Is the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid a BETTER midsize 3-row SUV than a Toyota Highlander?

[@TheEasyeman]

Just test drove this this week. Got 41+ mpg during my test drive. Watching this video intently 😊😊

[@trumpius_maximus47]

How far did you drive?

[@TheEasyeman]

@@trumpius_maximus47 about 30 minutes 😁😁

[@trumpius_maximus47]

@@TheEasyeman Nice

[@timwood4986]

We just bought ours and love this vehicle. Challenged the MPG the other day and driving thru a neighborhood to pick up my granddaughter I was getting 51MPG, that's right 51, I took a pic of the dashboard to show my wife and she could not believe it unless she seen the pic. I can't wait to take some trips in this vehicle and see how well we do.

[@ivandoneshefsky4762]

Joe, did you say 0-60 in 6 seconds or so? Anyway, very good review. The hybrid seems to be the best way to go for Sorento. Great gas mileage, no dual-clutch transmission issues, plenty of power and I’m assuming it’s quieter. I like the changes made to the front end and especially the upscale interior. $48k is stretching it but it’s less expensive than a Telluride and way more cost effective than a Grand Highland. I have no qualms about the 1.6 motor with turbo. It’s been out a number of years and has been reliable. Well done Kia IMO. Cheers👍

[@hp-fx9pv]

lol! Yep, I heard 6.1 seconds too, not in this car, the 2.5 turbo is about 6.5….thr hybrid is probably 7.5.

[@gdcc1989]

I have to admit the 34 mpgs across-the-board is a real eye-catching feature for this hybrid suv

[@13Monty_]

It's more like 29 in real

[@michaelcooperjr2849]

@@13Monty_ I have the 22 model and I average about 37 city and 34 highway

[@timothystafford5390]

Great review Joe! I was looking to buy the 24' but now I'm waiting for the 25' after seeing this vid. A lot of "bang for your buck" at $48k. 34 mpg, great interior/tech, pana roof, leather, great ride/power, warranty 10 yrs.....its a no brainer.

[@senorgato70]

But the Sorento is a rival to the Highlander, not the Grand Highlander. The Sorento is about a foot shorter than the GH. Same with the CX-90, which is more of a rival for the Telluride, not the Sorento.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for your great info!

[@tedbaldwin3607]

Don't like the looks of the wheels or their size (19"). The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid has better-looking 20" wheels. The Santa Fe also has real roof racks.

[@rickjames6867]

Not diggin the wheels. Paint Color is righteous. The interior is superb. I like the 6 speed Auto. My 14 Optima has the 6 speed Auto and it is wonderful. Good modern transportation for the money. Take care of it and it will last well beyond the awesome warranty they come with.☮️💙

[@CS_1989]

Stop trying to cramp 3rd row in these mid size. Two rows with more leg room would be sufficient.

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

I agree, they just aren’t large enough and the 3rd row will only get used for 5 year olds and under. I mean, if you hate someone or your own kids, I suppose it’s a good place to put them and try to forget they are there. Yes, I’m terrible. But I’m also right.

[@zebekias3]

I am 5’9 230lbs and tested sitting in the 3rd row, I don’t get all the complaining, it’s spacious. The problem is the trunk space with the 3rd row up 😂 In any case, it’s a good car for us as our summer car in Europe. Can’t wait to take delivery (in July)

[@krysteendadee]

I have a 2017 Sorento. I only have 2 kids so we don't use the 3rd row often but it's been great for when we need to transport friends or when family comes to visit so they don't need to rent a car. Many adults of ridden back there without complaint.

[@andresmit5655]

I don't know about this model but my 18 Sorento fits my kids in the back and they are about 5'5"

[@georgecoumbos2511]

Not when you have a family with kids.

[@fl7015]

The cameras and the screens look great. Wished Honda and Toyota had similar style.

[@JKHan-yo1dj]

just got mine, love the smooth switch and panoramic sunroof. and most of all the infotainment is just awesome.

still liking it? what don't you like about it? Thanks

[@omarcortes5754]

Great for daily driving but I feel like 2 rows would be better for the size of this vehicle.

[@LoveStallion]

Yeah, I almost grabbed a brand-new one for a rental the other week (went with a Polestar instead for funsies), and it was super nice, but I was shocked to find a third row. It just doesn't seem like vehicle that would have a third row.

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

@@LoveStallion They should all just get rid of them and save the consumer money. Anyone who has something like five children needs to figure out their own mess.

[@toddchinnock1687]

Can't you just drop the 3rd seats?

I plan to just leave the 3rd row collapsed unless I need it.

