“The Kia Sorento is a comfortable vehicle with lots of room in the back for large items. The seats are easy to adjust, and the climate control is nice. The vents are smaller than I expected. There is a lot of road noise when driving on the highway or interstate. I do miss my steering wheel heater. Overall, I love my new vehicle.”
2025 Kia Sorento: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2025 Kia Sorento is that Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models receive the refreshed styling and newer dashboard already introduced on the gas Sorento. The gas models see only minor updates.
About the 2025 Kia Sorento
4th generation (2021-present); gas Sorento is in its second year after the 2024 refresh, while the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid adopt that refresh for 2025.
The Sorento is Kia’s three-row midsize SUV for shoppers who want family space without stepping up to a larger, heavier vehicle. Kia sells it as a flexible choice with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, a feature-rich cabin, and a strong standard safety story. What separates it from many rivals is that it mixes useful third-row seating and easy daily drivability with more upscale tech and, on X-Line/X-Pro models, a tougher-looking AWD personality.
For 2025, EX is the comfort-focused middle ground, with heated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, wireless phone charging, and a smart power tailgate. SX adds a stronger turbo gas engine and richer technology, while electrified SX-Prestige models pair AWD with dual 12.3-inch displays, Bose audio, and advanced camera and highway-driving aids. X-Pro SX Prestige gives the gas lineup its most rugged character and a higher towing setup.
What changed, by category
Styling
Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models receive the Sorento family’s refreshed front and rear lighting design. X-Line and X-Pro trims add black Kia and Sorento exterior badges.
Tech
Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models gain the newer dashboard, display layout, and infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the family, and the panoramic moonroof becomes standard on SX-Prestige.
Powertrain
The plug-in hybrid offering expands to two trims. The plug-in hybrid powertrain joins EX and SX-Prestige, while the prior SX Prestige trim leaves the lineup.
2025 Kia Sorento specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 1.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 1.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd / Automatic, 8-Spd Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 8-Spd Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 8-Spd Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 8-Spd Dual-Clutch |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD / AWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid / Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 20–36 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 34 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 29–36 mpg | 31 mpg | 29 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 34 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 227–281 hp | 191 hp | 281 hp | 281 hp | 281 hp | 227–261 hp | 281 hp | 281 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 195–311 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 1654–3500 lb | 2000 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 1654 lb | 4500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 75.5 cu-ft | 75.5 cu-ft | 75.5 cu-ft | 75.5 cu-ft | 75.5 cu-ft | 75.5 cu-ft | 75.5 cu-ft | 75.5 cu-ft | 75.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 29.6 in | 29.6 in | 29.6 in | 29.6 in | 29.6 in | 29.6 in | 29.6 in | 29.6 in | 29.6 in |
| Seats | 7 | 6–7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6–7 | 6 | 6 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 30 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 30 (Plug-In Hybrid) | |||||||
| MPGe Combined | 74 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 74 (Plug-In Hybrid) | |||||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||
| 360 Camera | |||||||||
| Traction Control | |||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | |||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||||||
| Reclining Rear Seats | |||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2025 Kia Sorento a full redesign?
No. The 2025 Sorento remains part of the fourth generation. This is a mid-cycle update for the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid, while the gas model largely carries over after its 2024 refresh.
What changed on the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid?
The 2025 Sorento Hybrid gets refreshed front and rear lighting, a newer dashboard and display layout, and updated infotainment technology. Its design now matches the recently refreshed gas Sorento more closely.
What changed on the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid?
The 2025 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid gets the refreshed exterior and newer dashboard technology, and its lineup expands with an EX trim. EX serves as the lower plug-in trim, with SX-Prestige above it.
Does every 2025 Kia Sorento have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the 2025 Sorento family, including gas, Hybrid, and Plug-in Hybrid models.
Is the 2025 Kia Sorento meaningfully different from the 2024 model?
Yes for the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid, but not by much for the gas Sorento. The electrified versions gain the refreshed styling and dashboard, while gas models largely carry over with minor appearance changes on X-Line and X-Pro trims.
2025 Kia Sorento Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2025 Kia Sorento.
4.1
2025 Kia Sorento
(54 reviews)
“Overall great vehicle. Menus are complicated and take too much time to figure out. Do not like integrated audio and HVAC controls. Very comfortable. Will be reliable”
“Great vehicle. Safety features are nice. Back seats have limited leg room and 3rd row does not have heating/cooling vents. Limited trunk room unless 3rd row is down.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 22317 / Kia America Announces 2025 Sorento Pricing
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 22095 / Kia America Announces Pricing For 2025 Sorento Hybrid
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 22098 / Kia America Announces Pricing For 2025 Sorento Phev
- kiamedia.com — Sorento / 2025 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Sorento Hev / 2025 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Sorento Phev / 2025 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 21773 / Kia America Announces Pricing For 2024 Sorento Suv
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 21385 / Kia Announces 2024 Sorento Hybrid
- kiamedia.com — Sorento Phev / 2024 / Pressreleases
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 23680 / Kia Announces Pricing For 2026 Sorento
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 23688 / Kia Announces Pricing For 2026 Sorento Hev
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 23690 / Kia Announces Pricing For 2026 Sorento Phev