What You Get at Each Trim Level

The 2025 Kia Sorento comes in five main trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. Each step up adds features, comfort upgrades, and technology rather than changing the vehicle's core size or engine. The LX is the base model with essential features; the SX Prestige is the most equipped version. Most buyers choose between LX and EX, which covers the practical middle ground.

Every 2025 Sorento uses the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The difference between trims is not power—it is what surrounds you while you drive. A sunroof, leather seats, a larger touchscreen, or a power liftgate might appear only on higher trims, but the engine and transmission stay the same across all five.

Kia also offers the Sorento in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive at every trim level. All-wheel drive costs extra but gives you better traction in snow and wet conditions. Front-wheel drive is standard and sufficient for most drivers in most climates.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2025 Sorento has five trim levels (LX, S, EX, SX, SX Prestige), and all use the same 191-horsepower engine—the difference is interior features and technology.
  • You can choose front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive at any trim level, with all-wheel drive costing several hundred dollars more.
  • The EX trim is where most popular features appear, including a larger touchscreen and power liftgate, making it a common choice for buyers wanting more than base LX.
  • Leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and premium audio systems appear only on SX and SX Prestige trims.
  • Kia offers technology packages at higher trims that bundle features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring rather than selling them individually.

LX and S Trims: What the Base Models Include

The LX is the entry point and includes air conditioning, power windows and locks, a 5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a backup camera, and Kia's SmartSense safety suite (automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, and adaptive cruise control). You also get a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and a roof rack. For most people, this covers the essentials.

The S trim adds a 7-inch touchscreen, a power driver's seat, and a heated steering wheel. These are comfort upgrades rather than safety or performance changes. If you spend long hours driving or live in a cold climate, the S might feel worth the extra cost. Otherwise, the LX handles the same driving tasks.

Neither LX nor S includes a power liftgate, leather upholstery, or a sunroof. If any of those matter to you, you will need to step up to EX or higher.

EX Trim: Where Most Features Appear

The EX is where the Sorento gains features that many shoppers consider standard on a three-row SUV. You get a power liftgate (so you can open the trunk with a button), a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and a power driver's seat with lumbar support. The EX also adds roof rails and a roof rack as standard.

The EX is also where Kia introduces the Technology Package, which bundles a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. This package is optional on EX and standard on SX trims. Many buyers find the larger touchscreen and wireless charging alone justify the EX over the S.

Seating remains cloth on the EX, and there is no sunroof. If you want leather or a glass roof, you need SX or higher. The EX represents the point where the Sorento feels like a full-featured family SUV without the luxury pricing of the top trims.

SX and SX Prestige: Premium Comfort and Technology

The SX adds leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and heated rear seats. The Technology Package is standard, so you get the larger touchscreen, wireless charging, and premium audio without paying extra. The SX also includes a power passenger seat and a heated steering wheel as standard (not optional like on lower trims).

The SX Prestige is the highest trim and adds ventilated front seats (which cool you in summer), a Bose premium audio system (replacing the Harman Kardon), and a surround-view camera system that shows you a 360-degree view of the vehicle when parking. The Prestige also includes a power-adjustable steering column and memory settings for the driver's seat.

Both SX trims include all the safety and convenience features from lower trims. The difference is refinement: softer materials, more adjustable seats, and audio quality that matters if you spend significant time in the car. These trims cost several thousand dollars more than EX, so the choice depends on whether those comfort upgrades justify the price to you.

Drivetrain Options: Front-Wheel Drive vs. All-Wheel Drive

Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims and is what most Sorento buyers choose. It handles normal driving in most climates, costs less, and uses slightly less fuel than all-wheel drive. If you live in a warm or temperate area and do not regularly drive in snow or on unpaved roads, front-wheel drive is sufficient.

All-wheel drive is available on every trim level and sends power to all four wheels for better traction in snow, ice, and rain. It adds several hundred dollars to the price and reduces fuel economy by a small amount. If you live in a region with regular winter weather or frequently drive on gravel or dirt roads, all-wheel drive is worth considering. Some buyers also prefer it for the added stability on wet highways, even in mild climates.

The choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive is independent of trim level. You can buy an LX with all-wheel drive or an SX Prestige with front-wheel drive. Decide based on your climate and driving habits, not on which trim you choose.

Optional Packages and Add-Ons

Beyond the Technology Package mentioned on EX trims, Kia offers a few other bundled options. A Convenience Package may be available on certain trims and typically includes items like a power liftgate, wireless charging, and upgraded audio—features that might already be standard on higher trims. Always check what is included in your specific trim before paying for a package.

Paint color choices are the same across all trims, but some colors cost extra. Metallic and pearl finishes typically add $300 to $500 to the price. Wheel designs vary by trim: LX and S get smaller, simpler designs, while EX and higher get larger, more styled wheels. If you prefer a specific wheel design, check whether it is available on your chosen trim.

Kia does not offer individual feature selection on most items—you buy features as part of a trim level or package. This means you cannot, for example, get leather seats on an S trim without moving to EX. If a specific feature matters to you, confirm it is included in the trim you are considering before you purchase.

How to Compare Trims Side by Side

The clearest way to compare is to visit Kia's official website and use their build-and-price tool. You can select each trim level, choose front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and see the exact price and feature list. This tool shows you what changes between trims and what the total cost will be before you visit a dealer.

When comparing, focus on features that matter to your daily life. If you rarely use a sunroof, paying extra for SX might not make sense. If you spend hours commuting, leather seats and premium audio on SX Prestige might feel worth it. Write down the three or four features most important to you, then find the lowest trim that includes all of them.

Dealer inventory varies by location and season. You might find an EX with all-wheel drive in stock but have to wait for an SX. If you have a specific configuration in mind and it is not available locally, ask the dealer whether they can order it from another location or place a factory order. Lead times for factory orders vary but typically range from a few weeks to a few months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2025 Sorento available as a two-row or three-row SUV?

The 2025 Sorento is a three-row SUV at all trim levels. The third row is smaller and best suited for children or occasional use by adults on short trips. If you need a true two-row SUV, Kia offers the Niro, which is smaller and more fuel-efficient.

Does every trim come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all five trims, starting with the 5-inch touchscreen on LX. The difference is screen size: LX and S have smaller screens, while EX and higher have larger screens with wireless connectivity (meaning you do not need to plug in your phone).

What is the fuel economy difference between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive?

The EPA estimates front-wheel drive Sorento at approximately 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. All-wheel drive typically reduces highway fuel economy by 1 to 2 mpg. The exact difference depends on driving conditions and habits, but all-wheel drive costs more in fuel over time.

Can I get a sunroof on the EX trim?

No. The panoramic sunroof is exclusive to SX and SX Prestige trims. If a sunroof is important to you, you will need to move up to SX, which adds other features like leather seats and heated rear seats as well.

What is the price difference between trims?

Pricing varies by location, dealer, and current incentives, so there is no single answer. Generally, each step up costs $2,000 to $4,000 more than the previous trim. Visit Kia's build-and-price tool or contact local dealers for current pricing in your area.