[@mili224]

the market is flooded with 5-seat SUV's. The Sorento is unique in its true mid-size and 6 seat configuration. If you want a 2 row SUV there are so many other options. The third row is for kids or for a short-trip extra adult seat when needed.

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

The 2025 Highlander refresh killed the currently very nice looking Highlander, which was certainly the best design Toyota had to offer. Not anymore! It is being stripped of its personality and is becoming a plain box with wheels. I think I read that they are even considering renaming it “Them.” In terms of the interior, we all know that Toyota doesn’t even try to compete with KIA. So, I think it’s pretty clear how I feel about this situation.

[@CS_1989]

Get rid of the 3rd row, ventilated seats in the back with adult size armrest, & add panoramic sunroof for 50k

[@retgi1]

I have a 2022 Sorento PHEV and plug it in anytime I go more than a few miles. Most of my driving is local under 30 miles so I fill it up about every 10 to 12 weeks. Averaging some 92 mpg at the moment.

[@sansin6250]

2025 Sorento Hybrid SX Prestige vs 2025 Santa Fe hybrid Calligraphy, which one is a quieter, smoother ride?

[@scottrush2928]

Not a hybrid fan personally. Also not a fan of the silver accents on the exterior. The interior is phantastic. I have a 2022 sxprestige, wolf grey. I love it. I get compliments daily. Kia has been doing a great job

[@joanaparicio4521]

We just got one. I'm very happy with it.

[@beautyofgrace3915]

Just sold my 2004 Kia Sorento LX that I had for 20 years, so glad to see this hybrid, but I just got a 2018 Chevy Volt which has been great.😊

[@Enegetickicks]

I'll go Mazda all day Kia is great ,but Mazda is supreme in my humble opinion.

[@hightiernub1313]

How is Mazda better please give some pointers?

[@bryangibson1497]

I love Mazda but I’m a Nissan guy

[@JoseDiaz-qw7mg]

@@hightiernub1313 there are many, actually. Mazda cx 90 has better looking exterior and way better looking interior; much better reliability ratings; 6 cyl engine vs 4 cyl on the Kia; normal 8 spd auto vs unreliable DCT; much better resale value… the list goes on and on

[@yejoonyang9552]

@@JoseDiaz-qw7mg The sorento hybrid in this video uses a planetary 6-speed

[@CharlieMagic_]

Test drove both recently. I prefer the Kia. Mazdas have lighter doors, less comfy seats, more plastic, and worse infotainment vs. these Kias

[@Glideslopes]

Wouldn't a Highlander HV be a more appropriate comparison? I'm thinking Grand Highlander/Kia Telluride. ?

[@mjg1544]

I agree with you Joe on the missing HUD for 48K.

[@StarShippCaptain]

Really like the newly designed front of the 2025 Hybrid. It has a bold, yet Classical look. Not overdone! Great features with the running lights, headlights, fog lights, and air intakes. I like the KIA logo on the front of the hood. Very distinctive.

[@juneaaahn6826]

This is the best selling car in Korea for 2-3 years...where consumers are really picky in choosing cars.

[@davidp2888]

Nice looking vehicle. I'm still Team Mazda.

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

Yes of course Joe & I'm ready to afford this.

[@abdulgimba733]

I love that SMILE on your face Joe”No wiper” 😂😂😂

[@tedbaldwin3607]

Santa Fe has dual phone chargers and head up display, power 2nd row seats, 3rd row ac vents and fan control.

[@SpringfieldTony]

7:10 it rolls really well & the combined MPG is 68 (heehee) love to you, tony

[@stevenkreiss2113]

Yay rear wiper is tucked just like the Santa Fe

[@RaitisRides]

Tell me about it

[@dcrijo]

That # 34 is winning it for me...great review!!

[@michaeldjimanor8393]

Like always Good review there... My question is, if u have to choose between this KIA SORRENTO and MAZDA CX70 , which one will u choose, and why ??

[@CaptDavyJones]

That would depend on what your priorities are. If you want a 3rd row, then Sorento it is. If driving pleasure is your priority, Mazda all the way. Also if you care about gas mileage, Sorento would be a better choice.

[@DaddyIvo]

Oh snap!!! Didn’t know you were a GIJOE Fan/collector. AWESOME. The Kia is a tad pricey BUT, it’s filled with a lot of amenities.

[@Gemini530]

I'm debating between the Sorento and the Mercedes GLC. Does the Sorento have ambient lighting? How's the Bose sound system? How does the ride compare to the GLC?

