The Sorento has long been a favorite of ours in the Kia lineup for its combination of size, practicality and value, but the 2025 model year brought some exciting updates. The exterior had been refreshed with a more rugged and adventurous appearance, and the X-Pro trim we tested took things a step further by adding off-road capability, all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance and  a towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds. It was clear Kia was aiming this Sorento at adventurous families who want a midsize SUV that can do it all.

Our test model was the top-of-the-line SX-Prestige trim, which meant we were treated to a cabin filled with premium amenities, quilted leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof and Kia’s excellent dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays that housed both the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment system.

A week of everyday driving

During the week we had the Sorento, we put it through just about every kind of real-world use imaginable. Craig drove it daily to work, where the Sorento proved to be a comfortable commuter with a smooth and quiet ride. The new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced a healthy 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The combination delivered confident acceleration merging onto I-15 and never left us wishing for more power.

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Errands around town were a breeze thanks to the Sorento’s easy maneuverability and surround-view camera system, which made parking in tight spots at the grocery store stress-free. Deanne loved the large cargo space for hauling home the week’s groceries and a few extra bags of mulch for some Labor Day weekend yard projects.

One of the highlights of our week was using the Sorento for the long Labor Day weekend. Craig has been involved with the Festival Latino Americano in downtown Provo for many years, and this year was no exception. The festival is one of the largest cultural celebrations in Utah County, featuring live music, dance performances, art and some of the best food you can find anywhere. Having the Sorento for the weekend was the perfect solution, as we made multiple trips each day back and forth between Springville and downtown Provo to help set up, take down and enjoy the festivities.

The Sorento’s comfortable seats and well-insulated cabin made the short freeway hops pleasant, and the Harman Kardon premium sound system made it even better; it was like having a private concert on the way to a festival full of music. The navigation system also came in handy as downtown Provo was busy with road closures and detours for the festival, but the Sorento quickly rerouted us to the best available route.

Technology that works for you

Kia continued to impress us with its user-friendly technology. The infotainment system proved easy to use, with crisp graphics and a responsive touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came standard. The available head-up display projected speed, navigation directions and safety alerts right onto the windshield — an especially nice feature when we were driving late at night after the festival had wrapped up for the day.

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The Sorento also came loaded with Kia’s excellent suite of driver-assistance features. Highway Driving Assist worked flawlessly during our freeway trips, gently keeping us centered in our lane and maintaining a safe distance from the car ahead. Blind-spot cameras projected a live feed onto the gauge cluster when signaling a lane change, adding an extra layer of confidence.

Comfort for everyone

Even though the Sorento isn’t quite as big as Kia’s three-row Telluride, it still offered a surprising amount of space. Our test model had second-row captain’s chairs, which made getting into the third row easier. While the third row was best suited for kids or shorter trips, we appreciated the flexibility of having seating for six when needed.

On Saturday of Labor Day weekend, we took our grandchildren Jensen and Hayden along to the festival for a fun family outing. They loved having their own seats in the second row with USB ports to keep their tablets charged, and they were especially impressed with the giant panoramic sunroof, which let them see the evening sky as we headed home that evening.

Rugged looks, rugged capability

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The X-Pro package was what really sets this Sorento apart. It included 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, an upgraded cooling system and a center locking differential, making it more capable when the pavement ends. We didn’t have time to take it deep into the mountains, but we did venture off onto a few gravel roads in Hobble Creek Canyon on Sunday afternoon. The Sorento handled the loose gravel with confidence, and the ride remained composed even over washboard sections.

We could easily see the X-Pro trim being a great choice for families who want to explore Utah’s state and national parks without worrying about ground clearance or traction.

Fuel economy

Despite its added capability, the Sorento X-Pro still delivered impressive fuel efficiency for its class. We averaged just over 25 miles per gallon during our week, which included a good mix of city driving, freeway cruising and a bit of off-pavement exploring. That’s right in line with the EPA estimate and very respectable for an AWD SUV with this much power and space.

At the end of the week

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The 2025 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX-Prestige AWD proved to be an incredibly well-rounded midsize SUV. It managed to be luxurious, practical and adventurous all at once. We loved the premium touches inside, the advanced technology, and the confidence-inspiring performance on all types of roads.

For our busy week of commuting, errands, shopping and multiple festival trips, it never missed a beat. It’s the kind of SUV that makes life easier — whether you’re heading to work on a Monday morning, loading up kids for soccer practice, or driving to a downtown festival to celebrate Labor Day weekend.

Base price: $47,390

Destination charge: $1,415

Price as driven: $50,140

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