Plug - in hybrid electric vehicles bridge over the gap between a traditional burning engine vehicle and an electric fomite , but they ’re not all created equal . Thankfully , these days , there are quite a few PHEV options , whether you want something compact and sporty , or prominent enough to comport a large family . The Kia Sorento is certainly big enough to carry the family ( it has three rows ! ) , but it ’s also littler and flashy than the now - belovedTelluride , and in 2025 , there are two PHEV trimming — including the new EX model , and the top - of - the - orbit SX - Prestige , which is what I ’ve been driving .
There are other updates for the 2025 looping of the Sorento PHEV too though . They get new styling to match the upgrades of the non - PHEV 2024 simulation , update tech , and more .
But as a PHEV , the 2025 Kia Sorento SX - Prestige ca n’t just be about design . Does it turn in on the chaw - in intercrossed hope ?
Design
Kia has feed the 2025 Sorento PHEV a reinvigorated look that array with its non - PHEV counterparts from the 2024 model year . That ’s a good thing . At the front , sharp , angulate headlights flank a bombastic center grille , tot to the vehicle aggressive styling . The rear is every bit typical , with a split taillight design that enhances visibility while contributing to the Sorento ’s esthetic .
The angulate plan extends across the soundbox , helping give it a sporty appeal , while the roofline smoothly modulation into a subtle spoiler at the top of the cosmetic surgery gate . The SX - Prestige trim we tested fall with premium upgrades like 19 - in alloy wheels and direct projector headlamp , which help make the vehicle look even more premium .
Even in its more low-cost EX trim , the Sorento PHEV does n’t compromise on looks . It fits seamlessly into Kia ’s batting order alongside mannequin like the Telluride , deliver a design that ’s both fashionable and advanced across the range . Kia ’s attention to item ensures that the Sorento feel well - balanced , with a ocular identity that does n’t finger out of stead among its larger and more sybaritic siblings . The resolution is a midsize sport utility vehicle that contend to finger agio and practical at the same time , offering a compelling pick for those who desire a cross without give style .
The 2025 Sorento is larger thanthe Kia Sportage , but not quite as big as the Telluride . It measures 189.6 inch in length , 74.8 inches in width , and 66.7 inches in height .
Interior and tech
maltreat inside , and the Sorento SX - Prestige PHEV feels more like a gamey - close SUV than a mid - size loanblend . The sewed leather seats look and finger premium , and the front ones are both heated and ventilate , so you ’re easy no matter what the out-of-door temperature is . The 2d - row seats are no afterthought either , with warming and built - in parasol that make long road trip more pleasant . And , a large bird’s-eye sunroof facilitate make everything experience even more overt .
The Sorento PHEV is a three - course SUV , though the third row is n’t as roomy as the 2d — and as such it might be better used for kids or as bonus seats that are fold down until they need to be used . The 2nd - row captain ’s professorship are spacious and comfortable though , which helps . Cargo quad is decent too — when all the seats are up , you get 12.6 cubic feet , but fold down the third rowing , and that thrive to 45 cubic feet . That ’s sight of blank space for day - to - day use .
At the front , the 2025 Sorento offers dual 12.3 - inch screens , with one touch display for infotainment , and a endorsement for the digital gauge clustering . The infotainment software is all right , but not incredible , and the screen was n’t the most responsive . gratefully the vehicle supports wireless CarPlay and Android Auto , so you do n’t really have to use the built - in package much , if you do n’t want to . mood controls are outside of that display , though the capacitive touch control taproom that you ’ll utilize for climate controls is n’t the most intuitive at first . You ’ll get used to it .
Like other modern Kia vehicle , the Sorento has camera - based blind fleck monitors that show a live feed on the instrument display when you signal . Other television camera include a 360 - degree photographic camera system , which yield you a bird’s - center eyeshot of your surroundings . These are both reasonably handy features .
Overall , the Sorento PHEV is comfortable and stylish . The third words might not be the most spacious , but it ’s nice to have when you need it , and if you want even more room , Kia ’s Telluride is still the go - to option .