[@Mathewpro246]

Great review and video❤❤

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you

[@styner3]

Too bad you can't get the SX with a bench 2nd row.

[@magnoliap5824]

Right. Zonk. Only on the 2 lowest trims.

[@edwardvalivonis23]

Definitely I want bench

[@destinyhall5742]

I've struggled because I want the 2nd row bench but also want the higher end features

[@vfrtodd]

Thank you for not playing annoying music.

[@RaitisRides]

You got it!

[@brokeboy87]

I would get this in a lower trim, the amount of gloss black in the interior is just too much for me. But love the overall design off this vehicle.

[@quaizers]

Joe, I love when you mess with Steven 😂😂😂😂😂

[@williebutsch8948]

At 1st, I thought the redesigned models were ugly but the look has grown on me!

[@NickVanek-lm2gx]

Love your videos man

[@StarShippCaptain]

It's a Great mid-size SUV! Really proportioned well. Classy!

[@cheezeandcrackers]

I like the size vs a CRV or RAV for almost the same price. (EX not SX Prestige). Id just have the rear seats always folded down.

[@Pplsaydannyboy]

Sitting on the toilet as I watch this 🤣🤣 11:27

[@alengreen589]

Hi Joe, why are Kia and Hyundai reliable and have a good quality in Europe but not in North America? I´m really not understand that.

[@ferencvad8251]

Bottle Yuhu to wash it down:)) I love this hybrid, it’s the perfect pretty family suv. Very interested!!!

[@DominionAnako-bb7ry]

Love your car video

[@Trentjacksonfreedom]

I love the junk food promotions hidden in his videos very hilarious ❤nice pocket to keep all your sweat 😅

[@Raaxshas]

Is it worth upgrading from my 2023 Sorento?

[@Briangnc96]

Out 24 HEV Tucson gets 32/33 mpg and the sticker states up to 37….little did we know that’s when the car is driven at a whopping 45mph 🫤. Worst thing about the Kia/Hyundai are the back up sounds and til too from the turning signal

[@heinerschumann7866]

Hallo, ich fahre den Sorento Baujahr 2018 mit 2,2ltr Diesel und Automatik Getriebe. Ich bin sehr zufrieden, in Deutschland hat der Wagen die 7Jahre Garantie die ich noch nie brauchte. Das Design vom neuen Sorento finde ich Sehr Gut innen wie außen ! danke für die Vorstellung und den Test. Schöne Grüße aus Deutschland, Heiner

[@flamencoguru]

Are they still running the Theta engine that burns oil and eventually blows up?

[@darkivaz-aaa1145]

Stop trolling

[@RaitisRides]

That is A great question

[@RaitisRides]

@@darkivaz-aaa1145very good point

[@flamencoguru]

@@darkivaz-aaa1145 Just stating facts. No trolling.

[@ATRichard]

No - these new engines are now part of the “Smartstream” family. They’ve been more reliable so far. And Kia has been using the 1.6T engine for years now - well over a decade. Its one of my favorite engines to come out of the Hyundai Motor Group.

[@Chiroman527]

Great review Joe. This appears to better compared to a CRV Sport Touring Hybrid or the Highlander Hybrid. From what I am seeing here (subject to taking my own test drive) is a Peppy, Nice looking, Gas/Electric Hybrid for a small families or for people like me - a Retiree who does primarily local trips with the occasional longer rides (hate the term Road Trip). 34 MPG with that Pep 6.1 or6.2 seconds 0-60 is a real come on. My ZONKS are two: No HUD, and No power steering wheel adjustment !! I've had that on my last 6 cars - I would miss that immensely as it works with the Auto Entry and Exit features of those same cars and the memory Settings too. Is there a Remote Start that will engage the Climate systems and window defrosters / side view mirror heaters in the cold weather? I will say after I confirm the Tranny being used (No DCT or CVT for me) and a test drive, this fully loaded Sorrento Hybrid will be on my short list to replace my upcoming lease end on a 22 MDX Advance. Despite truly LIKING the MDX, I don't need a 3 Row SUV (I don't mind the 3rd Row in the Sorrento bc the seats will always be down flat), I'm liking the pep in this Sorrento and the terrific MPGs. Even though my MDX was EPA rated at 17 (or was it 19) MPGs in the City... I have never gotten close to that in Suburban driving never mind City driving. 12.5-13.5 more like it. And finally, What is the Warranty Offered by KIA for this model ? That's also a consideration.

