Kia’s midsize Sorento is back for 2025, and I’d like to help you choose between the different options for the new model year. This is no small task, as Kia offers the gas-powered Sorento in no less than eight trims, ranging from the entry-level LX to the premium SX and even a few off-road-inspired trims that add the X-Line and X-Pro outfits to the mix.
Throw in the increasingly popular hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, and it can be a little overwhelming when you’re trying to find a Kia Sorento for sale—but that’s where this guide comes in. I’ll walk you through each trim and engine option, see how they compare, and get you on the road to finding a Sorento that fits your needs. Strap in as we cruise through the 2025 lineup and see how the Sorento’s focus on customization has kept it ahead of the curve in the competitive midsize segment.
Four Powertrain Options
The Sorento can be had with two distinct engines for 2025, starting with a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder setup that provides 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. Those looking for a little extra power should consider upgrading to the turbocharged version that makes 281 hp. While this might have the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder design, Kia’s decision to add a turbocharger ups the output by a considerable margin. This version comes standard on the EX trim and above, giving drivers the opportunity to unlock the Sorento’s true potential without breaking the bank.
Both engines work in tandem with an eight-speed automatic transmission that provides the sort of smooth, responsive shifting that’s so important for creating a solid connection between driver and vehicle. The base engine outpaces the turbocharged version in terms of fuel economy with a small boost in both city and highway figures, but most drivers will view it as a small price to pay when you factor in the better performance.
If you’re looking to embrace the future while limiting your exposure to unpredictable gas prices, Kia also offers the Sorento in hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) forms. The Sorento Hybrid features a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder setup paired with an electric motor to give it 227 hp. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid retains the same gas engine but upgrades the electric motor to produce 261 hp and comes standard with all-wheel drive. While the plug-in does offer up to 32 miles of all-electric driving, the standard hybrid has the edge in terms of fuel efficiency with an EPA-estimated 36 MPG both in the city and on the highway to the PHEV’s 35 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.
Trim Levels
The LX
Starting at just under $32k, the Kia Sorento’s LX trim is a notable bargain in a market where rising prices have left drivers feeling a little fatigued. What can buyers expect from this budget-friendly SUV? The LX isn’t about to blow anyone away with a long list of premium materials and cutting-edge features, but it does offer a well-rounded outfit that’ll allow drivers to enjoy everything there is to love about the midsize crossover segment while sticking to their budget.
The LX comes standard with the 191-hp base engine, and while it’s limited to front-wheel drive, it does boast a generous list of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane keeping assistance, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, and rear automatic braking. While features like adaptive cruise control and intersection collision mitigation are often treated as optional add-ons, both come standard in the Sorento LX. Throw in a 12.3-inch infotainment display, LED headlights, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility with wireless connectivity, and it’s easy to make a case for the LX as one of the industry’s most value-packed SUVs.
The S
For a small additional investment, the Kia Sorento S brings a long list of comfort and convenience features into the mix, not to mention some important styling upgrades that set the trim apart from the entry-level LX. A set of 18-inch gloss black wheels and roof rails give the S a sporty look, while an available torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system with a center-locking differential provides an added sense of security when road conditions start to get a little challenging. The AWD system might up the Sorento’s utility and allow for some light off-road use, but it’s the trim’s interior enhancements that really make the S such an alluring option.
The cabin is outfitted with heated front seats wrapped in SynTex synthetic leather upholstery and can even be optioned with a panoramic sunroof that shines a little extra light on the handsome interior. Dual-zone climate control, an integrated navigation system, and a wireless charging pad fit this trim’s tech-forward cabin, but it’s the additional ADAS that really caught our attention this time around.
The S adds front and rear parking sensors, as well as a high beam assist feature that puts an end to the frustrating game of back-and-forth that comes with adjusting your lights for every passing vehicle. Like the base LX trim, the S is designed to accommodate up to seven passengers thanks to a spacious second-row bench seat. While the upper trims feature second-row captain’s chairs that reduce the seating capacity down to six, the LX and S are a great option for growing families that need all the space they can get.
The EX
Offering a satisfying blend of affordability and power, the EX trim replaces the standard 191-hp engine with the turbocharged upgrade that provides a considerable improvement in terms of performance. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine not only delivers a more engaging driving experience, but the EX also prioritizes driver convenience with a hands-free liftgate, push-button start, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror that’ll help to prevent drivers from being blinded by a tailgater’s high beams.
This trim is also outfitted with a smart cruise control feature that can handle all braking and acceleration duties in stop-and-go traffic, which is a welcome addition for any driver who regularly finds themselves facing a rush hour traffic jam. The EX is the first trim to incorporate the second-row captain’s chairs, which provide a comfortable throne for backseat passengers of all ages while reducing the SUV’s total capacity to six.
