2025 Kia Sorento Review: a Goldilocks Crossover?

The 2024 Kia Sorento gets a fresh update, with a revamped front-end design, upgraded interior tech, and a new trim level. While the gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains remain unchanged, these updates aim to keep the Sorento competitive in the crowded midsize crossover segment. But does it have what it takes to stay on top? Let’s dive in and find out.

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Presenter: Dave Undercoffler, Head of Consumer Insights
Cinematography: Phil Shuyler

#kia #sorento #kiasorento
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0:00 The 2025 Kia Sorento
0:30 Exterior
1:05 Pricing
1:27 Competitors
2:05 Powertrain
2:53 Interior
5:13 Middle Seats
6:09 Rear Seats
7:18 Cargo Space
7:34 Driving Impressions
9:00 Final Thoughts

[MS-qtco]

I do have a luxury sedan and decided to go for an mid suv car after having kids.. I went and searched for many cars and I always go back to the Sorento
the size is perfect for what I am looking for, the third row is big to fit 3 kids - no joke on this !

[sweeperdave]

I understand the initial confusion between the lower panel display that serves both the HVAC and the infotainment settings. But after three days of driving, I find the setup convenient. I mostly leave it set for HVAC and control media - sources, volume, etc. - from the steering wheel controls as I have since 2001 on other cars.

[thefingerofgod]

I have the same climate/stereo setup in my 2023 Sportage and it is absolutely a non-issue to use it for me as a driver. I set it to automatically switch to climate so it is always in that mode and then I control the stereo with the steering wheel (I use CarPlay as my music source). In all the years I have had this car I can count on one hand the times I have needed to press the button to toggle to stereo. When I have I press the button but it changes back to climate in a few seconds. As a result I am never confused as to the mode that it will be in when I reach to change the temp setting. Trust me when I say that it is not an issue.

[Steve-lii]

If these car brands are going to remove actual switches or imbed everything within the menus, they should create software voice controls. That way drivers can keep their eyes on the road.

[Gtrjerry]

Hmmm i actually think your biggest gripe is one of the coolest things they changed. You have your steering wheel controls and if you leave your temp on auto you rarely need to adjust it anyways. I think it's pretty cool and really innovative i havent seen that before

I have the 25 Sorento Hybrid SXP, love it so far

[stephenwinter]

Greetings from southern Ontario Canada I'm enjoying my 2025 hyundai tucson phev and awd is standard I'm still getting used to the gear shifter on the steering column thanks for the presentation 🇨🇦

[jnov]

Nice review. That small panel isn’t as bad as described. Not the best setup, but it is seriously not bad. It looks clean too.

[NecdetKonusan]

Is this the version that constantly leaks oil or the version that constantly breaks down? I think they are both aluminum paper motors.

[southkiddJ]

You’re able to have the climate/media stay on either choice by pressing and holding. I personally keep mine on the climate and use the steering wheel functions for the media. Not that big of a deal honestly. At least Kia/Hyundai/Genesis hasn’t forced the simplest functions into the touch screen.

[scottfurlong]

Excellent review! You hit all the points pretty dead on even the frustrating heater controls. I do have to say however that you guys are a little too used to driving fast vehicles. To say that the 2.5 L turbo in that thing is working hard is not what I felt. When I drove them. I felt it pulled extremely hard for its size and the transmission shifted fast and precise. The 2.5 L naturally aspirated engine in our Sportage was also deemed anemic but paired with the 8-speed transmission. It turns a sportage into a little rocket. I think you guys need to stop comparing passenger cars and SUVs with Porsche 911s and Chevy Corvettes.

[AB-jktw]

Great review. Concise with lots of information and no fluff.

[quitegenius]

I will just leave the middle controller at climate. Usually any car has multimedia controls on the steering.

[brianarant]

I don't see a big issue with the controls. I would change the temp with the dash control panel and the volume with the steering wheel controls. I rarely ever touch the dash to change basic controls on the audio system.

[jameshutchins]

Are you Gavin Newsom's lost brother? ;) Seriously!

[francisspaman]

Absolutely don’t want shared radio and climate controls. You are spot on with your assessment of this feature. I will not consider this vehicle because of that.

[BradfordSparks]

The only vehicle with less cargo room behind the 3rd row than the Sorento is the new Lexus GX.

[thomasdalbec]

On the unit tested, anybody know if I can get a second row bench seat?

[ThomasACarlos]

The Turbo with Dual Clutch tranny has been a disaster. Do your homework.

[ReRiderChi]

650 miles Nightfall edition; works great