[@justinsmith4839]

Do you know if any Kia's offer a recording feature for the cameras to act as a dash cam? Like teslas have

[@Epyeon]

Thanks for the video! Just a question, this specific trim didn’t have the augmented reality Heads up display, but could you go up a trim or add it for this model? Same question? Would higher tier trims have a/c in the 3rd row? Thanks in advance

[@erynjohnson4369]

The SX Prestige is the highest trim

[@Epyeon]

@@erynjohnson4369 so does that mean it doesn’t have the augmented reality

[@cartercrump3511]

Thank you for helping us to choose KIA.

[@jh748]

I prefer the Hyundai Santa Fe because it's also a 3 row seater but doesn't look like every single suv like this one does.

[@Thebuscommunityleader]

Fantastic review Joe.

[@dystopia-usa]

Luck be with you if you ever decide to purchase a Hyundai/KIA.

[@gfunktuba1]

My wife’s Sonata has 100,000 miles and only goes to the dealer for oil changes etc. no failures or repairs needed yet

[@Chiroman527]

This is What Acura should have done for the 2025 RDX !! KIA is hitting it Out of The Park. Acura missed Yacht , not just athe boat, by not delivering a Gas/Electric Hybrid RDX. I will be considering this SX Prestige HYbrid to replace my 22 MDX Advance.

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you really like this one.

[@Bowhunters6go8xz6x]

It looks nice and good gas mileage but its not a true Off Road Suv so they need to paint the wheel well edge areas instead of using black plastic as it makes it look cheapo ! I would also keep that 3rd row stowed down unless I had little kids to haul around.

[@bfleming6665]

Love the looks except the wheels, specs are great but I get hung up on all the gloss black and lack of interior color choices. Wife hates black and I hate light colors to keep clean. Dust Blue? Yuk.

[@edwardvalivonis23]

Joe is a type of a guy to sniff his socks before putting them in washing machine

[@demetriustatum672]

Grand highlander gas limited vs soerento hybrid which one should I test drive first one other car I’m looking at is the new Arcadia my lease is up on my 22 pathfinder in September

[@ericrouillard3784]

Many nice features. Definitely Hating the 2nd row- a bench with heated seats should be an option for the family dog and the occasional in-laws.

[@polofunk]

Kia is finally releasing the American version of the EV9

[@michaelcooperjr2849]

This is definitely nice, but no competition for the Grand Highlander. Especially when its almost a foot longer for 4k more and competitive mpg.

[@osemuohan-smarties5203]

LOVE IT!!

[@taylorsmithmedia]

Do we know which color this was? Interstellar Gray?

[@alan1071]

I looks like they’re trying to compensate for generation-older styling and poor 3rd row experience with great fuel economy specs and some additional features but fundamentally it barely competes with Highlander let alone Grand Highlander.. They used to put a low-grade soft-touch paint on high use touchpoints but the durability was so poor they curtailed the practice only to utilize the 2nd worst choice; piano-black plastic. What’s their logic?

[@dustinm8800]

Their third row is bad. You're right. They need to do better. Ppl might as well do Telluride

[@doolittlegeorge]

So much product on the market going on forever now and Tesla still remains wholly dominant because of vehicle autonomy. Having tested out the 2024 Subaru all that Badge needs is the hybrid to crush both Toyota and Hyundai-Kia at the moment into upon North America. No way will US consumers be paying extra for a 4 Banger in this market of pure play BEV which are very much starting to dominate the entire US market for sales to the right type of customers (savvy.) Still this is an impressive attempt to try and keep up with that verdict: Honda still doing it right tho compared to all other import badges.

[@Poitierj93]

I believe the regular Highlander is more compared to this vehicle than the Grand Highlander judging by the size of this vehicle especially the price point. It actually looks like the regular Highlander is bigger than this. The Grand Highlander and Telluride would be n the same class.

[@patriciashadid985]

I have a 2023 kia hybrid sx presteige , lol, can’t spell it, same car as that 2025 you just reviewed. I am concerned about charging while idling? I was waiting For my husband at the airport, it was hot, so I had the car on with the air, & the blue charge light almost went down to nothing? So I turned it off. I tried googling, can you sit with it on in park, with air or heat ?

[@Nojistic]

I thought this would answer the CX-90 question posed. But mostly mentioning the Highlander?

[@RaitisRides]

This is so true

[@MurseTech64]

Probably, but not better than an EV9

[@CellPhonzRockEnterprises]

You got that right 👌🏻 EV9 over a Sorento just about any day

[@kevinW826]

Neither will last. Dent the battery casing and both are totalled. Gas for the win.

