2024 was a big year for Kia Philippines by introducing some of their newest models in the country. More importantly, they expanded their electrified lineup with the launch of the all-electric EV9 and even the new Carnival Turbo Hybrid in late November.
For 2025, the brand is keeping that momentum with the updated Kia Sorento. It might look new, but it is a facelifted variant. What is new is found under the hood. Instead of the 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine, it now runs Kia’s turbocharged Gamma II 1.6T GDI engine with a hybrid system.
But considering we are prominently a diesel country, we’re curious how the Sorento Turbo Hybrid will fare from the outgoing model. More importantly, what else does the 2025 model have to offer? Well to find out, I suggest you read on.
Exterior
Table of Contents
Before we get to the good stuff, we have to talk about the changes on the outside. As mentioned earlier, Kia gave the Sorento a radical makeover from the model originally launched in 2020. For reference, the variant we were able to try out was the top-of-the-line SX Turbo Hybrid AWD.
It features revised styling to match that of Kia’s current design language featuring large vertically stacked LED headlights or as Kia calls it – the 4-Cube LED headlights, which look great. In addition, there’s a new grille and new bumper that makes the crossover look a lot more aggressive. Of course, it also features the brand’s updated Kia emblem too.
All of these make up the brand’s new design language. Because of this redesign, it now looks similar to the EV9 and the new Carnival, which should give us a preview of what future Kia models will look like. I personally like this design, but what do you think?
Moving over to the side, it’s here where you’ll start to notice that the bodywork remains the same as before. You have the same window outline with the kink on the rear quarter glass being carried over. But what you will notice are the new 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Continental Tires. Although not as obvious, you will find the new 360-degree cameras under the side mirrors.
At the rear, it’s a similar story. There are fewer changes as compared to the front end, but the LED taillights have been slightly updated and feature a new vertically stacked design. Meanwhile, the rear bumper has been slightly updated to match the rear to match the updated design.
But at the rear, it’s here where you’ll notice the HEV badge, something new and exclusive to the 2025 Sorento.
Interior
Just like the exterior, Kia made big changes to the interior of the 2025 Sorento. The dashboard has been redesigned, giving it a more streamlined look instead of the more cluttered design found on the pre-facelift model.
Specifically, the aircon vents on the center stack are now blended into the dashboard for a cleaner design. The HVAC controls are now located on a slim panel right below the central vents. It’s great since you don’t have to go into the infotainment screen just to adjust the aircon control. The same panel also doubles as controls for the infotainment screen.
Speaking of the touchscreen infotainment system, it is now a lot bigger – 12.3-inch. It now comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay too. But of course, you can still use a USB-C cable to connect it to your phone. It’s then paired with a Bose 12-speaker system.
This larger screen makes it easier for the driver to access all vehicle information and parameters at a glance. Yes, I said vehicle parameters because, on the infotainment screen, you can see how the hybrid system is functioning.
Here, you can see whether the car is driving using just the electric motors alone and whether the batteries are being recharged, among other features. It’s also here where you can see your fuel economy and how much electricity has been used.
In front of the driver sits a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The instrument cluster is customizable so you can choose the design of the gauges. It’s also here where you can see how the AWD system is working, and whether power is being sent to the front or all four wheels.
On the steering wheel, you can use the buttons to control the new ADAS features on the 2025 Sorento. These include lane keep assist, lane follow assist, and even the smart cruise control.
Right below the center stack, the center console has been redesigned too. There are two USB-C ports and even a Qi wireless charger. Meanwhile, the shifter has been replaced by a rotary knob, which I’m not personally a fan of. Below the gear selector is another rotary knob for to select driving mode and the kind of terrain you’ll be driving in.
In the second row, there are minimal changes from before. The front seats now come with a USB-C port on the side, making it easier to charge your devices. However, the front passenger seat can now be adjusted by the passenger sitting on the rear right, and it’s similar to what you’d find on luxury vehicles. Perfect if you’re being chauffeured in the busy streets of Manila.
Like before you do get three rows of seats, and the space in the third row isn’t that bad. The second row seats are adjustable, and when set correctly you can sit comfortably in the third row. From my experience though, I have to comment on the seating position in the third row, but if you’re someone smaller it shouldn’t be that big of an issue. Those seating in the third row even have their own aircon vents and control.
