Auto review: Bolder Kia Sorento PHEV boosts luxury, technology
The Sorento hybrid and PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric) now have the same bolder styling, attractive cabin laden with new tech features, and an extra dose of luxury in the renamed top-trim, the SX Prestige. There's also a new ground-floor trim, the EX, which is comfortably equipped and nearly $15,000 under the "prestigious" one.
Perhaps less sexy but no less important is Sorento's growing list of safety features, including Kia's superb driver-assist package - among the best in this midsize, three-row segment.
Sorento's new face sports vertical rows of LED headlamps framed by amber running lights on top and side. Together they flank a restyled gloss-black grille with satin chrome beneath. Strong creases on the hood and sides show its kinship to the larger Telluride.
At the rear Kia narrowed the tail lights and linked them with a thin light bar. The rear wiper is tucked neatly under the spoiler.
The conventional hybrid and PHEV have similar setups but the PHEV offers a bigger (13.8 kWh) battery that enables 32 miles of electric-only driving. After that, the engine kicks in seamlessly. If you plug in nightly and have a short commute, you could go weeks before seeing a fillin' station.
The EPA estimates a combined gas-electric outcome of 74 MPGe (equivalent). On gas only, expect around 33 mpg combined. Plug in at home to charge the battery in about eight hours, but a Level 2 charger can get it done in less than four. Regenerative braking helps reenergize the battery, too.
Each hybrid system has a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine paired to a single electric motor. The PHEV delivers more power with 262 horsepower (34 more than the standard hybrid) and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power is delivered to all four wheels by a six-speed automatic transmission - no CVT, thankfully.
Despite the PHEV's extra horses, acceleration is similar to the regular hybrid because of the heavier battery. Zero to 60 mph comes in an unexciting 8 seconds, though it can do 7.2 in Sport mode.
Other drive modes include Electric, Hybrid and Automatic, which switches as warranted. There's a Smart mode which finds a happy balance. There's also a Snow mode and Eco which saves energy but drops performance significantly.
Overall ride quality is good and it remains quiet enough and stable on the highway. While it's not especially quick, the plug-in hybrid handles well for a 5,600-pound crossover. It is well composed on corners, with partial credit to the heavy battery.
That battery also takes a bite out of towing ability. The tow rating for the PHEV is just 1,654 pounds, compared to 4,000 for the nonhybrid.
The cabin is a world apart from last year. The upscale SX Prestige has a clean, sophisticated look with suede headliner, ambient lighting, and leather-trimmed seats with stitching detail. The six-seater also is comfortable and plenty roomy from head to legs.
Front seats are heated, ventilated and have 14-way power adjustments for the driver, 10-way for the passenger. Second-row captain's chairs are heated and have even more legroom than some of the two-row crossovers. And they get window shades.
The third row, as is typical, is best left for kids with only 29.6 inches of legroom.
The cockpit technology is super impressive. The SX Prestige now has a curved panoramic display featuring dual 12.3-inch screens, one for navigation and infotainment, the other for a digital instrument cluster. It marks a giant improvement over last year in appearance, ease of use and response times.
A touch panel here also displays controls for climate and a 12-speaker premium Bose audio system. It includes wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless phone charger is stationed up front, too, and USB-C ports are available in all three rows.
There's no shortage of storage cubbies, a must in any family hauler, and a panoramic sunroof with power sunshade brightens the ride how you like it.
Cargo capacity is meager with all seats in use at 12.6 cubic feet, but flip down the 3rd row with the push of a button to unveil 38.5 cubes. With both back rows down there's a generous 75.5 cubic feet.
Kia's "Smart" lift back is great when your hands are full: Just stand behind it for a few moments and it opens automatically.
Kia also added safety features and driver assists to the SX Prestige PHEV. A navigation-based "Smart Cruise Control" has intersection assist, detects pedestrians and cyclists, and can automatically slow the vehicle on curves. The intuitive system also learns your driving habits and adapts to them over time.
On the open road, Kia's Highway Driving Assist 2 enables hands-free driving and changes lanes.
The top-tier SX Prestige plug-in runs a few thousand dollars more for 2025, but you get what you pay for. It's a major step up in technology, has edgier looks and a more refined cabin.
2025 Kia Sorento SX Prestige PHEV
MSRP: $53,090
AS TESTED: $54,690 (All inclusive with features like panoramic sunroof, leather seats, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bose premium audio, rear sunshades, Highway Driving Assist 2)
What's all the excitement about? Edgier look, more power, dual curved screens for infotainment and gauges, a bevy of safety and driver-assist features.
Powertrain: 1.6-liter turbocharged engine paired with 91-hp motor for total 262 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque; 13.8-kWh battery enables 32 miles of electric-only driving
How's the performance? Not fast but lower emissions, remember, and good enough with 0-60 mph in 8 seconds; Ride quality is good, well composed on corners
Fuel economy: EPA-estimated 74 MPGe with electric-gas combined; 33 mpg combined when gas-only in use
Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
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