The 2025 Kia Sorento HEV and PHEV: Electrified Adventure

The 2025 Kia Sorento HEV and PHEV: Electrified Adventure
The 2025 Kia Sorento electrified lineup offers two paths to efficiency: the HEV for hybrid driving and the PHEV with 48km electric range

In a world increasingly focused on sustainable transportation solutions, electrified vehicles stand at the intersection of conventional driving expectations and eco-conscious innovation. The Kia Sorento lineup offers two compelling electrified options: the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). These latest iterations of the popular Kia mid-size SUV bring electrified advantages to the segment while maintaining the versatility, comfort, and technological sophistication that modern drivers demand.

Electrified Performance for Any Journey

The Sorento electrified models represent a commitment from Kia to expanding its eco-friendly lineup with vehicles that meet diverse driving needs. Both variants deliver high-efficiency electric propulsion during stop-and-go driving while providing worry-free gasoline performance when needed. The systems incorporate battery-replenishing regenerative braking, ensuring optimal energy usage regardless of driving conditions.

HEV Powertrain

The Kia Sorento HEV pairs a 1.6L Turbocharged GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) inline 4-cylinder engine with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. This powertrain configuration delivers an impressive combined output of 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, channeled through a 6-speed automatic transmission. The system provides robust performance while maintaining remarkable fuel efficiency ratings of 7.0 L/100 km in city driving and 6.9 L/100 km on the highway.

PHEV Powertrain

The Kia Sorento PHEV takes electrification a step further with its plug-in hybrid system. It features the same 1.6L Turbocharged GDI engine and permanent magnet synchronous motor configuration but with enhanced battery capacity and charging capabilities. The combined output increases to 261 horsepower while maintaining the same 258 lb-ft of torque as the HEV model. The PHEV delivers exceptional efficiency with a combined fuel consumption rating of just 3.2 Le/100 km when using both gasoline and electric power. When operating on gasoline only, it achieves 7.0 L/100 km.

What truly sets the PHEV apart is its ability to travel up to 48 km on pure electric power, sufficient for most daily commutes and local errands without using a drop of gasoline. When longer journeys beckon, the PHEV transitions seamlessly to hybrid operation, eliminating the range anxiety associated with pure electric vehicles.

Both the HEV and PHEV come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), ensuring confident handling across varied terrain and weather conditions. This capability is complemented by drive mode select functionality, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle’s performance characteristics to match specific driving scenarios or personal preferences.

For those with towing needs, both Sorento electrified models offer capacities ranging from 1,650 to 2,000 lb when properly equipped, making them suitable for hauling small trailers, boats, or recreational equipment on weekend getaways.

Battery Technology and Efficiency

HEV Battery System

At the heart of the electrified Kia Sorento HEV performance is its lithium-ion polymer battery system. Operating at 270 volts, the battery provides 64kW during discharge and accepts 49kW when charging, supporting the vehicle’s regenerative braking system that recaptures energy during deceleration.

PHEV Battery System

The Kia Sorento PHEV features a more robust lithium-ion polymer battery system operating at 360 volts, with 88kW discharge and 78kW charge capabilities. This larger battery enables the impressive all-electric range and can be fully recharged in approximately 3.8 hours using a 240V charging station.

Both models feature a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater, which enhances efficiency in cold weather conditions, ensuring reliable performance year-round. This attention to climate adaptability demonstrates an understanding of the performance demands placed on vehicles operating in varying seasonal conditions.

Design That Commands Attention

The exterior design of both Sorento electrified models strikes a balance between rugged capability and sophisticated styling. Standard 19-inch alloy wheels establish a commanding presence, while LED projection headlights, positioning lights, and daytime running lights provide both visibility and distinctive character. LED fog lights enhance visibility in adverse conditions, complementing the vehicle’s adventure-ready positioning.

Privacy-tinted rear door glass adds both style and functionality, while solar glass in the windshield and front door windows helps manage interior temperatures. Acoustic laminated windshield and front door glass contribute to the vehicle’s hushed cabin, creating a premium driving experience.

The exterior features thoughtful details, including sideview mirror signal repeaters, body-coloured sideview mirrors and door handles, a chrome-coated door garnish, and a satin finish beltline. A rear spoiler adds both sporty character and aerodynamic benefits. Roof rails come standard, allowing for the addition of cargo carriers or sports equipment for extended adventures.

The SX trim further elevates the exterior presence with LED taillights, power-folding sideview mirrors, a panoramic sunroof for an enhanced sense of openness, rain-sensing wipers, a distinctive gloss-black grille, and premium chrome front and rear skid plates that emphasize the vehicle’s capability.

Interior Comfort and Versatility

Step inside either of the Sorento electrified models to a cabin that expertly blends comfort, technology, and versatility. The standard configuration offers 6-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs, creating a comfortable environment for occupants in all three rows.

The EX trim features synthetic leather seating surfaces, while the SX trim upgrades to genuine leather in Light Grey or Dust Blue colour options (with the Dust Blue option unavailable with Cityscape Green or Volcanic Sand Brown exteriors). Both trims include heated front seats, with the SX adding air-cooled front seats and heated second-row seats for enhanced comfort in varying climates.

The driver’s seat in the EX trim offers power adjustability and 2-way lumbar support. The SX trim further enhances comfort with a driver’s seat memory function, 4-way lumbar support, and cushion extension. The front passenger in the SX trim also benefits from power seat adjustability with 2-way lumbar support.

