Kia Philippines has jumpstarted its own electrified revolution last year with the introduction of the refreshed Carnival family MPV. Now, the Korean automaker continues to raise the bar in the family SUV segment with the launch of the 2025 Sorento Turbo Hybrid. The seven-seater SUV officially hits the local market this week, combining powerful hybrid technology, elegant design elements, and state-of-the-art safety features.
It was during the pandemic when Kia introduced the new-generation Sorento, and it’s about time for a mid-cycle facelift for the 2025 model year. We’ve had a few moments with the Sorento Hybrid before its public launch, and let’s just say that the new model boasts a fun yet efficient powertrain setup to go with the heavily refreshed design. Most importantly, amid all the changes, the hybrid SUV hasn’t lost its appeal as a safe family vehicle.
Sharper Design
The 2025 Sorento adopts Kia’s modern design language, seen in models like the EV6 and EV9. It features a bold and dynamic appearance that exudes confidence on the road. The design features a shorter front overhang and a taller hood, lending the SUV a commanding road presence. Vertically oriented headlights with a distinctive 4-cube design and Star Map Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) contribute to its sophisticated look.
Further enhancing its practicality and style are functional roof rails and a power tailgate with a proximity function for added convenience. Buyers have several color options to choose from, including Aurora Black Pearl and Snow White Pearl for all variants. The SX+ exclusively offers Volcanic Sand Brown, while Silky Silver is available for the SX. The exterior design successfully marries aesthetics and functionality, making the Sorento Turbo Hybrid a striking yet practical choice for families.
Luxurious Cabin
Inside, the Sorento offers a spacious and luxurious cabin with a versatile seven-seat configuration (2+3+2). The interior design focuses on comfort, technology, and a seamless user experience. One of its standout features is the dual 12.3-inch screens that serve as the instrument cluster and infotainment system, providing clear visuals and intuitive controls.
The latest Kia infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring that passengers remain connected and entertained throughout their journey. An available 12-speaker Bose sound system delivers an immersive audio experience, perfect for long trips. Additional comfort features include power front seats with ventilation, ambient mood lighting to enhance the driving atmosphere, and a panoramic sunroof that adds an airy feel to the cabin.
Practicality is also a key highlight. With the rear seats folded down, the Sorento provides up to 2,139 liters of cargo space, making it ideal for family adventures and daily errands alike. Kia has designed the Sorento’s interior to cater to both comfort and convenience, ensuring a premium experience for drivers and passengers.
Doubling Down on Safety
Kia has equipped the 2025 Sorento Turbo Hybrid with a comprehensive suite of safety features, scoring a 5-star NCAP rating globally. Standard safety equipment includes six SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, downhill control, and hill-start assist. These features work in tandem to ensure the safety of occupants in various driving conditions.
To further enhance safety, the Sorento Turbo Hybrid comes with DriveWise, its advanced driver-assist systems. Blind spot monitoring provides an extra layer of awareness, while the 360-degree camera system offers a clear view of the vehicle’s surroundings, making parking and maneuvering easier and safer. These intelligent technologies aim to provide high-tech solutions for an improved experience for the family.
Now with Hybrid Power
At the heart of the 2025 Sorento Turbo Hybrid is a turbocharged 1.6-liter Smartstream engine paired with an electric motor. This combination delivers a 235 horsepower (with some variants producing 227 hp) and a robust 367 Nm of torque. The powertrain is seamlessly integrated to allow for pure EV mode operation at speeds of up to 80 km/h, thanks to the 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery located under the second-row seats. The battery also features a thermal management system to enhance performance and longevity. The Sorento Turbo Hybrid offers commendable fuel efficiency, achieving up to 22 km/L on highways and 13 km/L in stop-and-go traffic. It also operates on 91-octane gasoline, making it practical and economical for everyday driving.
Buyers can choose from three distinct variants: the 1.6 EX with front-wheel drive, the 1.6 SX also with front-wheel drive, and the 1.6 SX+ with all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive variant (SX+) features a mechanical setup with a propeller shaft and rear differential, enhanced by Kia’s E-VMC (Electrification-Vehicle Motion Control) system that ensures superior stability and a smoother ride, even on challenging terrains.
We were more than impressed by how the hybrid setup of the refreshed Kia Sorento, allowing a seamless switch between the electric motor and internal combustion engine. Through various exercises, both on- and light off-road, the Sorento demonstrated how it took advantage of its electrified all-wheel drivetrain to keep the car safe on dire situations, such as losing traction on unbeaten path and when avoiding sudden obstacles at speeds.
Pricing and Availability
The 2025 Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid officially debuts on February 6, 2025. With a starting price of around P2.2 million, it offers excellent value for those seeking a stylish, capable, and environmentally friendly SUV. As the automotive industry increasingly shifts toward eco-friendly solutions, the Sorento Turbo Hybrid stands out as a practical yet sophisticated choice for families.
Kia Philippines will be displaying the Sorento Hybrid at the Palm Drive Activity Center of the Glorieta mall in Makati, from February 6-9, 2025.
