A well-loved nameplate in the country, as evidenced by record-breaking sales in 2024, the electrified 2025 iteration comes with a Turbo Hybrid powertrain and other driving tech similar to what we saw in the quietly launched Carnival from last year.

Smart Powertrain & Performance

For this year’s lineup, all of the Sorento’s variants will be electrified. There are three models to choose from: the 1.6T EX Turbo Hybrid, the 1.6 EX+ Turbo Hybrid, and the top-of-the-line 1.6 SX Turbo Hybrid AWD.

Under the hood, the 1.6 SX Turbo Hybrid AWD packs a 1.6L G4FIII T-GDI turbo hybrid engine paired with a Smartstream 6-speed HEV automatic transmission that outputs a solid 235 PS and 367 Nm of torque. Smart regenerative braking, which automatically adjusts regeneration levels for you, is available for all variants alongside the usual modes. You can easily switch in and out of different regen modes using the paddle shifters behind the wheel.

But if you want to maximize the power of this vehicle, you can switch to Sport mode, which deactivates regenerative braking and returns the paddle shifters to their original purpose.

Of course, being a hybrid, it is a fuel-efficient vehicle. Unofficial real-world tests showed it was able to achieve around 21.4 km/l on highways and 12.8 km/l in city traffic.

In 2025 (and the years to come), you can count on tech that’s not only for comfort or convenience but also to enhance the driving experience. The 1.6 SX Turbo Hybrid AWD, being an AWD, offers improved traction and stability, especially in challenging road conditions like wet or uneven surfaces. This means better control during acceleration, cornering, and even emergency maneuvers.

Utilizing the vehicle’s cameras, radars, and other monitors, the 1.6 SX Turbo Hybrid AWD fully utilizes its all-wheel-drive system, offering not just better comfort and a smoother drive but also increased ride safety.

With E-Ride Gen 2, this SUV helps you comfortably traverse uneven roads of provincial highways or Manila’s notorious potholes. With it, the vehicle’s systems dynamically adjust the suspension depending on road conditions. This results in reduced vibrations inside the cabin and a more comfortable ride for both passengers and the driver.

E-Handling, on the other hand, enhances cornering by intelligently distributing torque and applying precise braking. It’s like having an extra layer of control that keeps the SUV composed during turns and corners.

Finally, we have E-Evasive Handling Assist (E-EHA), which is probably one of the most important features for a passenger-filled vehicle. E-EHA allows the Sorento to support your steering and apply braking inputs during emergency situations.

During a preview of this vehicle, Kia had us ride with an instructor while he performed a Moose Test. A Moose Test is a safety maneuver designed to simulate the sudden avoidance of an obstacle, like an animal crossing the road, to assess a vehicle’s stability and handling.

And the Kia Sorento handled it beautifully. The sudden turn was jolting but not jarring, and you can feel the vehicle’s systems help you snap back to safety.

Drive Wise ADAS

Apart from these, Kia also outfits the Sorenty with a complete suite of advanced safety features. Here’s what you can expect:

• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go: Perfect for EDSA’s stop-and-go traffic, maintaining distance without constant pedal adjustments.
• Blind-Spot View Monitor: Provides real-time visuals of your blind spots, making lane changes on busy expressways more secure.
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Helps keep the vehicle within lane markings by providing gentle steering corrections if you drift unintentionally.
• Lane Follow Assist (LFA): Works with LKA to maintain a centered position in your lane, especially useful on long highway drives.
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): Detects vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists ahead, automatically applying brakes to prevent or mitigate collisions.
• Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist: Provides alerts and automatic braking to prevent collisions while parking.
• Rear Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist: Monitors the rear blind spots and applies corrective braking if a potential collision is detected during lane changes or reversing.
• Safe Exit Warning: Alerts passengers if it’s unsafe to open doors due to approaching vehicles from behind.
• Lead Vehicle Departure Alert: Notifies the driver when the vehicle ahead starts moving, perfect for stop-and-go traffic.
• Downhill Brake Control: Maintains a steady speed when descending steep slopes, enhancing control without constant braking.
• Hill Start Assist Control: Prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when transitioning from a stop on an incline.
• 360-Degree Surround View Monitor: Offers a bird’s-eye view of your surroundings, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces effortless.

Tech-savvy cabin and functional design

Inside the top-of-the-line Kia Sorento, you’ve got a plush interior reminiscent of a high-tech lounge. It features all the modern necessities you’d expect, including a panoramic display with a 12.3-inch multi-information display and a 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical controls are still present, and there’s even a new Switchable Control knob that you can use to adjust both your climate and media settings alternately.

Comfort isn’t overlooked either. It boasts all-leather seats, 8-way power-adjustable seats with lumbar support for the side passenger, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, conveniently placed USB ports throughout, a wireless charger upfront, and ambient mood lighting to create an environment that’s both relaxing and functional.

On the outside, the Sorento gets a much-needed modern refresh that helps it blend in with Kia’s more recent offerings. While changes are minimal, the effects are visible. At the front are 4-cube mini LED headlights that make it easily distinguishable, paired with the new tiger nose grille and a wider front fascia overall.

Versatility, Comfort, and Safety in One Package

With the improvements the new electrified Sorento lineup has brought, it’s undeniably not just a more versatile vehicle, with the ability to traverse all sorts of terrain, but also a safer and smarter one. For a vehicle that’s often the choice for families or passenger-hauling, it seems to offer even better value and is shaping up to be a smart choice for families who value having an all-around, modern, and efficient vehicle.

Pricing is estimated around PhP2.2M but official pricing is yet to be announced. The wait won’t be long since the new Kia Sorento HEV lineup will officially be launching on February 6 in the Philippines