Range and charging
The biggest benefit of a plug - in loan-blend is being able to drive on electrical power alone , and the Sorento PHEV delivers — though with some limitations . It offers an EPA - estimated 32 miles of all - electric range , which is decent but not groundbreaking . That should be enough for running errand or a short daily commute without using any petrol , but if you have a longer drive , you ’ll likely necessitate to rely on the hybrid system . Like most PHEVs , the Sorento works best for number one wood who have light access to charge at rest home or employment .
When it comes time to charge , the Sorento PHEV can reload in about 3 to 4 hour with a Level 2 charger , which is fair standard for plug - in hybrids . If you ’re using a basic household Level 1 outlet , it will take longer — but expect a full armorial bearing overnight . Unlike some full electron volt , the Sorento PHEV does n’t plunk for DC fast charging , so do n’t expect to top up quickly at a public charging place . That said , you’re able to still plug into a fast charger if take , but the charging velocity wo n’t be any fast than a typical Level 2 setup . For some , it may even be deserving have an electrician set up a Level 2 courser at your home .
Ultimately , the Sorento PHEV ’s range and charging capabilities are hunky-dory for most purchaser , but they do n’t rig any young bench mark . If you ’re look for a crossbreed with more electric mountain range , you might want to debate a dedicated EV or a PHEV with a larger electric battery , though the longer - range option are often more expensive . But if you could file regularly and desire a fuel - efficient S.U.V. that can handle some all - electric driving , the Sorento PHEV is still a solid choice .
Driving experience
The Sorento PHEV offers a substantial driving experience , though it ’s not particularly thrilling . The 261 - HP powertrain and all - roulette wheel drive leave enough power for day-after-day driving , but this is n’t a performance SUV by any stretch . speedup is fine — quick enough for merging onto highway or passing slow dealings , but not something that will affect enthusiasts . Steering is comparatively antiphonal , and while it wo n’t pop the question the sharp treatment of a sportsmanlike crossover voter , it ’s comfortable and easy to maneuver .
Kia include multiple driving modes to help tailor the experience . Sport mode prioritizes functioning by adjust throttle response and shifting , while Eco modal value strengthen thing down to maximize fuel efficiency . Smart mode attempt to balance both by adjust to your driving flair . There ’s also an EV / HEV button , which lets you switch between pure electric driving and hybrid mode , a key feature of any PHEV . If you want to take full advantage of the electric motor and save on gas , you ’ll in all likelihood be pressing that EV clitoris oftentimes .
Overall , the Sorento PHEV is a legato and composed drive , plan more for efficiency and comfort than excitement . It soaks up bumps well and remain quiet at highway amphetamine , making it a great option for farsighted commute or road trips . If you ’re looking for something more engaging to drive , there are sportier hybrids out there , but for those who prioritise a balance of practicality and efficiency , the Sorento gets the job done , and it does so in comfortableness .
How DT would configure this car
For those considering a stopple - in hybrid SUV , the EX PHEV trim of the Sorento is potential the undecomposed value . It offers the same powertrain and scope as the SX - Prestige PHEV but at a lower starting cost of $ 47,990 . The $ 53,090 SX - Prestige trim adds creature conveniences like more premium seating area , a surroundings - vista tv camera , and blind berth view monitors , which are nice to have but not substantive for those who merely want an efficient PHEV with three - row seating . If budget is a priority , sticking with the EX clipping assure you get all the nub benefit without pay extra for lavishness feature .
liken to alternatives , the Sorento PHEV stands out as one of the few plug - in intercrossed SUVs that propose a third run-in , at least in this price range . Competitors like the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid andKia Sportage PHEVare cheaper , but they do n’t provide the same interior outer space . If a larger cabin is n’t a necessity , those options may be worth considering for cost - conscious vendee . However , for families who want the tractability of extra rump without going full EV , the Sorento PHEV strikes a satisfying balance between efficiency , practicality , and affordability .
