2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid adopts the family look, costs more

2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid adopts the family look, costs more

The Kia Sorento Hybrid debuts its new face for the 2025 model year, as expected, one year after the gas-only Sorento introduced squared new looks and a loot box of tech to the three-row midsizer. Here again, “Star Map” lighting and amber daytime running lights frame the front corners, the rear taillights also get the super-thin stellar treatment. New 19-inch wheels do their part to convey the automaker’s recent futuristic vibe. The exterior color palette welcomes Cityscape Green, Interstellar Grey, Mineral Blue, and Volcanic Sand.

Inside, there’s a new Dust Blue color treatment available. The base hybrid EX sticks with a carryover instrument cluster with its embedded 4.3-inch TFT screen, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The SX Prestige steps up to the curved panorama display with two 12.3-inch screens, bringing tech like a faster Connected Car Navigation Cockpit and expanded over-the-air updates, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Digital Key 2.0. The top trim ups the cabin ambience with a standard suede headliner and ventilated front seats, too, all of which makes for a stout year-over-year price increase at the top.

New to the options list are Smart Cruise Control-Machine Learning (SCC-ML), designed to learn and match one’s driving style, and Highway Driving Assist 2 with automatic lane change.

MSRPs for 2025 after the $1,375 destination fee, and their changes from 2024 launch pricing, are:

EX: $40,065 ($1,700)
SX Prestige: $48,265 ($4,100)

Kia didn’t change prices on the 2024 Sorento Hybrid. The increase on the base trim is in line with what happened to the non-hybrid Sorento, MSRP bumps ranging from $1,500 to $2,500.  

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Both trims are powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder assisted by a 59-horsepower electric motor and a 1.5-kW battery. Combined output rings in at 227 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque, shifted through a six-speed transmission to the front axle in the base EX.

The EX can be upgraded to AWD for $1,800; the SX Prestige only comes with AWD.