If you’ve got a busy family or an always-on-the-go lifestyle, few vehicles pull their weight like a three-row SUV. These midsize crossovers have stepped into the role minivans once played, hauling kids, pets, groceries, sports gear, and even that last-minute Craigslist sofa without looking out of place at a nice restaurant.
For one-vehicle households, that kind of versatility isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. And when one car has to do it all, reliability becomes the top priority. Toyota and Lexus have long been the go-to brands for durability, but not everyone wants to pay a luxury price for peace of mind.
Now imagine a three-row SUV that’s dependable, budget-friendly, and easy on gas thanks to a hybrid powertrain. This one delivers exactly that, checking every box for families who need space, savings, and long-term confidence.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including Edmunds, the EPA, and J.D. Power.
The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid Delivers the Best Mix of Price, Reliability, and Everyday Comfort
With a $38,690 Price Tag and an 82-Percent J.D. Power Score, It’s Affordable, Reliable, and Anything but Basic
The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid makes a strong case for itself in the three-row hybrid SUV market by delivering real value without feeling stripped down. With a starting price under $40,000, it costs thousands less than heavyweights like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid while matching them in space and fuel efficiency.
It also keeps a size advantage, slipping easily into a suburban garage where bigger options like the Grand Highlander Hybrid or Lexus TX 500h might feel oversized. That makes it easier to live with day to day without sacrificing the extra seating families need.
Even with its lower price, Kia hasn’t cut corners on dependability. The Sorento Hybrid comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty—one of the best in the business—and has seen major gains in reliability scores from J.D. Power, backed by solid owner satisfaction.
Comparing the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid to Leading Three-Row Hybrids
|
Kia Sorento Hybrid |
Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
Lexus TX 500h |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Starting Price |
$38,690 |
$46,820 |
$70,110 |
|
Powertrain |
1.6-Liter Turbo Inline-4 + 2 Motors |
2.5-Liter Inline-4 + 3 Motors |
2.4-Liter Turbo Inline-4 + 2 Motors |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Automatic |
CVT |
6-Spped Automatic |
|
Horsepower |
277 HP |
243 HP |
366 HP |
|
Torque |
258 LB-FT |
175 LB-FT |
406 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
Front- or All-Wheel Drive |
All-Wheel Drive |
All-Wheel Drive |
|
Range |
602–637 Miles |
598 Miles |
462 Miles |
|
Efficiency (City) |
34–36 MPG |
35 MPG |
27 MPG |
|
Efficiency (Highway) |
34–36 MPG |
34–35 MPG |
28 MPG |
|
Efficiency (Combined) |
34–36 MPG |
35 MPG |
27 MPG |
|
Seating |
6 |
7 or 8 |
6 |
|
Passenger Volume |
143.8 Cubic Feet |
139.5 Cubic Feet |
143.2 Cubic Feet |
|
Cargo Volume (Min–Max) |
12.6–75.5 Cubic Feet |
16–84.3 Cubic Feet |
20.2–97.0 Cubic Feet |
The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid hits a sweet spot between midsize and full-size SUVs. It’s more nimble than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and noticeably smaller than bulky hybrids like the Lexus TX 500h.
That means it’s easier to navigate crowded city streets, squeeze into tight parking spots, and tuck into your garage. But don’t let the size fool you—it still offers a practical third row for when extra seats are needed.
The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid Combines Durability and Family-Friendly Design
Over the past 20 years, the Kia Sorento has gone from a traditional body-on-frame SUV to a modern unibody crossover. It started out known for affordability and value, but recent models have seriously stepped up their game in build quality and reliability.
Today’s Sorento earns solid ratings from trusted sources like J.D. Power, reflecting those improvements. The 2025 version also comes with Kia’s standout 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty—one of the best in the business, matched only by Hyundai Group brands and Mitsubishi.
Safety is another strong point for the Sorento. It’s packed with advanced driver-assist features and has earned top marks from the IIHS crash tests, making it a confident choice for families.
The Key Features That Make the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid an Ideal Family SUV
The Kia Sorento first hit the scene in 2003 as a rugged, truck-based SUV designed for budget-conscious buyers. Since then, it’s evolved into a smoother, more refined unibody crossover that fits today’s family needs.
With each generation, the Sorento has stepped up its game in technology, comfort, and safety, becoming a go-to choice for midsize SUV shoppers.
The Sorento Hybrid arrived in 2021 to offer even more value, helping families save on fuel without giving up the practicality they rely on. It’s a smart upgrade in a segment that’s usually tough on gas.
2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid Interior Dimensions
|
Length |
189.6 Inches |
|---|---|
|
Wheelbase |
110.8 Inches |
|
Width (Front/Rear) |
74.8 Inches |
|
Height |
66.7 Inches |
|
Headroom (Front/Middle/Rear) |
40.3/39.1/36.8 Inches |
|
Legroom (Front/Middle/Rear) |
41.4/40.7/29.6 Inches |
|
Shoulder Room (Front/Middle/Rear) |
59.1/58.1/53.0 Inches |
|
Seating |
6 |
|
Passenger Volume |
143.8 Cubic Feet |
|
Cargo Volume Behind Front Seats |
75.5 Cubic Feet |
|
Cargo Volume Behind Middle Seats |
38.5–45.0 Cubic Feet |
|
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats |
12.6 Cubic Feet |
The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid keeps the flexible, family-friendly three-row layout its predecessors are known for. While it seats six instead of seven, those middle-row captain’s chairs boost comfort and make getting to the third row a breeze.
