Summary
Kia’s updated 2025 Sorento has gained fresh styling, bigger screens, and broader connectivity, ensuring it remains competitive in the family SUV landscape. Its core strengths - versatility, comfort, and a roomy three-row interior - are very much intact, while a range of powertrains now includes V6, diesel, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options.
The top-spec Sorento GT-Line Hybrid offers up to seven seats with minimal packaging compromises, plus real-world fuel savings if you spend most of your time in city traffic.
However, the 10,000km service interval and premium pricing keep it from being the obvious default choice. Supply constraints can also complicate your purchase journey - especially for the HEV.
Still, the Sorento remains a credible alternative to stalwarts like the Toyota Kluger and Mazda CX-9, matching them in technology while surpassing many rivals with a standard full-sized spare, competitive warranty, and a well-appointed interior.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comfortable, upmarket cabin for up to seven passengers
- Hybrid’s low-speed efficiency means strong urban economy
- Comprehensive safety suite and high-spec infotainment
- Full-size spare wheel across the range
Cons
- HEV in GT-Line only, with a premium price tag
- Short 10,000km service intervals and pricey maintenance
- Highway fuel consumption can climb
- Limited supply may mean long wait times
Specs
- Body Style: 7-seat large SUV
- Platform: N3 (shared with Kia Carnival, Hyundai Santa Fe)
- Launched: Fourth-gen arrived in 2020, facelift for 2025
Engine Options:
- 3.5-litre V6 (200kW/332Nm, FWD)
- 2.2-litre diesel (148kW/440Nm, AWD)
- 1.6-litre turbo hybrid (169kW/350Nm, FWD or AWD)
- 1.6-litre turbo plug-in hybrid (195kW/350Nm, AWD)
2025 Kia Sorento Pricing
Pricing Information – 2025 Kia Sorento
Before on-road costs
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Find me a dealInterior & Features
Even the base Sorento S now benefits from large digital displays, while top trims feature dual 12.3-inch screens, suede-like headliners, and quilted leather upholstery.
Storage spots abound, and the second-row bench slides/folds easily to access the third row. The updated climate controls integrate a dual-function touch bar for media and HVAC adjustments, which can be toggled at will.
Engine & Fuel Economy
Choose from V6 FWD, diesel AWD, hybrid (FWD or AWD), or plug-in hybrid AWD.
The HEV pairs a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine with an electric motor and battery for a combined 169kW/350Nm, returning as low as 5.7L/100km (AWD) in official testing.
Real-world usage may nudge beyond 6.5–7.0L/100km, especially on highways.
Image Gallery
Expert Media Reviews
Score: 8.1 / 10
"The Sorento Hybrid remains one of the best-equipped 7-seaters in its class, with great tech, though limited supply and higher service costs might deter some."
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Safety Rating
The Sorento has a 5-star ANCAP rating (2020 testing), scoring:
- Adult Occupant Protection: 82%
- Child Occupant Protection: 85%
- Vulnerable Road User: 63%
- Safety Assist: 89%
Read the full ANCAP report here.
Kia also includes seven airbags (including front-centre) across the range, though the third-row curtain coverage is partial.
A comprehensive suite of driver aids like AEB, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control is standard or available in higher trims.
Eco Rating
No official GreenNCAP rating. The hybrid sips around 6–7L/100km in typical mixed driving, making it more efficient than V6 or diesel versions in the city.
On highways, diesel alternatives may close the gap.
Reliability Rating
Owners generally praise Sorento build quality and Kia’s 7-year warranty coverage. Feedback averages around 4.1/5 stars (174 reviews), indicating mostly positive experiences.
Hybrid versions are newer but share proven Hyundai-Kia electrified components found in other global markets.
Cost of Ownership
| Item | Sorento HEV |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 7 years / unlimited km |
| Battery Warranty | 7 years / 150,000 km (HV battery) |
| Roadside Assistance | 7 years |
| Service Intervals | 12 months / 10,000 km |
| Capped-Price Servicing | 7 years coverage |
| 7-year Service Total | FWD: $4545, AWD: $4581 (approx) |
Short 10,000km intervals and the higher cost per service can add up for frequent drivers.
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Conclusion
The 2025 Kia Sorento maintains its standing as an all-around family SUV with a strong blend of comfort, tech, and choice of powertrains.
The Hybrid GT-Line underscores Kia’s push towards greener driving, offering solid real-world economy gains - at least around town - and minimal compromise in space or practicality.
That said, the Sorento Hybrid’s 10,000km servicing intervals and premium price can be off-putting, and availability remains tight. If you want a more widely available, cost-effective option for highway driving or towing, the diesel may still suit better.
But for families seeking an upscale, feature-packed 7-seater with efficient performance, the Sorento Hybrid stands out - provided you’re prepared to wait and pay for the privilege.
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Dylan Anderson
