2025 Kia Sorento

The 2025 Kia Sorento stands out as a compelling family SUV, earning an impressive 8.2 out of 10 rating from Edmunds. Starting at $31,990, this three-row SUV delivers surprising performance with its optional turbocharged engine, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds.

If you’re in the market for this exceptional SUV, Greenway Kia Franklin is the place to go. Their knowledgeable team and diverse selection make finding the right Sorento effortless.

While the third row is best suited for occasional use, you’ll appreciate the practical features and versatility this SUV offers. The Sorento continues to build on its fourth-generation foundation established in 2021, backed by Kia’s confidence-inspiring five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage.

In this detailed review, we’ll explore what makes the 2025 Sorento a strong contender in the family SUV segment, examining its real-world performance, interior space, and value proposition that other reviews might overlook.

2025 Kia Sorento Exterior and Design Evolution

Taking design cues from its larger sibling, the Telluride, the 2025 Kia Sorento showcases a bold exterior transformation with squared-off angles and a boxier shape. The front fascia features a distinctive large black grille complemented by vertically stacked headlights. Notably, the unique “Star Map” LED daytime running lights create an amber-colored signature, extending horizontally across the top of the headlights and vertically along the outer edges.

The rear styling receives subtle yet refined updates, featuring narrower vertically stacked taillights and a simplified bumper design. Furthermore, the Sorento offers various wheel options, including 17-inch alloy wheels for base models and striking 20-inch alloy wheels with machine-finished and gloss black designs for higher trims.

For adventure enthusiasts, the X-Pro trim adds distinctive elements including matte black 17-inch wheels, unique front and rear fascias, and high-utility roof rails. Additionally, this rugged variant boasts exclusive black badges and specialized black seat trim. The X-Line models specifically feature a specialized bumper design with molded-in skid plates and a matte and gloss black bridge-type roof rack.

Premium exterior features enhance both functionality and esthetics, including LED fog lights, power-folding side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, and a smart power liftgate. The available panoramic sunroof with power shade adds an extra touch of sophistication while creating an open, airy feeling. The Sorento maintains its aerodynamic profile while incorporating these robust design elements, striking a balance between sophistication and capability.

Performance and Real-World Driving Experience

Under the hood, the 2025 Kia Sorento offers two distinct powertrains. The base 2.5-liter engine produces 191 horsepower at 6,100 rpm, rather modest for daily driving. The star performer, essentially, is the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, generating a robust 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.

In real-world testing, the turbocharged Sorento impressed with its acceleration, sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds. This makes it nearly 3 seconds faster than the Volkswagen Tiguan. The base engine, consequently, takes a more leisurely 9.8 seconds with front-wheel drive and 10.3 seconds with all-wheel drive to reach 60 mph.

The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission paired with the turbo engine shows some quirks at low speeds. Primarily, you’ll notice slight hesitation when moving from a stop, though once underway, gear changes become seamless. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission in base models delivers smoother operation in stop-and-go traffic.

On the road, the Sorento maintains composure with decent handling for its size. The steering, though somewhat numb, offers good maneuverability in tight spaces. Moreover, the brake pedal feels nicely balanced, with the vehicle stopping from 60 mph in 121 feet – better than average for its class.

The ride quality varies by trim level. Models equipped with 20-inch wheels tend to transmit more road vibrations into the cabin. However, highway stability remains confident across all versions. Fuel efficiency stands at 23 city/31 highway MPG for the base engine, with the turbo variant achieving 23 city/28 highway MPG.

Interior Space and Family-Friendly Features

Step inside the 2025 Kia Sorento’s cabin, and you’ll find a thoughtfully designed interior that accommodates either six or seven passengers. The front seats provide generous space with 41.4 inches of legroom and 40.3 inches of headroom. Primarily designed for families, the second row offers even more legroom at 41.7 inches.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Sorento adapts to your needs with:

• 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row
• 38.5 to 45.0 cubic feet behind the second row
• 75.5 cubic feet with both rows folded

The Sorento excels in child safety features, offering four complete sets of LATCH connectors for the second and third-row outboard seats. Particularly noteworthy is the removable headrest design that simplifies car seat installation.

As a result of careful engineering, accessing the third row becomes effortless through one-touch sliding second-row seats. The cabin stays comfortable year-round with standard heated front seats, plus available ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats. In fact, the newly added acoustic laminated glass on front doors ensures a quieter ride.

The interior refinement extends to premium materials, including available genuine leather upholstery and ambient lighting. The dual-level cargo floor enhances storage flexibility, particularly useful during family outings. For added convenience, the available Smart Power Liftgate opens automatically when detecting your key nearby.

Conclusion

Overall, the 2025 Kia Sorento proves itself as a versatile family SUV that balances style with substance. The bold exterior design, highlighted by distinctive LED lighting and rugged X-Pro trim options, helps this SUV stand out in crowded parking lots.

The turbocharged engine option certainly delivers impressive performance, sprinting from 0-60 mph in just 6.7 seconds – making it one of the quickest vehicles in its class. Additionally, the comfortable ride quality and balanced handling make daily driving a pleasure rather than a chore.

Your family will appreciate the thoughtful interior layout, offering up to 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space and easy-access third-row seating. The standard heated front seats, available ventilated options, and quiet cabin create a premium experience without the luxury price tag.

Above all, starting at $31,990 with class-leading warranty coverage, the 2025 Sorento represents excellent value in the midsize SUV segment. Whether you need a daily family hauler or weekend adventure vehicle, this SUV delivers the versatility, comfort, and performance most buyers seek.

Check out the 2025 Kia Sorento at Greenway Kia Franklin today and experience its exceptional features firsthand!