Second-row seats slide and recline, and feature remote folding functionality for easy access to the third row. The 50:50 split-folding design of both the second and third rows enables various cargo and passenger configurations to adapt to changing needs.

Cargo capacity impresses with up to 2,139 L (75.5 cu. ft.) behind the first row, 1,090-1,274 L (38.5-45 cu. ft.) behind the second row, and 357 L (12.6 cu. ft.) behind the third row. An under-floor storage box and cargo net hooks add practicality for securing smaller items.

Climate comfort features include dual-zone automatic climate control, an automatic defog system, rear console ventilation duct, and second and third-row heating ducts, ensuring comfortable temperatures throughout the cabin regardless of external conditions.

Cutting-Edge Technology

The technological suite in the Sorento electrified models transforms the driving experience with intuitive interfaces and connected features. Both models feature a 12.3-inch multimedia interface, with the PHEV also offering a panoramic curved display that combines driving functions and infotainment in a single, manageable frame.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration enable seamless connectivity with compatible devices. SiriusXM satellite radio (including a 3-month trial) provides diverse entertainment options, while a 6-speaker audio system comes standard in the EX trim. The SX trim upgrades the audio experience with a premium Bose sound system.

Other standard technology features include Bluetooth hands-free cell phone connectivity, front and rear USB charging ports, a 4-inch TFT LCD Supervision instrument cluster (upgraded to a 12.3-inch Supervision LCD/TFT instrument cluster in the SX trim), smart key with push-button start, and an electric chromic rear-view mirror with HomeLink system.

The Smart Power Liftgate adds hands-free convenience, automatically opening when you stand behind it for 3 seconds with your Smart Key, and closing when you walk away. The PHEV model allows you to set a maximum opening height for this feature.

The PHEV SX trim offers additional premium technology features, including:

  • Digital Key 2, which lets you use your smartphone as a secure key to lock/unlock doors and start the engine without a key fob
  • A full display digital rear-view mirror that turns the mirror into a digital display with a panoramic view of the rear, particularly useful when vision might be obstructed by passengers or cargo

Advanced Safety Systems

Safety is a cornerstone of the Sorento design philosophy, featuring comprehensive passive protection and advanced driver assistance technologies. Using the latest sensing and processing technology, both Sorento electrified models help drivers stay aware of their surroundings and can intervene to help prevent collisions.

The standard safety package includes 9 airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS), hill-assist control (HAC), downhill brake control (DBC), and trailer stability assist (TSA). Child safety features include auto child door locks and rear occupant alert with sensor.

Driver assistance technologies in the EX trim include blind spot collision avoidance assist – rear (BCA-R), forward collision-avoidance assist 1.5 (FCA), lane keeping assist (LKA), lane following assist (LFA), smart cruise control (SCC) with stop & go functionality, intelligent speed limit assist (ISLA), manual speed limit assist (MSLA), parking distance warning for front and rear (PDW), and a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines.

The SX trim further elevates safety with parking collision avoidance assist – reverse, forward collision avoidance assist 2 (FCA), expanded parking distance warning (front, side, and rear), surround view monitor (SVM), blind spot monitor, and highway drive assist 2 (HDA). The surround view monitor proves particularly valuable when maneuvering in tight spaces, displaying the situation around the vehicle to assist with safe parking.

Other safety enhancements include a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), low washer fluid warning indicator, and an immobilizer to deter theft.

Comprehensive Warranty Protection

Confidence in the Sorento electrified models’ quality and reliability is reflected in its comprehensive warranty program. Coverage includes a 5-year/100,000 km worry-free comprehensive warranty, 5-year/100,000 km limited powertrain warranty, 8-year/150,000 km limited EV components warranty, and 5-year/unlimited km 24-hour roadside assistance.

This extensive warranty coverage provides peace of mind for owners, ensuring protection against unexpected repair costs and offering assistance should the need arise, regardless of location or time of day.

2025 Kia Sorento HEV/PHEV: The Electrified Advantage in Two Forms

The Kia Sorento electrified lineup offers two compelling options for drivers seeking the space, versatility, and capability of a mid-size SUV, along with the efficiency advantages of electrified propulsion.

The HEV model provides an excellent balance of efficiency and convenience for those seeking improved fuel economy without altering their driving habits. Meanwhile, the PHEV takes electrification further with its plug-in capability and all-electric range, ideal for drivers looking to maximize fuel savings and minimize environmental impact while maintaining the flexibility of gasoline power for longer journeys.

With seating for six, ample cargo capacity, advanced technology, comprehensive safety features, and a design that stands out from the crowd, both Sorento electrified models meet diverse needs while contributing to reduced environmental impact through improved efficiency.

Whether navigating urban environments, embarking on weekend adventures, or undertaking family road trips, the Sorento HEV and PHEV prove that embracing electrification doesn’t require compromise – it simply enhances the ownership experience with benefits that extend from the driver’s seat to the environment around us.

As Kia continues to expand its electrified lineup, the Sorento HEV and PHEV serve as evidence of the brand’s commitment to delivering vehicles that balance performance, practicality, and progressive technology, all wrapped in a package ready for adventure.


Learn More About Kia Sorento HEV/PHEV at Kia.ca