The 2025 Kia Sorento comes in five main trims, each with different standard features and price points
Kia offers the 2025 Sorento in LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims. The LX is the base model with front-wheel drive and a 2.5-liter gasoline engine. Moving up the lineup adds features like all-wheel drive, upgraded infotainment systems, leather seating, and advanced safety technology. The SX Prestige is the highest trim and includes the most comprehensive standard equipment.
Each trim level represents a different combination of comfort, convenience, and performance features. Understanding what comes standard at each level helps you decide which configuration matches your needs and budget. Kia also offers a plug-in hybrid variant on certain trims, which changes both the powertrain and available features.
Key Takeaways
- The LX trim starts with a 2.5-liter engine and front-wheel drive, while higher trims add all-wheel drive and more powerful engine options.
- Infotainment and safety features vary by trim, with the EX and above including larger touchscreens and driver-information systems as standard.
- The 2025 Sorento offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain on select trims, which affects fuel economy and available features.
- Leather seating, panoramic sunroofs, and premium audio systems become standard on mid-to-upper trims.
- All 2025 Sorento models include a standard warranty, though coverage details depend on your location and purchase agreement.
Engine and Powertrain Options for Each Trim
The base LX and S trims use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard on the LX, while the S offers all-wheel drive as an option.
The EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims can be ordered with the same 2.5-liter engine or with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged engine comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Kia also offers a plug-in hybrid variant on the S, EX, and SX trims, which combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor and battery pack.
The plug-in hybrid delivers different performance characteristics and fuel economy than the gasoline-only models. It offers all-wheel drive as standard and includes a larger touchscreen and additional technology features compared to the base gasoline trims.
Interior Features and Comfort Across Trim Levels
The LX trim includes cloth seating, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration, dual-zone automatic climate control, and power windows and locks. The S trim adds heated front seats, a power driver's seat, and an upgraded audio system.
The EX introduces leather seating surfaces, a panoramic sunroof, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a wireless charging pad for compatible phones. The SX adds premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power liftgate. The SX Prestige includes all of these features plus a premium Harman Kardon audio system and additional interior trim upgrades.
All trims come with air conditioning, power steering, and cruise control. Higher trims add convenience features like remote start, keyless entry with push-button start, and power-adjustable pedals.
Safety and Driver-information Technology by Trim
Every 2025 Sorento includes standard safety features such as multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and a backup camera. The LX and S trims come with basic driver-information features, while the EX and above add more advanced systems as standard.
The EX trim and higher include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, and lane-departure warning. The SX and SX Prestige add adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. These systems help prevent accidents and provide real-time awareness of the vehicle's surroundings.
Kia's SmartSense safety suite is the name for this collection of driver-information technologies. The specific systems included vary by trim level, so reviewing the detailed feature list for your chosen trim is important before purchase.
Exterior Design and Practical Features
All 2025 Sorento models share the same overall body design, but trim levels differ in exterior details. The LX comes with 17-inch steel wheels, while the S and EX use 18-inch alloy wheels. The SX and SX Prestige feature 19-inch alloy wheels as standard.
Higher trims add features like roof rails, a power liftgate, and LED headlights and taillights. The panoramic sunroof is available on the EX and standard on the SX and SX Prestige. All trims offer roof racks and tie-down points for cargo management.
The Sorento's cargo area holds 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This capacity remains the same across all trims, though higher trims may include power liftgates that make loading easier.
Technology and Infotainment Differences
The LX and S trims include a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The EX and above upgrade to a 12.3-inch touchscreen with the same smartphone integration features. All trims support wireless smartphone connectivity on compatible devices.
The plug-in hybrid models include a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen as standard, along with an upgraded navigation system and additional customization options. The SX Prestige adds a premium audio system with more speakers and enhanced sound quality compared to base models.
Kia's UVO Connect telematics system is available on most trims and allows remote vehicle monitoring through a smartphone app. This system can lock or unlock doors, start the engine remotely, and provide vehicle status information, though availability varies by trim and subscription status.
Plug-in Hybrid Configuration Details
The 2025 Sorento plug-in hybrid is available on the S, EX, and SX trims. It combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor and a 13.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The system produces 261 horsepower combined and offers all-wheel drive as standard.
The plug-in hybrid can travel approximately 32 miles on electric power alone before the gasoline engine engages. This makes it suitable for daily commutes that fit within the electric range. When the battery depletes, the vehicle operates as a conventional hybrid, using both the engine and motor for efficiency.
Plug-in hybrid models include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and additional technology features as standard. They also come with a Level 2 home charging cable, though a dedicated home charging station is sold separately. The plug-in hybrid trims cost more than their gasoline counterparts but may offer fuel savings over time depending on driving patterns and local electricity rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the S and EX trims?
The S trim includes heated front seats and an upgraded audio system, while the EX adds leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, and wireless phone charging. The EX also includes more advanced driver-information features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking as standard.
Does the plug-in hybrid come on all trims?
No, the plug-in hybrid is available only on the S, EX, and SX trims. The LX trim and SX Prestige trim are gasoline-only. The plug-in hybrid includes a larger touchscreen and additional technology features as standard compared to gasoline models at the same trim level.
Can I get all-wheel drive on the LX trim?
No, the LX trim comes with front-wheel drive only. All-wheel drive is available as an option on the S trim and is standard on the EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims. The plug-in hybrid models also include all-wheel drive as standard.
What warranty coverage comes with the 2025 Sorento?
Kia includes a standard warranty with all 2025 Sorento models, though specific coverage details vary by location and purchase agreement. You should review your warranty documentation or contact your Kia dealer for details about powertrain coverage, roadside information, and any extended warranty options available.
Is the panoramic sunroof standard on all trims?
No, the panoramic sunroof is available on the EX trim and standard on the SX and SX Prestige trims. It is not available on the LX or S trims. If you want a sunroof on a lower trim, you would need to check with your dealer about available options or packages.