[@CellPhonzRockEnterprises]

@@kevinW826 Not totally. EVs are far superior than gas since they’re faster off the line, cheaper to maintain and less expensive to own in the long run. Furthermore, the EV9 is an SUV, so it has more ground clearance than an Ioniq 5/6 or an EV6.

[@MurseTech64]

@@CellPhonzRockEnterprises Exactly. And skid plates also exist.

[@cheezeandcrackers]

I wonder how hard it would be to have all the gloss black wrapped with a matte finish.

[@CCCeeCee]

Got me at snake eyes and stayed for the sweat pocket.

[@garygardner6272]

Don’t like the wheels / go back to the cool wheels from 21-23 style. These wheels add nothing to the vehicle.

[@paulwoodson7912]

What you did’nt discuss was the limited color selection. The colors they have for exterior and exterior are limited and boring. You really don’t get any extras for a suv costing nearly $50 grand. I had high hopes for the Kia Sorento Hybrid for 2025 but the company had other ideas.

[@StarShippCaptain]

Look at the SIlky Silver exterior color matched with the Dusty Blue interior. Pretty Great!

[@achin-tj7lb]

you give a zonk for every single 8 passenger vehicle, mid row arm rest because it's too small. but how are you going to walk to the back of the car if it's wider? that doesn't make sense.

[@stanbrewer6079]

I agree combined mileage is 68 mpg 😮🥴🥴. What i don't understand is how highway is same as city ❓️❓️ usually highway gives ya a couple extra mpg, so ❓️❓️❓️.

[@stevelalley6194]

Can you get this with second row bench seat?

[@bertrandrhule6568]

Why is Kia and Hyundai always erasing their identity, they always restyling their cars and making then difficult to identify. They sometimes overdo

[@joek1353]

That's what's happening with today's society 😂

[@joek1353]

You tell em purple hair, tattoos, couple piercings 🤪 and wonder why there still single

[@SiriasisOFFICIAL]

Because its hyundai and kia

[@pfwww12]

Because their mechanics fail and they always have to find the next Car Brand to take elements and engineering from. Zonk all the way around.

[@quaizers]

That's called progress and not stupid conservative like Tesla's, same bored car for years, now they're scared because BYD is selling more cars than them, of course people get tired of the same thing over and over, changes are not always right, but that's how you grow, I hate Tesla's, they are like mouses everywhere

[@Pecone]

Great review as usual 🎉. Not for me though, also 1.6 L engine in a three row SUV?! I know it's a hybrid, but come on...this is just horrible

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for great thoughts on this Sorento

[@williebutsch8948]

What's the friends and family price?

[@mikewoodward364]

Can't Kia make some decent aluminum wheels

[@waseyfarooqui]

sorento hybrid or telluride...tough decision 😏

[@brothershe8927]

I had the same question two years ago. I ended up going with Sorento because of the mpg and it's smaller so it's easier to park.

[@JanssenDG]

is this already available in canada? if so, what trims are available?

[@imadom3891]

What color is that Sorento?

[@youngkearse]

After this whole Kia boyz crap, I'll never purchase another Kia or Hyundai.

[@mystictk4149]

Sorento is actually nice tho.

[@stevenkreiss2113]

Stunning vehicle

[@RaitisRides]

I’m glad that you think so

[@stargate25645]

Why do you keep comparing this to the Grand Highlander? This is significantly smaller.

[@reasonablecomments2538]

Double check your 0 to 60 numbers you stated

[@marierose2924]

for 48K I will ALWYS go with Toyota or Honda...I'm not paying 48K for a Kia. I know they have came a Lon way far as the brand and the quality, but.....not far asa vehicle holding its value and resale value......for that I'm going with Toyota and Honda all day..its a nice looking vehicle though

[@RaitisRides]

You are not the first to share those thoughts.

[@djarumastrofoo]

Um, did he mean 0-60 in 8.1 seconds?

[@dustinm8800]

I don't like the rear window on this one either

[@brekdown29]

New Santa Fe hybrid looks so much more premium than this, especially in the Calligraphy trim. Not to mention those wheels are hideous.

[@pjkr123]

No, Toyota Highlander is better (in long-term ownership experience imo, also depends on the dealership)

[@Ww8.3]

The new Highlander isn’t even tested for long term 😂

[@GhostKilo36]

Watch out Toyota!!!

[@RaitisRides]

Tell me about it

[@mr.foxwiz1653]

No way. Kia is garbage

[@Ww8.3]

@@mr.foxwiz1653according to you. Toyota isn’t doing so hot lately. I think Kia makes a solid product without the Toyota tax that is arguably more reliable.