Going hybrid for 2025 makes the Kia Sorento the best it’s ever been

The Kia Sorento has long been a favorite among midsize SUVs, striking a balance between practicality, style and value without venturing into a larger size like its big brother, the Telluride. For 2025, the Sorento is better than ever, thanks in large part to its newly available hybrid powertrain. With this addition, especially in the SX-Prestige trim, Kia has created what might just be the best option in the segment, if not the very best. 

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Photo credit: Kia

A hybrid powertrain that elevates an already great experience

The 2025 Kia Sorento SX-Prestige Hybrid is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor that delivers a combined 277 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This setup not only enhances fuel economy but also provides an impressive surge of torque off the line, making city driving smooth, effortless and efficient.

The hybrid really is the way to go here, as the electric boost ensures a responsive and engaging experience, while also maximizing efficiency. Our tester was rated at 34 mpg in the city and highway, and we averaged just below that at 31 mpg combined. 

Whether merging onto the freeway or navigating downtown traffic, the Sorento Hybrid delivers an excellent balance of power and refinement, making it extremely well suited to daily driving.

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Photo credit: Kia

Luxury and versatility at an unbeatable price

One of the Sorento SX-Prestige Hybrid’s most compelling aspects is its sheer value. While many competitors demand a premium for hybrid powertrains and luxury features, Kia delivers both — fully loaded — without breaking the $50,000 mark. The exterior is bold and sophisticated, featuring a refreshed front fascia, sleek LED lighting and available two-tone paint. It all looks very upscale and to be honest, pretty eye-catching.

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Step inside and the Sorento feels like a luxury SUV. High-quality materials adorn the cabin, with soft-touch surfaces, premium leather seating and an elegantly designed dashboard housing a massive digital gauge cluster and curved infotainment display. The SX-Prestige trim comes standard with heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a panoramic moonroof, a Bose premium stereo and so much more. It’s definitely the way we’d go.

Photo credit: Kia

Smooth, efficient and engaging driving dynamics

Kia has fine-tuned the Sorento Hybrid’s driving experience to be both comfortable and enjoyable, no matter your driving scenario. The suspension absorbs road imperfections with ease, yet the chassis remains composed in corners and feels confidence inspiring.

Steering is precise, and thanks to the immediate torque from the electric motor, acceleration is effortless in city driving. The transition between electric and gasoline power is nearly seamless and contributes to an overall premium feeling behind the wheel.

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The best in its class? 

The Sorento Hybrid elevates an already great car to new heights. With its upscale design, outstanding hybrid powertrain and feature packed interior — all at an accessible price — the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid SX-Prestige makes a compelling case as the best midsize SUV in its segment. Few competitors offer this level of efficiency, technology, luxury and stylish design at such a competitive price. 

For buyers looking for an excellent daily driver SUV with all the modern amenities that’s still affordable, the SX-Prestige Sorento Hybrid should be at the top of the list. Kia has not only improved the Sorento for 2025, they’ve darn near perfected it. 

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