2025 Kia Sorento Review: Third-Row Space and Towing Test
2025 Kia Sorento Review: Third-Row Space and Towing Test
The 2025 Kia Sorento continues to solidify its place as one of the most compelling midsize SUVs in its class. Offering a perfect blend of practicality, performance, and modern tech, the latest iteration builds upon its already strong foundation. With a focus on family-friendly features and enhanced towing capability, Kia has optimized the Sorento for everyday versatility and weekend adventures alike. In this comprehensive 2025 Kia Sorento review, we’ll dive deep into the third-row space, real-world towing performance, interior comfort, powertrain options, and advanced safety features to help you determine if this SUV is the right fit for your lifestyle.
Spacious Interior and Third-Row Comfort
One of the standout features of the 2025 Kia Sorento is its available third-row seating, making it an ideal choice for larger families or carpool duty. Unlike many compact SUVs that offer a token third row suitable only for young children, the Sorento provides a surprisingly usable space that comfortably accommodates adults on shorter trips.
With a total seating capacity of up to eight passengers (in LXS and S trim models with bench seating), the Sorento maximizes cabin flexibility. Higher trims like the SX-Prestige and X-Pro models feature captain’s chairs in the second row, reducing capacity to seven but improving accessibility to the third row and overall comfort.
Legroom in the third row measures approximately 31.1 inches, which is competitive in its class. While taller adults may find the space a bit tight for extended highway drives, average-height passengers will find it tolerable. Headroom remains adequate thanks to the SUV’s upright roofline and thoughtful design. Power-folding second-row seats make it easier to access the third row, and available one-touch walk-in functionality further improves usability.
When not in use, the third row folds flat into the floor, creating a level cargo area. With all seats up, cargo volume stands at 12.6 cubic feet. Fold down the third row, and you get 43.7 cubic feet of space—perfect for groceries, strollers, or sports gear. With both the second and third rows folded, the Sorento offers a generous 83.5 cubic feet, making it competitive with larger three-row SUVs like the Honda Pilot and Hyundai Palisade.
Towing Capability and Real-World Performance
Towing is often overlooked in midsize crossovers, but the 2025 Kia Sorento takes it seriously. Equipped with the available 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, the Sorento can tow up to 3,500 pounds—the highest in its class for a non-hybrid model. This makes it capable of handling small trailers, jet skis, campers, or even a compact boat.
We put the Sorento’s towing capacity to the test by hitching a 2,800-pound travel trailer on a mixed driving route that included city streets, highway cruising, and mountain inclines. The SUV performed admirably with minimal body roll and responsive braking. The available Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist helped maintain stability, especially when starting on steep grades.
The 8-speed automatic transmission shifted smoothly under load, keeping engine revs in the optimal range. The turbo engine delivered consistent power, with peak torque available at a low 1,650 rpm, which is ideal for towing from a stop or when accelerating on ramps. While not intended for heavy-duty hauling, the Sorento’s towing prowess exceeds expectations for a midsize crossover.
It’s important to note that towing capacity drops to 2,000 pounds when equipped with the standard 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models also have a lower towing capacity of 2,000 pounds due to drivetrain limitations. Therefore, if you plan on regular towing, opting for the turbocharged engine is highly recommended.
Kia includes a trailer-ready tow package on higher trims, featuring a Class III hitch receiver, upgraded cooling system, and trailer wiring harness. This factory-approved setup ensures safety and reliability, giving owners peace of mind during towing operations.
Powertrain Options and Fuel Efficiency
The 2025 Kia Sorento offers a range of powertrains to suit different driving needs and preferences. Each option balances performance with efficiency, and all are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth shifting.
- 2.5L MPI 4-Cylinder (Base Engine): This naturally aspirated engine produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It’s standard on LXS, EX, and SX trims with front-wheel drive. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, making it a solid choice for daily commuting and light-duty use.
- 2.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder: Available on SX and SX-Prestige trims, this engine delivers 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired exclusively with all-wheel drive and unlocks the full 3,500-pound towing capacity. Fuel economy dips slightly to 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, but the added power is well worth the trade-off for those needing performance.
- Hybrid Powertrain: The Sorento Hybrid features a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, producing a combined 227 horsepower. It offers improved fuel efficiency at 37 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. While great for fuel savings, its 2,000-pound towing limit may disappoint adventure seekers.
- Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): The Sorento PHEV combines the same 1.6T engine with a larger battery, offering an EPA-estimated 32 miles of all-electric range. Total system output is 261 horsepower. It’s ideal for eco-conscious drivers with short commutes who can recharge regularly. However, towing is limited to 2,000 pounds.
