In recent years, mid-size SUVs have become the go-to vehicle for families and individuals seeking a balance of comfort, performance, and utility. Among these, the 2025 Kia Sorento EX stands out as a strong contender in the segment. With its sleek design, advanced technology, and versatile powertrain options, it raises the question: Is the 2025 Kia Sorento EX the best mid-size SUV? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into its features, performance, pricing, and how it stacks up against competitors.
Table of contents
Overview of the 2025 Kia Sorento EX
The 2025 Kia Sorento EX is a mid-size SUV that blends style with functionality. Building upon the success of its predecessors, the 2025 Sorento EX comes with a refreshed design and enhanced features. Whether you’re looking for a daily commuter, a family hauler, or a vehicle that offers a mix of performance and efficiency, the Kia Sorento EX has options that cater to all needs.
This SUV slots right in the middle of Kia’s Sorento lineup, offering a perfect balance of features without the premium price tag of higher trims like the SX or SX Prestige. The EX trim comes standard with several upscale features, making it an attractive choice for many SUV buyers in 2025.
2025 Kia Sorento EX Features
Interior: Comfort Meets Versatility
The 2025 Kia Sorento EX interior has been designed with both comfort and functionality in mind. The cabin features high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and modern accents. With seating for seven across three rows, the Sorento EX offers flexibility for families who need space.
- Front Seats: The front seats are plush and supportive, designed to provide comfort even on long road trips. The driver’s seat features 10-way power adjustment, while the passenger seat has 8-way power adjustment.
- Third Row: The third-row seating is suitable for children or smaller adults, making the Sorento EX a practical choice for growing families.
- Cargo Space: With all seats up, there is still ample cargo space for groceries or luggage. Folding down the third row expands the storage capacity, making it perfect for road trips.
Technology and Entertainment
The 2025 Sorento EX comes equipped with a tech-laden infotainment system that rivals many higher-end models. The 10.25-inch touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate, offering intuitive controls for audio, navigation, and connectivity.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing seamless integration with your smartphone.
- UVO Link provides remote access to your vehicle, enabling features such as remote start, vehicle tracking, and maintenance alerts via the UVO app.
- The Harman Kardon audio system provides crisp sound quality for audiophiles, ensuring a premium listening experience.
Safety Features
When it comes to safety, the 2025 Kia Sorento EX is loaded with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that come standard across all trims. These include:
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance (BCA)
- Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)
These systems help enhance driver awareness and reduce the likelihood of accidents, making the Sorento EX a safe choice for families. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
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2025 Kia Sorento EX Performance & Engine Options
One of the standout features of the 2025 Kia Sorento EX is its range of powertrains. The Sorento EX offers multiple engine options, including gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants, allowing drivers to choose the one that best suits their needs.
Gasoline Engine
The standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine delivers a respectable 191 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it provides a smooth driving experience, whether you’re cruising on highways or tackling winding country roads. The front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available for those who require better traction in inclement weather.
Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Options
For those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and improve fuel efficiency, the 2025 Kia Sorento EX offers two eco-friendly options:
- Hybrid Version: The hybrid variant combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 227 horsepower. This model excels in fuel economy, offering up to 39 mpg city / 35 mpg highway.
- Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) Version: The PHEV offers a combined 261 horsepower with the added benefit of a plug-in electric driving range. This allows drivers to travel short distances on electric power alone, improving fuel economy even further.
Towing Capacity
The 2025 Sorento EX impresses with its towing capacity. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 3,500 pounds, making it a great option for those who need to haul small trailers, boats, or recreational vehicles. This towing capacity puts the Sorento EX on par with many competitors in the mid-size SUV segment.
2025 Kia Sorento EX Pricing and Trim Levels
Pricing for the 2025 Kia Sorento EX is competitive, offering great value for the features and performance it provides. The starting price for the EX trim is around $36,000, which is reasonable considering its extensive list of features.
Kia offers several trim levels for the Sorento, with the EX trim positioned as a mid-tier option. The LX trim is the entry-level variant, while the SX and SX Prestige trims offer more premium features, such as a larger touchscreen, upgraded materials, and more advanced technology options.
