2025 Kia Sorento SX-Prestige PHEV review: spacious and cozy, featuring an electric element.

      2025 Kia Sorento SX-Prestige PHEV Review: Spacious and Comfortable with an Electric Edge

      **MSRP:** $53,090.00

      “For families seeking additional seating options without fully transitioning to electric vehicles, the Sorento PHEV offers a commendable mix of efficiency, practicality, and affordability.”

      **Pros:**

      - Comparatively roomy interior

      - Reasonable electric range

      - Highly comfortable ride

      - Stylish exterior design

      **Cons:**

      - Lacks a seven-seater option

      Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles serve as a link between traditional gas-powered cars and electric vehicles, but not all are created equally. Fortunately, there are many PHEV choices today, whether you prefer a compact and sporty model or one spacious enough for a large family. The Kia Sorento, with its three-row seating, can certainly accommodate families. It's also smaller and sportier than the much-loved Telluride. For 2025, the Sorento offers two PHEV trims: the new EX model and the top-tier SX-Prestige, which I have been testing.

      The 2025 Sorento PHEV features updates as well, including new styling that matches the enhancements of the 2024 non-PHEV models, upgraded technology, and more.

      However, as a PHEV, the 2025 Kia Sorento SX-Prestige must offer more than just design. Does it fulfill the promises of a plug-in hybrid?

      **Design**

      Kia has refreshed the 2025 Sorento PHEV to align with its non-PHEV 2024 counterparts, which is beneficial. The front showcases sharp, angular headlights framing a large central grille, contributing to the vehicle's aggressive appearance. The rear design is similarly striking, featuring a split taillight layout for better visibility while enhancing the Sorento's overall aesthetic.

      The angular design flows throughout the body, adding to its sporty vibe, while the roofline gradually transitions to a subtle spoiler atop the liftgate. The SX-Prestige trim tested includes high-end features such as 19-inch alloy wheels and LED projector headlights, enhancing the vehicle's luxurious look.

      Even in the more budget-friendly EX trim, the Sorento PHEV maintains an impressive appearance. It fits seamlessly within Kia’s lineup, alongside models like the Telluride, offering a design that is both stylish and elegant throughout the series. Kia's meticulous attention to detail ensures that the Sorento appears well-balanced, possessing a visual identity that harmonizes with its larger, more opulent siblings. This results in a midsize SUV that feels both high-end and practical, providing an appealing choice for those looking for a hybrid without sacrificing aesthetics.

      The 2025 Sorento is larger than the Kia Sportage but not as big as the Telluride, measuring 189.6 inches in length, 74.8 inches in width, and 66.7 inches in height.

      **Interior and Tech**

      Upon entering, the Sorento SX-Prestige PHEV feels more akin to a luxury SUV than a mid-size hybrid. The stitched leather seats appear and feel premium, with both front seats offering heating and ventilation to ensure comfort regardless of outside temperatures. The second-row seats are equally well-equipped, featuring heating and built-in sunshades for added comfort during long journeys. A large panoramic sunroof also contributes to an open and airy feel.

      While the Sorento PHEV is a three-row SUV, the third row is not as spacious as the second, making it more suitable for children or as occasional seating that can be folded down when not in use. The second-row captain’s chairs are spacious and comfortable. Cargo space is adequate as well—providing 12.6 cubic feet with all seats up, which expands to 45 cubic feet when the third row is folded down, offering ample room for everyday use.

      At the front, the 2025 Sorento features dual 12.3-inch screens: one functioning as a touch display for infotainment, and the other serving as a digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment software is decent, it’s not exceptional, and the screen’s responsiveness could be improved. Fortunately, the vehicle supports wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to bypass the built-in software if preferred. Climate controls are separate from this display, although the capacitive touch control bar used for managing climate can be a bit unintuitive initially, but you will adjust.

      As with other modern Kia models, the Sorento includes camera-based blind spot monitors that provide a live feed on the instrument display when signaling. It also features a 360-degree camera system that offers a bird’s-eye view of your surroundings, both of which are useful features.

      Overall, the Sorento PHEV boasts comfort and style. While the third row may not be the most spacious, it’s convenient to have available, and for those needing more room, Kia's Telluride remains the