The EX X-Line
If you’re looking to up the Sorento’s off-road ability and curb appeal, the EX can also be optioned with Kia’s X-Line outfit. The X-Line adds the standard AWD system, as well as custom bumpers, silver trimming, 20-inch alloy wheels with a gloss black finish, and a set of raised roof rails that are ideal for accommodating bikes, kayaks, and other outdoor equipment. These additions aside, it’s the X-Line’s improved ground clearance that really makes this trim such a practical choice for those who don’t always stick to paved surfaces.
The SX
The SX trim embraces many of the comfort and convenience features found in the typical luxury model without the high price tag usually associated with the segment. Don’t get us wrong: you’re not about to mistake this trim for a high-end luxury sedan or SUV, but Kia has managed to stretch the budget pretty far to give the SX an impressive assortment of premium features that include simulated open-pore wood trimming. Automation is in full effect with the SX offering power-folding side-view mirrors, auto rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a panoramic sunroof with power sunshades that make for a bright, airy interior.
A 12.3-inch instrument display curves behind the steering wheel, allowing drivers to track all the relevant driving data and customize the readout to their liking. An upgraded slate of ADAS offerings includes a blind-spot camera that beams a live video feed of those hard-to-see areas directly to the instrument panel while a 360-degree camera gives drivers a bird’s-eye view of the Sorento that’ll make avoiding obstacles and nestling into tight parking spots easier than ever. The addition of Kia’s Highway Driving Assist 2 system leverages the SUV’s adaptive cruise control to offer the sort of hands-free driving experience that can make such a difference when it comes to driver fatigue and safety.
The SX X-Line
Like the EX X-Line, the SX X-Line ups the Sorento’s off-road resume with AWD, extra ground clearance, and some appearance-related upgrades. The trim provides a satisfying fusion of utility, convenience, and style while somehow keeping below the $44k mark. While the classic Sorento rides 6.9 inches off the ground, the X-Line ups that number to 8.3 inches for a lofty ride that’s equipped to clear rocks, brush, and other obstacles that might stand in your way. A dedicated driving mode for snow also ups your chances of success when the white stuff starts to fly.
The SX Prestige X-Line
The 2025 X-Line roster comes to a head with the SX Prestige X-Line, a luxurious take on the rugged trim that sees the Sorento packed with a full arsenal of upmarket materials and premium features. Comfort quite literally takes a front seat with Kia supplying the Sorento with genuine leather seating, a heated steering wheel, a SynTex suede headliner, and a 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and 10-way power front passenger’s seat with heating and ventilation that can be customized to fit any occupant. These enhancements aren’t limited to the front, with second-row passengers gaining heated seats and integrated sunshades.
AWD comes standard, but it’s the SX Prestige X-Line’s tech features that really tie the cabin together. A 12-speaker Bose audio system and sound-absorbing front-side glass provide a premium listening experience, while a 115-volt household-style power outlet mounted in the cargo area is perfect for keeping all your electronics, tools, and mobile appliances juiced up and ready to go. The Sorento’s auto-dimming rearview mirror adds a HomeLink feature that can automatically activate your garage doors, home lighting, heating system, and more as soon as you approach.
The SX Prestige X-Pro
Equipped with the turbocharged engine, AWD, 8.3 inches of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, the SX Prestige X-Pro is the most capable 2025 Sorento trim when it comes to tackling the road less traveled. Kia has also set the trim apart with 17-inch gloss-black alloy wheels and rugged all-terrain tires. The range-topping trim is the brawniest of the bunch, with a listed towing capacity of 4,500 lbs when equipped with all the relevant packages; it also adds a new machine-learning capability to the Smart Cruise Control System.
By monitoring a driver’s habits, including their average speed and brake engagement, the machine-learning feature can subtly tailor the ride to provide a remarkably accurate simulacrum of your driving routine. The SX Prestige X-Pro might not be ready for some of the more heavy-duty off-road antics one might encounter, but it does provide a well-rounded outfit that’s sure to take a lot of stress out of your daily commute.
Explore the 2025 Kia Sorento
With so many options on offer, it’s easy to find a 2025 Kia Sorento that truly earns its place in your driveway. This midsize crossover provides ample seating for as many as seven passengers, not to mention handy comfort and convenience features that have become increasingly important to the modern driver.
The Sorento’s comprehensive suite of ADAS shows just how adept Kia is when it comes to keeping up with the time and prioritizing those features that create a safer ride for everyone on the road. While we’ve largely focused on the gas-powered Sorento, the hybrid and PHEV trim ladders are similar: The EX Hybrid, EX PHEV, SX Prestige Hybrid, and SX Prestige PHEV provide more options to choose from, prioritizing value and introducing important enhancements to elevate your ride.
