now feature a larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Kia’s updated interface, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
USB-C ports are provided in each row, and the front row includes an optional wireless charging pad. New technology options for 2025 include a digital rearview mirror and phone-as-key functionality.
Pricing and Availability
The 2025 Sorento Hybrid EX FWD starts at $40,065, with the AWD version priced at $41,865. The top SX Prestige trim, exclusively AWD, is priced at $48,265. The 2025 Sorento Hybrid models are now available.
Comparing Sorento Hybrid EX and SX Prestige Trims
The 2025 Sorento Hybrid offers two trims: EX and SX Prestige. The EX model, while entry-level, is well-equipped with seven paint options (including an extra-cost Snow White Pearl) and a choice of black or gray synthetic leather seats.
It features a standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen with navigation, a small 4.0-inch gauge cluster display, and a basic suite of driver-assistance features. Audio comes through a six-speaker setup.
Upgrading to the SX Prestige brings notable enhancements. This trim includes genuine gray leather seats as standard, with an optional Dust Blue leather choice, and all-wheel drive.
The exterior gains LED taillights and additional active safety features, such as a blind-spot view monitor, parking sensors on all four corners, Highway Driving Assist 2, and a 360-degree camera system.
A 12.3-inch instrument cluster joins the infotainment screen under a single curved glass for a cohesive digital display.