2025 Kia Sorento: The Grown-Up’s Family SUV That Still Knows How to Have Fun

If you’re in the market for a midsize SUV that doesn’t try too hard but still shows up dressed nicely, the 2025 Kia Sorento might be your next driveway companion. It’s the kind of SUV that doesn’t shout for attention, yet once you spend a few miles behind the wheel, you realize it quietly checks a lot of boxes—like that reliable friend who’s always early and brings good snacks.

Design & Space

The Sorento lives in that sweet middle ground between “too small” and “too big.” It’s the just-right bowl of porridge in SUV land. Don’t expect it to compete with full-size giants like the Tahoe or Yukon XL—this one’s meant for families who might use a third row once in a while but don’t want to lug around a full-size rig.

That third row? Let’s just say it’s for kids (or adults you secretly want to punish). But when folded flat, it opens up generous cargo space—perfect for a Costco run that gets a little out of hand. Cupholders? Everywhere. USB outlets? You bet. Everyone in the car gets to charge up and stay hydrated. The front and second-row seats are perfectly comfy, while the third row is—again—more of a bonus feature than a luxury suite.

Technology & Infotainment

Kia continues to impress with its tech game. The latest Sorento’s driver-assist features are genuinely helpful and, at times, a little eerie in how capable they are. On the freeway, the adaptive cruise and lane-centering do so much of the work that you might find yourself double-checking that your hands are still on the wheel. No, it’s not self-driving—but it’s smart enough to make traffic feel less like a chore.

The infotainment system? Nicely done. Kia’s new curved display looks sharp and feels modern without being gimmicky. It’s intuitive and easy to navigate—no deep-menu spelunking required. And while everyone’s bragging about screen inches these days, Kia’s setup feels like it’s there for function as much as form.

Comfort & Driving Feel

Driving the Sorento feels exactly how you’d expect a midsize SUV to feel—in a good way. It’s stable, confident, and composed. Acceleration from the traditional gas engine isn’t breathtaking, but it gets the job done without complaint. The ride quality leans toward comfort rather than excitement, which fits the Sorento’s mission perfectly.

On the highway, it’s quiet enough for long family trips. Around town, it feels planted and safe, handling bumps and curves with a level head. It’s not built to thrill, but that’s not a bad thing. Not every car needs to whisper “track day” in your ear.

Interior & Value

Kia’s made serious strides in design and quality, and the Sorento shows it. The cabin feels upscale for its price class, with materials and textures that could fool you into thinking you spent more than you did. It’s stylish, comfortable, and smells delightfully new (you know the smell).

It’s clear that Kia is aiming high—offering near-luxury ambiance without the luxury badge price tag. The Sorento delivers great value, blending a premium feel with everyday practicality.

Comparisons & Context

Against rivals like the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot, the Sorento stands out for its fresh design and upscale feel. The Highlander and Pilot have legendary reliability, sure—but the Sorento feels a little more modern inside and out. The Hyundai Santa Fe, its corporate cousin, is right there in the same lane with its futuristic vibe. Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-90 is the sportier pick, but the Sorento wins on tech and comfort.

At the end of the day, it’s less about who’s “best” and more about who fits you best. And the Sorento fits a lot of people surprisingly well.

The Takeaway: Who It’s For

The 2025 Kia Sorento is for:
✅ Families who need a sometimes-third-row SUV.
✅ Couples who road-trip or camp and appreciate folding-flat cargo space.
✅ Drivers who want comfort, modern tech, and safety without breaking the bank.

The Sorento doesn’t try to be something it’s not—it’s not flashy, not sporty, not a statement piece. But it’s a confident, well-rounded SUV that feels perfectly at home doing what it’s meant to do: making your daily life easier, more comfortable, and maybe even a bit more stylish.