Kia Sorento PHEV review: Practical and affordable

Key Takeaways

• The Kia Sorento PHEV is a good choice for people who drive short distances and can charge at home.
• The Sorento offers all-electric assistance, seven seats, and intuitive technology, making it ideal for families.
• The plug-in version has enough space and modern features to improve the driving experience.

Korean automakers are always upping their game and the latest Kia Sorento, which joins the equally impressive Kia EV9 and EV6, is a prime example of that trend. It's a tall, all-wheel-drive SUV and has the added benefit of seven proper seats. Alongside the petrol hybrid and diesel variants, Kia offers a plug-in model, which comes with a six-speed automatic transmission and is more economical if charging at home is your thing.

Another Korean offering, the latest Hyundai Sante Fe is impressive to look at and drive. But I think I prefer the Sorento for the ease of living persona and plug-in appeal. As someone who charges a lot at home and does a lot of city-style travel, I can see it fitting into my needs easily. It's also a bit more interesting and offers more cargo space than something like the smaller Nissan X-Trail.

Pricing, specifications, and availability

I didn't get bamboozled by the trim options offered with the new Sorento. There are three classes as clear as day — 2, 3, and 4 — while powertrain choices are diesel, hybrid hybrid or, in my case, plug-in hybrid. Prices in the UK start at £41,995 (around $55,000) and even entry-level cars come with an impressive array of technology as standard. Of course, spend a little more money, and you'll find real fun in posher trims.

Design and build

Different curves and angles

The 2025 Sorento follows a similar theme to other models in Kia's current range. That means a lot of cool angles, especially around the front and back. Looking at it from the front, it's easy to see how this SUV relates to the big, beefy EV9. I think the angular headlights and bumper flare make the Sorento look different but not hot.

Things look just as good at the rear, with a more angular arrangement of the taillights, and a cool spoiler hanging from the rear window. From the side, the Sorento sports a good look that is enhanced with black glass and decorative trim. This is most prominent around the rear pillar, but under the doors it is nicely set off by chrome trim as well. Icing on the cake comes from eye-catching alloys.

From the side, the Sorento sports a good look that is enhanced with black glass and decorative trim.

As much as the Sorento pulls, I was a little worried that seven seats over three rows might mean the trunk would be limited. Thankfully, the seats are easily adjusted to take up the base 175 liters of space and turn it into a very spacious space. In fact, lower both rows of seats and the figure of 809 liters with the third row turns into 1988 liters.

Refreshing interior

Quality look and feel

Central to the appeal of the new Kia Sorento is its interior, with many levels of space to be found throughout. I really like the style of the seat covers, and they are all very comfortable too, even if I did squeeze the third row to see how things are going there.

My test car was nicely finished and while it's dripping with all the extra touches you find in luxury cars, the Sorento doesn't feel fancy at all.

If you have a family, then it's likely that the kids will love their high-riding position while there's still plenty of charging and storage space to keep that smile on their toes.

Considering this is an SUV aimed at families, I was very impressed with the interior selection. My test car was nicely finished and while it's dripping with all the extra touches you find in luxury cars, the Sorento doesn't feel fancy at all.

In fact, that makes me think it will be an even more attractive proposition for families, thanks to the selection of durable and easy-to-clean finishes.

The decline of technology

Good level of technology in all models

Another highlight, as is often the case with modern Korean cars, is the level of technology found inside the 2025 Sorento. The dashboard area is the main area of ​​interest, with a long landscape screen setup very similar to that found in the EV9. Having driven several Kia models recently, the features and functions were very similar. In general, everything is easy to understand, but if you are new to the series of controls, the learning curve may be a little steep.

Another highlight, as is often the case with modern Korean cars, is the level of technology found inside the 2025 Sorento.

Logically, especially for people who may be dealing with children, important climate controls and the like remain as buttons at the touch of a finger. Equally, though, I had no problem setting up Apple CarPlay and delving into the app icons that sit in the center of the 12.3-inch touchscreen and can be scrolled with a quick swipe. Everything is very well done. Another great feature found on other models in the Hyundai and Kia range, is the large blind spot camera that appears in the instrument cluster when it's on.

Battery, range, and performance

Lots of plug-in appeal

The Kia Sorento is a pleasure to drive, with the plug-in model offering the benefit of smooth and quiet electric assistance for parts of any journey. This feels like a powerful SUV too, aided by a six-speed automatic gearbox. Naturally, there is more weight added due to its size, but equipped with a very small 13.8kWh battery, the PHEV offers a range of up to 34 miles.

On US highways, I'm sure the Sorento will feel fine.

While I know that number isn't exactly huge, I tend to do a lot of short trips, which is where the whole plug-in adventure works best. Despite the benefit of increased gas mileage and reduced emissions, the Sorento is more than adequate on the road, with a slightly quieter ride at times. That said, it works very well in the UK with all the potholes that litter our roads.

On US highways, I'm sure the Sorento will feel fine. There's an upscale feeling of being in an SUV, with plenty of headroom. Toss this hot SUV around or take it into tight spaces and the Sorento will immediately remind you of its size and weight. Other than that though, the Sorento is an easy car to live with up front.

Should you buy a Kia Sorento?

I'm sold on the plug-in version of the Kia Sorento. I think it has a lot going for me, from the acres of space available inside, to the comfort, and then the benefit of electric power when I do short hops. The Kia's fit and finish is as good as ever, and it feels like a modern car, which should hopefully still look factory a few years from now. Quality review.