Trims and Powertrain

Last model year’s SX Prestige trim is now called the SX Prestige AWD. It becomes the ultimate Sorento PHEV trim with the addition of the lower-priced EX AWD grade. As the names imply, all-wheel drive is standard. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and dual electric motors combine to produce 261 horsepower. The powertrain is completed by a six-speed automatic transmission.

Cargo capacity starts at 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row and expands up to 45.0 cubic feet when the third row isn't in use and 75.5 cubic feet behind the first row. Operating solely in electric mode, the Sorento PHEV can travel up to 30 miles. In hybrid mode, this Kia is EPA-rated for 33 mpg combined. The MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) is 74. Kia estimates that charging the 14-kWh battery takes about four hours using a Level 2/240-volt charger.

Standard Features

The list of included standard equipment for the EX AWD is extensive. The seating situation incorporates second-row captain’s chairs, giving the Sorento PHEV a six-person capacity. The upholstery is SynTex leatherette. The ten-way power driver's seat and eight-way power front passenger seat are heated. There are other upscale features like wireless device charging, a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear seat vents, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, automatic LED headlights, LED fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and remote start. This base trim also has roof rails, a 4.0-inch driver information display, heated power side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a dual-level cargo floor, sound-reducing windshield glass, rear privacy glass, seven USB ports (two per row and one in the front console), and 19-inch aluminum wheels.

The SX Prestige AWD is upgraded with perforated and embossed leather upholstery, a 14-way power driver's seat, a 10-way power front passenger’s seat, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, a driver's memory system, a digital key, second-row sunshades, a 12.3-inch instrument display, a digital rearview mirror, power-folding side mirrors, sound-reducing front-door window glass, LED taillights, automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers, and aluminum sport pedals. A panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade is standard in the SX Prestige AWD and optional for the EX AWD.

Advanced Driver Aids and Safety Technology

Both Sorento PHEV trims are well equipped with these advanced driver-assist technologies: forward collision avoidance assist (with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning detection), blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning, lane-following assist, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, highway driving assist, speed limit assist, driver attention warning, rear occupant alert, safe exit assist, automatic high beams, and front and rear parking sensors. The SX Prestige AWD also gets blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, a blind-spot view monitor, a surround-view monitor, enhanced forward collision-avoidance assist (with junction crossing, direct oncoming, lane change oncoming, lane change side, and evasive steering assist detection), reverse collision avoidance assist, side parking sensors, enhanced adaptive cruise control with machine learning, and expanded highway driving assist.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2025 Sorento PHEV’s 12.3-inch touchscreen is a substantial upgrade over last year’s 10.25-inch unit. It’s supported by navigation, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. The EX AWD has a six-speaker audio system that’s upgraded to a 12-speaker Bose arrangement in the SX Prestige AWD. Both trims have access to a Wi-Fi hotspot and Kia Connect remote services.