As for cargo space, you have a lot. Specifically, there’s 2139L of cargo space available, making it possible to haul almost anything you can think of as long as the dimensions fit the trunk.
Engine
Now we move on to the biggest change in the 2025 Sorento – the engine. Under the hood, the Sorento Turbo Hybrid uses Kia’s Gamma II 1.6T GDI engine, which by itself already produces 180 horsepower and 265 Nm of torque. It’s then paired with an electric motor that outputs 64 horsepower and 264Nm of torque.
Combined? The Sorento Turbo Hybrid outputs 235 horsepower and 367 Nm of torque. All that power is then sent to all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission, at least for the SX AWD variant. The lower trim versions of the updated Sorento will be front-wheel drive only.
The AWD system isn’t permanent either, and there don’t seem to be any buttons or switches inside the vehicle to control it. Instead, the computer automatically determines when to use all-wheel drive. Specifically, it can choose which wheel to send power to depending on whether you’re cornering or going off-road.
Speaking of off-road, the AWD system is great for light trails as we experienced. Don’t expect it to take on big trails like the one in Tanay. But dirt roads won’t be a problem, and you’ll be comfortable inside too.
As for the turbodiesel engine? Well, it seems that will no longer be offered in the Philippines. Instead, all models will get the 1.6-liter Turbo Hybrid engine. Is that a good move? Well, we’ll find out depending on how sales of the vehicle go.
Driving
In terms of driving, we didn’t have too much time with the vehicle. With that, we weren’t able to check out the fuel economy or the full suite of ADAS features available with the 2025 model. But what I can say is that the 2025 Sorento Turbo Hybrid doesn’t feel like your typical hybrid crossover.
Instead, it feels more like a sporty crossover since the hybrid system works well with the engine to give you a lot of torque. It can get up to speed fast, and it corners well too, at least for this AWD SX variant.
When taking a corner fast, the crossover automatically adjusts where the power is being sent to, making it quite planted. It’s also one of the reasons why the Sorento SX Turbo Hybrid AWD is very stable during the moose test, which was done at 80 km/h.
Interestingly, the paddle shifters do more than just upshift or downshift. Instead, they’re mainly used to adjust the setting of regenerative braking. If you set it to level three, it is quite aggressive for everyday driving. Meanwhile, at level one, it barely feels like the car is slowing down. With that, I found it best to set to auto to let the computer do the best.
What I noticed is that you have to be quite sensitive with the throttle in order to drive the most efficiently. When driven with a light foot, you can get the battery to run the electric motor alone to maintain cruising speed. But if you put your foot down by just a little bit, the engine comes to life. There is no electric-only driving mode too, and as a result, the computer will automatically determine when to use the gas and electric motor.
As for the ride, it was very comfortable. Even on the off-road section, none of us inside the car could feel the rough terrain. You can definitely be relaxed inside the Sorento whether you’re driving it or sitting as a passenger. Plus, you also have the full suite of features at your disposal too.
Conclusion
Our time with the 2025 Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid was short, but it was definitely enjoyable. While some of you might have doubts about the engine, it does live up to expectations. The added features are definitely welcomed too.
As for the price? The Sorento Turbo Hybrid starts at PHP 2,188,000USD 37,284INR 3,226,862EUR 35,818CNY 271,531 for the entry-level EX Turbo Hybrid, while the EX+ Turbo Hybrid retails for PHP 2,588,000USD 44,100INR 3,816,782EUR 42,366CNY 321,171. As for this top-spec SX Turbo Hybrid AWD, it will set buyers back PHP 2,888,000USD 49,212INR 4,259,222EUR 47,277CNY 358,401. For reference, the pre-facelift Sorento starts at just PHP 2,448,000USD 41,714INR 3,610,310EUR 40,074CNY 303,797, which makes the 2025 model a lot more affordable than before.
This is only our first impression of the 2025 Sorento Turbo Hybrid SX AWD, but we’ll have more driving details and features in our full review so stay tuned for that. So far though, what do you think of updated Sorento? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