While the EX trim strikes the best balance between value and features, the higher trims provide additional luxury for those willing to spend a bit more.
2025 Kia Sorento EX vs Competitors
To understand how the 2025 Kia Sorento EX stacks up against its competition, let’s compare it to some of the top mid-size SUVs in the market: the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer.
Kia Sorento EX vs Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a long-time favorite in the mid-size SUV category, known for its reliability and resale value. However, the Sorento EX holds an edge with its hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, offering better fuel economy and eco-friendly driving. The Highlander’s starting price is higher than the Sorento EX, making the Kia a more budget-friendly option without compromising on features.
Kia Sorento EX vs Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is another strong competitor, offering generous interior space and a smooth ride. However, the Pilot is less fuel-efficient compared to the Sorento EX hybrid options, and its base trim doesn’t come with as many standard features. If fuel economy and hybrid options are important to you, the Sorento EX is the better choice.
Kia Sorento EX vs Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer offers more power, particularly with its available V6 engine, but the Sorento EX is more affordable and offers a wider variety of fuel-efficient powertrains. Additionally, the Sorento EX’s interior quality and tech offerings are more advanced compared to the base Explorer model.
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Pros and Cons of the 2025 Kia Sorento EX
As with any vehicle, the 2025 Kia Sorento EX has its pros and cons. Let’s break them down:
Pros:
- Affordable pricing: Compared to its rivals, the Sorento EX offers excellent value for the features it provides.
- Hybrid options: The hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants make the Sorento EX an eco-friendly option for families.
- Comprehensive safety features: Standard driver-assistance systems make it one of the safest SUVs in its class.
- Impressive technology: With a large touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, the Sorento EX offers a premium infotainment experience.
Cons:
- Limited third-row space: The third row is more suited for children or short trips, making it less ideal for larger families needing full-time seating.
- Lower towing capacity compared to some competitors: While it can handle moderate towing, SUVs like the Ford Explorer offer higher towing capacities for those who need more muscle.
Is the 2025 Kia Sorento EX the Best Mid-Size SUV?
The 2025 Kia Sorento EX is undoubtedly one of the best options in the mid-size SUV segment for 2025. With its hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, advanced safety features, and affordable pricing, the Sorento EX is a well-rounded choice for many buyers.
While it may not have the sheer towing capacity of some competitors like the Ford Explorer, or the ultra-spacious third row of the Honda Pilot, the Sorento EX excels in fuel economy, value for money, and technology. If you’re looking for a family-friendly SUV with a range of powertrain options and a solid list of features, the 2025 Kia Sorento EX is certainly a contender for the title of best mid-size SUV.
Final Thought
The 2025 Kia Sorento EX offers a compelling mix of features, performance, and value that makes it a strong choice in the highly competitive mid-size SUV market. Whether you’re prioritizing fuel efficiency, technology, or safety, the Sorento EX ticks all the boxes.
If you’re ready to take the next step, schedule a test drive at your nearest Kia dealership to experience the 2025 Sorento EX for yourself. With its combination of cutting-edge tech, comfort, and performance, it just might be the perfect fit for your next family SUV.
FAQs
- What are the key features of the 2025 Kia Sorento EX?
The 2025 Kia Sorento EX features advanced technology, a comfortable interior, hybrid options, and strong safety features, making it a top choice in the mid-size SUV category. - How much does the 2025 Kia Sorento EX cost?
The starting price for the 2025 Sorento EX is approximately $36,000, offering great value for its features, performance, and technology. - Is the 2025 Sorento EX available in hybrid models?
Yes, the 2025 Sorento EX comes in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, offering better fuel efficiency and eco-friendly performance. - What is the towing capacity of the 2025 Sorento EX?
The 2025 Sorento EX can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, making it a capable vehicle for hauling trailers and small recreational vehicles. - How does the 2025 Sorento EX compare to the Toyota Highlander?
The 2025 Kia Sorento EX offers more fuel-efficient hybrid options and advanced tech features compared to the Toyota Highlander, at a lower price point. - What safety features are included in the 2025 Sorento EX?
The Sorento EX includes standard safety features such as forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