All-wheel drive is available across most trims and enhances traction in adverse weather conditions. The X-Line and X-Pro trims add a more rugged aesthetic and improved off-road capability with features like underbody protection and a specialized AWD mode.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The 2025 Kia Sorento carries over the sleek and modern design introduced in recent years, with subtle refinements that keep it fresh. Its bold tiger-nose grille, slim LED headlights, and athletic stance give it a premium appearance that stands out in a crowded SUV segment.
Length: 189.0 inches
Width: 74.8 inches (excluding mirrors)
Height: 66.9 inches (varies slightly by trim)
Wheelbase: 110.8 inches
The extended wheelbase contributes to the spacious interior and improved ride comfort. Ground clearance ranges from 7.4 to 8.3 inches depending on trim, with the X-Pro model offering the most for light off-road use. Available 20-inch alloy wheels enhance both aesthetics and handling.
Distinctive trim-specific features include LED fog lights, dual exhaust tips on turbo models, and blackout exterior trim on the X-Line. Kia also offers a variety of color options, including new metallic shades like Gravity Gray and Aurora Black Pearl, which complement the SUV’s sharp lines.
Interior Quality and Technology
Step inside the 2025 Kia Sorento, and you’re greeted with a driver-focused cabin that blends style, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. Higher trims feature premium materials such as leather upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, and available wood or metallic accents.
The centerpiece of the dashboard is the dual 12.3-inch curved display, which houses the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment system. Kia’s latest UVO Link infotainment software supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, and cloud-based navigation. The system is intuitive, responsive, and features crisp graphics.
Additional tech highlights include:
- Wireless charging pad
- 12-speaker Bose premium audio system
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats (available)
- Heated steering wheel
- Head-up display (available on SX-Prestige)
- Power-folding third row
- Smart Power Liftgate with kick sensor
The Sorento also includes practical storage solutions, such as deep door pockets, a large center console, and available rear-seat USB ports. A panoramic sunroof is available, enhancing the sense of openness in the cabin.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Safety is a top priority in the 2025 Kia Sorento, which comes standard with Kia’s comprehensive DriveWise suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Even base models include a robust set of features that enhance safety and driver confidence.
Standard safety features include:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane Following Assist (LFA)
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
- High Beam Assist (HBA)
- Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go
- Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
Higher trims add even more sophisticated features, such as:
- Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)
- Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2), which combines adaptive cruise control and lane centering for semi-autonomous driving on highways
- Safe Exit Assist (SEA), which prevents doors from opening if traffic is approaching from behind
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
The Sorento has earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and is expected to receive a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA when tested. Its rigid body structure, advanced airbag system, and proactive safety tech make it one of the safest family SUVs on the market.
Ride Comfort and Handling
The 2025 Kia Sorento delivers a composed and comfortable ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and isolated cabin. The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension absorb bumps effectively, making daily commutes smooth and long drives fatigue-free.
Steering feel is light but accurate, making the Sorento easy to maneuver in tight parking lots or urban environments. On the highway, the SUV tracks straight and remains stable in crosswinds. Wind and road noise are well-suppressed, especially in higher trims with acoustic glass and enhanced insulation.
The available Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) on select trims adjusts damping in real time based on road conditions and driving style, offering a more dynamic experience when desired. Even with the larger wheels, ride quality remains plush without excessive firmness.
While the Sorento isn’t designed as a sporty SUV, it handles curves with confidence and minimal body roll. The electric power steering provides good feedback, and the brake pedal feel is progressive, which is essential when towing or carrying a full load of passengers.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2025 Kia Sorento is available in seven trim levels: LXS, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Pro, Hybrid SX, and Plug-in Hybrid SX-Prestige. This wide range allows buyers to tailor the SUV to their budget and lifestyle needs.
Starting at $32,890 (MSRP) for the front-wheel-drive LXS trim, the Sorento offers excellent value. Key features at this level include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, an 8-inch touchscreen, and the full suite of DriveWise safety features.
The EX trim ($35,990) adds dual-zone climate control, a power driver’s seat, and a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The SX trim ($39,990) introduces the turbocharged engine option, leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof.
The SX-Prestige ($44,990) is the top non-hybrid model, offering premium features like Nappa leather, heated/ventilated front seats, a head-up display, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The X-Pro trim ($42,990) adds a rugged design, enhanced AWD, and unique exterior styling for those seeking an adventure-ready look.
The Hybrid SX starts at $41,490, while the Plug-in Hybrid SX-Prestige is priced from $47,990. Despite the higher costs, the fuel savings and advanced tech justify the premium