2025 Kia Sorento X-Line Review: The ALMOST Perfect Midsize SUV?

Exterior Design and Features

• 🎨 The 2025 Kia Sorento X-Line is showcased in a new Jungle Green color, featuring a balance of metal flake and a non-dark hue.
• 💡 The front boasts an updated design with vertical stacked LED headlights, LED daytime running lamps, and turn signals.
• ⚠️ A critique is made about a fake vent on the front fascia, suggesting it should be functional or house additional lights.
• ⬛ The X-Line trim includes 20-inch gloss black wheels with a unique square design and a blacked-out Kia badge.
• 🚀 Raised roof rails in a gloss black and flat black combination are present on the X-Line trim.
• 💨 The rear features a long roof spoiler, a tucked-away rear wiper, and full LED tail lights, though the exhaust finisher is noted as a missing element.

Performance and Powertrain

• 💨 Under the hood is a 2.5L turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
• ⚙️ It's paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
• 🚀 Acceleration is noted with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.9 seconds.
• ⛽ Fuel economy is rated at 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway.
• 🛣️ The suspension is described as soaking up bumps well with minimal body roll and quick shifts from the DCT.

Interior Technology and Comfort

• 📱 The interior features dual 12.3-inch screens: one for infotainment and one for the digital gauge cluster.
• 🪵 Trim includes open-pore wood accents and soft-touch materials throughout the cabin.
• ❄️ Dual-zone climate control is available, with a unique system where hitting an arrow brings up infotainment control buttons on the TFT display.
• 🔌 Connectivity includes two USB-C ports and wireless charging, along with three stages of heated seats (ventilated seats are not on the EX trim).
• 💺 Seats are described as supportive with nice stitching and perforations, and the beige headliner works well with the interior color scheme.
• ☀️ A panoramic sunroof with a power shade is a notable feature.

Seating and Space

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Sorento is a 3-row midsize crossover SUV, positioned between the larger Telluride and smaller Sportage.
• 💺 The second row offers captain's chairs with USB-C ports and AC vents, though the armrests are considered too skinny.
• 🚶‍♂️ Easy access to the third row is provided via a button that slides and tilts the second-row seats.
• 🤏 The third row offers just enough headroom but has high knees and a low rear end, representing a compromise for the added seating.
• 📦 Cargo space is approximately 13 cubic feet with the third row up, expanding to nearly 60 cubic feet when the second row is folded down.

Driving Experience and Comparison

• ✅ The driving experience is characterized by a well-organized interior, low dash, and accessible screens with physical knobs and buttons.
• 🚦 Driving modes (Smart, Sport, Eco, Normal, Snow) adjust throttle, steering, and AWD behavior.
• 💨 The dual-clutch transmission performs well, with smooth and quick shifts, and minimal boost lag.
• 🔇 Road and wind noise are minimal, and steering feel has been improved.
• 🏆 The Sorento is compared to the Honda Passport, with the Sorento offering a third row as a key advantage over the Passport's two-row configuration.
• 💰 The MSRP for this X-Line AWD model is around $43,000.