The All-New 2025 Kia Sorento Powertrain Comparison

The 2025 Kia Sorento offers a complete package for Canadian drivers seeking versatility without compromise. This refreshed SUV brings enhanced styling and more standard features, but what truly sets it apart is its rare triple powertrain approach. With traditional internal combustion, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options all available, the Sorento adapts to your driving preferences while maintaining its adventure-ready capability.

Each powertrain configuration in the 2025 Sorento lineup delivers a unique driving experience tailored to different needs. Whether you prioritize raw towing power, daily efficiency, or want to minimize your carbon footprint with electric driving, Kia has engineered a Sorento variant that aligns with your lifestyle. This comprehensive approach gives you unprecedented choice in the midsize SUV segment without sacrificing the comfort, technology, and versatility that make the Sorento ideal for both everyday driving and special occasions.

Traditional Power: ICE Variants for Every Driver

The 2025 Sorento's internal combustion engine (ICE) lineup starts with a capable 2.5L four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque in the LX and EX trims. This engine pairs with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, providing balanced performance for daily driving while maintaining a respectable 2,000 lb towing capacity—enough for small trailers or recreational equipment.

For drivers requiring additional capability, the X-LINE, X-LINE LIMITED, and X-PRO trims feature a significantly more powerful 2.5L turbocharged engine. This powerplant delivers an impressive 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an advanced 8-speed wet-type dual-clutch automatic transmission for responsive power delivery. The turbocharged models elevate towing capacity to 3,500 lb on X-LINE variants, while the specialized X-PRO pushes this limit even further to 4,500 lb—putting it in a different league among midsize SUVs.

All ICE Sorento models come equipped with standard all-wheel drive, giving you confidence in Canadian winter conditions and light off-road situations. The 67-litre fuel tank provides excellent range between fill-ups, making the Sorento suitable for long-distance road trips with family and friends.

Efficient Innovation: The Sorento HEV System

The 2025 Sorento HEV combines a 1.6L turbocharged engine with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor to deliver 227 combined horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid system strikes an excellent balance between performance and efficiency, making it ideal for families who drive predominantly in urban and suburban environments but still need occasional towing capability up to 2,000 lb.

The hybrid powertrain utilizes a 270-volt lithium-ion polymer battery that seamlessly integrates with the engine through a 6-speed automatic transmission. This configuration maintains the all-wheel-drive capability found across the Sorento lineup while significantly improving fuel efficiency compared to the standard ICE models. The battery system is designed to recharge through regenerative braking and doesn't require plugging in.

You'll appreciate the hybrid's responsive acceleration from the electric motor's instant torque, particularly useful in stop-and-go traffic. With the same 67-litre fuel tank as the ICE models but improved efficiency, the Sorento HEV extends your range between fuel stops while reducing your carbon footprint—without introducing the range anxiety sometimes associated with fully electric vehicles.

Electric Advantage: PHEV Versatility and Range

The 2025 Sorento PHEV takes electrification further by offering up to 48 km of all-electric driving range—perfect for daily commutes and errands around town without using a drop of fuel. This plug-in system combines the same 1.6L turbocharged engine with a more powerful electric motor configuration, resulting in 261 combined horsepower while maintaining the 258 lb-ft of torque found in the HEV.

Charging the larger 360-volt battery takes approximately 3.8 hours on a standard 240V charger, making overnight charging convenient and practical. The PHEV model still delivers up to 2,000 lb of towing capacity and features standard all-wheel drive, ensuring you don't sacrifice utility for efficiency. With a 47-litre fuel tank, the total driving range extends well beyond what the all-electric range provides, eliminating concerns about finding charging stations on longer trips.

For families living in urban areas with access to home charging, the PHEV offers substantial savings on fuel costs while maintaining the flexibility to handle longer journeys without planning around charging infrastructure. The instant torque from the electric motor provides a surprisingly spirited driving experience, particularly from a standstill.

Matching Powertrain to Lifestyle: Practical Considerations

Your daily driving habits and adventure plans should guide your Sorento powertrain choice. For frequent long-distance travellers who regularly tow heavier loads, the turbocharged X-LINE or X-PRO ICE variants deliver the necessary muscle with their class-leading towing capacity and highway-friendly power band.

The HEV model shines for families with mixed driving needs—school runs, commuting, and weekend getaways—where improved fuel efficiency makes a noticeable difference in operating costs without requiring lifestyle adjustments. The standard all-wheel drive ensures you're prepared for changing road conditions year-round.

The PHEV configuration works best if your typical daily driving falls within its 48 km electric range, allowing you to handle most trips without using gasoline while having the security of the hybrid system for longer journeys. While it requires access to charging infrastructure, the potential fuel savings and reduced emissions make it an attractive option for environmentally conscious drivers who still need the versatility of a three-row SUV.

Find Your Perfect Powertrain Match

The 2025 Kia Sorento's diverse powertrain lineup means you don't need to compromise between capability and efficiency. Each option delivers the spacious interior, advanced technology, and adventure-ready versatility that define the Sorento, just with different approaches to power and efficiency.

Experience the difference yourself at Plaza Kia, where our team can help match the right Sorento powertrain to your specific needs. Book a personalized consultation to explore how each powertrain option performs in real-world driving situations and discover which 2025 Sorento will seamlessly integrate with your lifestyle.

To learn more about 2025 Kia Sorento HEV/PHEV, visit Kia.ca