DecodedCars2025 Kia Sorento
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2025 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 2.5l SUV, 2.5l Turbo SUV, Hybrid SUV
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 191–281 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 36 combined · 36 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 189 in
- Curb weight
- 3,825–4,120 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2025 small SUV (29 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 41 similar 2025 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2025 Kia Sorento is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,825 lb (2.5l SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 36 MPG combined (36 city / 36 highway), 24% better than the 2025 small SUV average of 29 MPG, for an estimated $1,850 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 135 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2025
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2024 Sorento — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2024; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2024 Sorento →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Hwasung, Gyeonggi Province · West Point, Georgia
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2025 Sorento configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5l SUV | 189 in | 74.8 in | 66.9 in | 110.6 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 3,825 lb | 55/45 |
| 2.5l Turbo SUV | 189 in | 74.8 in | 66.9 in | 110.6 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 3,940 lb | 57/43 |
| Hybrid SUV | 189 in | 74.8 in | 66.9 in | 110.6 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 4,120 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorento Hybrid FWD Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 36 / 36 / 36 | +24% | $1,850 | 246 |
| Sorento Hybrid AWD Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 34 / 34 / 34 | +33% | $1,950 | 263 |
| Sorento Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 33 / 34 / 33 | +29% | $2,050 | 111 |
| Sorento FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | -10% | $2,600 | 339 |
| Sorento AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 28 / 25 | -2% | $2,700 | 357 |
| Sorento FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -21% | $2,900 | 382 |
| Sorento AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -10% | $2,900 | 389 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2025 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Kia Sorento SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |
| 2025 Kia Sorento SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |
Similar 2025 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Kia Sorento (this car) | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2025 Toyota RAV4 | 39 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2025 Honda CR-V | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2025 Ford Bronco | 20 MPG | Not rated | 19 |
| 2025 Toyota 4Runner | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2025 Ford Explorer | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 22 |
Recalls (4)
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Jan 26, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V046000 · 42,677 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."
- Risk
- An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Critical Fasteners · Aug 25, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V548000 · 30 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 K4 and Sorento vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the sub engine assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 12, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC349.
Electrical System › Body Control Module › Software · Jan 13, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V006000 · 74,469 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Sorento, 2025 Sorento Hybrid, and 2025 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. A software error in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC) may cause a loss of low beam headlights and taillights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- A loss of headlights and taillights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the BDC software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC331.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Dec 10, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V920000 · 1,385 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. During a crash, the steering rack may damage the fuel line, which can result in a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will install a cover around the fuel line, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC328.
Not every 2025 Kia Sorento is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2025 Kia Sorento buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 44 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 40 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 34 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 4,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2025 Kia Sorento. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Sorento years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Sorento | 37 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | Not rated | 2 | 9 |
| 2024 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 51 |
| 2023 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 165 |
| 2022 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 227 |
| 2021 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 275 |
| 2020 Sorento | 25 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 140 |
| 2019 Sorento | 25 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 434 |
| 2018 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 255 |
| 2017 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 808 |
| 2016 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 8 | 1,258 |
| 2015 Sorento | 23 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 743 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →