Sunday Drive: The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid AWD – Efficiency meets adventure
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- Deanne with the 2025 Kia Sorento as we went out on a snowy Saturday adventure in the Utah mountains.
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- The 2025 Kia Sorento.
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- The 2025 Kia Sorento.
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- Inside the 2025 Kia Sorento.
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- Inside the 2025 Kia Sorento.
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- The 2025 Kia Sorento.
Its always a great experience to get into an all-new KIA to see just what the brand has come up with in their new vehicles. So it was with the all-new Sorento, and we found that for families seeking a three-row SUV that blends efficiency, technology and all-weather capability, this new SUV needs to be on the list.
Redesigned with fresh styling and enhanced technology, along with a hybrid system, this SUV aims to provide the best of both worlds — spacious comfort with fuel-saving benefits. We spent a week behind the wheel of the new Sorento Hybrid and were thoroughly impressed by its balance of power, gas mileage and refinement.
First impressions: A modern yet rugged look
Kia has given the 2025 Sorento a facelift, and the changes were noticeable from the moment we first saw it. The front end had been reworked with a more squared-off grille, a modernized Kia logo and distinctive LED daytime running lights that gave it a high-end feel. Our test model came in Mineral Blue, a deep metallic shade that looked stunning in what winter sunlight we could find.
The Sorento Hybrid AWD sat confidently on 19-inch alloy wheels, and its sculpted body lines enhanced its overall appeal. While it has maintained the familiar Sorento shape, Kia has refined the design to be more assertive with an upscale vibe. Not being as large as a Telluride, it now, however, commands attention on the road.
A comfortable and spacious interior
Inside the 2025 Sorento Hybrid AWD, we were welcomed with an upgraded, premium-feeling cabin. Soft-touch materials, synthetic leather seats and an ultra-modern dashboard layout made the interior feel far more luxurious than anything we would have expected at this price point.
The driver’s seat was heated, ventilated and power-adjustable, ensuring comfort on long drives. The second-row captain’s chairs offered excellent support and easy access to the third row, which, while best suited for children, still provided decent space for occasional adult use. Cargo space was impressive, with up to 75.5 cubic feet when the second and third rows are folded down — proving perfect for Deanne’s weekly Costco run.
A massive 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen dominated the dashboard, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Kia’s interface proved to be easy to navigate, and we especially loved the quick response time and crisp graphics. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster further modernized the experience, displaying hybrid system efficiency, speed and navigation prompts.
One of our favorite features was the Bose premium audio system, which delivered rich, immersive sound. Combined with Kia’s excellent noise insulation, the Sorento Hybrid made for a quiet and enjoyable cabin environment, even on the highway.
Hybrid performance: Efficient and smooth
Under the hood, the 2025 Sorento Hybrid AWD featured a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power was sent through a six-speed automatic transmission, which felt more natural than the CVTs found in many hybrids.
The hybrid system worked seamlessly, switching between gas and electric power without hesitation. Acceleration was very brisk, and the Sorento Hybrid had no trouble merging onto highways or climbing steep grades. The AWD system provided solid traction; even during a weekend snow storm, it proved it would easily conquer Utah winters.
Fuel economy was the standout feature. Kia estimates the Sorento Hybrid AWD achieves 34 MPG combined, which is fantastic for a three-row SUV with all-wheel drive. During our week of mixed city and highway driving, we averaged around 33.8 MPG, proving that this SUV will deliver real-world efficiency.
Kia’s Drive Mode Select allowed us to tailor the driving experience. We primarily used Eco Mode, which optimized the hybrid system for efficiency. Snow mode did, however, come in very handy after the Saturday snow storm.
On-road comfort and handling
The Sorento Hybrid AWD proved to have a great ride, smoothly absorbing bumps with ease while maintaining solid road connection. Kia had tuned the suspension well, providing a comfortable experience for both driver and passengers. The electric power steering was light at low speeds, making parking a breeze, but firmed up at highway speed.
We took the Sorento on a scenic drive around Utah Lake, where it handled winding roads and snow-covered roads with confidence. It’s not a performance SUV, but it felt composed and secure, especially with AWD providing added grip.
Advanced safety features
Included in Sorento Kia Drive Wise is a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assist technologies. Standard features include:
- Forward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
- Blind-spot collision warning with rear cross-traffic alert.
- Lane keeping assist and lane following assist.
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.
One of our favorite additions was highway driving assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane centering. This feature made long drives stress-free, keeping us comfortably in our lane while adjusting speed based on traffic.
At the end of the week: A well-rounded hybrid SUV
The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid AWD delivered a winning combination of efficiency, practicality and all-weather capability. It offered more room than most two-row hybrids while maintaining excellent fuel economy, making it an ideal choice for families who need both space and efficiency.
With comfortable seating for six, advanced technology and strong hybrid performance, the Sorento Hybrid AWD stands out in a competitive market. It’s an excellent alternative to larger gas-powered SUVs and a more fuel-efficient option.
Kia has successfully blended practicality and fuel economy into a stylish and well-equipped package — making it an SUV worth considering for your next adventure.
Base price: $46,850
Destination charge: $1,375
Price ad driven: $49,090