The third row works best for kids or smaller passengers, but all the rear seats fold forward—almost flat in the middle—giving you plenty of extra cargo space when you need it.
The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid Packs Impressive Power and Performance
The 2025 Kia Sorento’s hybrid and non-hybrid models share almost the same interior space and engine power.
The hybrid pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering nearly the same punch as the top turbo model.
It gives up a little towing muscle but makes up for it with much better fuel economy and a longer driving range than most competitors.
2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid And Non-Hybrid Specifications
|
Sorento Hybrid |
Sorento |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Starting Price |
$38,690 |
$31,990 |
|
Powertrain |
1.6-Liter Turbo Inline-4 + 2 Motors |
2.5-Liter Inline-4 or Turbo Inline-4 |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Automatic |
8-Speed Automatic or Dual-Clutch |
|
Horsepower |
277 HP |
191–281 HP |
|
Torque |
258 LB-FT |
181–311 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
Front- or All-Wheel Drive |
Front- or All-Wheel Drive |
|
Range |
602–637 MIles |
407–460 Miles |
|
Efficiency (City) |
34–36 MPG |
20–23 MPG |
|
Efficiency (Highway) |
34–36 MPG |
27–31 MPG |
|
Efficiency (Combined) |
36–36 MPG |
23–26 MPG |
|
0–60 MPG |
7.6–8.4 Seconds |
6.3–8.4 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
120 MPH |
124–131 MPH |
More Three-Row Hybrid SUVs Worth Checking Out
The three-row hybrid SUV market is still pretty small, but it’s growing as families see that seating six sometimes doesn’t mean losing space for four or five—and it often means more cargo room.
While there were compact three-row models like the Mazda5 and Nissan Axxess in the past, today’s lineup is mostly midsize and large SUVs, including the Hyundai Santa Fe, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Range Rover.
Three-Row Hybrid SUVs Specifications Comparison
|
Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 |
Range Rover SE LWB |
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Starting Price |
$63,950 |
$117,200 |
$37,800 |
|
Powertrain |
2.0-Liter Turbo Inline-4 Mild Hybrid |
4.4-Liter Twin-Turbo V-8 Mild Hybrid |
1.6-Liter Turbo Inline-4 + 2 Motors |
|
Transmission |
9-Speed Automatic |
8-Speed Automatic |
6-Speed Automatic |
|
Horsepower |
255 HP |
523 HP |
231 HP |
|
Torque |
295 LB-FT |
553 LB-FT |
271 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
Rear- or All-Wheel Drive |
All-Wheel Drive |
Front- or All-Wheel Drive |
|
Range |
495–518 Miles |
452 Miles |
602–637 Miles |
|
Efficiency (City) |
19–21 MPG |
16 MPG |
35–36 MPG |
|
Efficiency (Highway) |
26–28 MPG |
23 MPG |
34–35 MPG |
|
Efficiency (Combined) |
22–23 MPG |
19 MPG |
34–36 MPG |
|
Seating |
7 |
7 or 8 |
6 or 7 |
|
Passenger Volume |
111.0 Cubic Feet |
141.0 Cubic Feet |
151.0 Cubic Feet |
|
Cargo Volume (Min–Max) |
17.4–74.9 Cubic Feet |
8.7–92.9 Cubic Feet |
14.6–79.6 Cubic Feet |
Mercedes-Benz Gle 350: A Top Pick for Power and Reliability
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 is a close rival to the Sorento Hybrid in size and style, but it leans more upscale. Its mild-hybrid turbo engine gives it a boost in towing power compared to the Kia.
Inside, the GLE offers plenty of room and flexible seating, wrapped in a more luxurious cabin. Reliability is a bit of a mixed bag—J.D. Power gives it an 80-percent rating, but some other sources see it as below average.
Range Rover SE LWB: A Giant in Utility and Performance
The 2025 Range Rover SE LWB packs a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 mild-hybrid engine that delivers plenty of power and torque. It’s built for serious off-roading, even if most owners probably stick to smoother roads.
If you want three rows of seats, you’ll need the long-wheelbase model—which comes with a noticeably higher price tag. Still, few rivals match its combination of size and spaciousness.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: A Kia Cousin That Comes Up Short on Reliability
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid feels like the Kia Sorento Hybrid’s close cousin—same powertrain, similar bones. Its boxier shape gives it a bit more space for passengers and cargo.
It comes with a slightly lower price tag, but it doesn’t enjoy the same strong owner approval as the Kia. Some drivers have raised concerns about its powertrain and drivetrain reliability.
The Sorento Hybrid Shines as the Most Reliable Three-Row SUV Outside Toyota and Lexus
The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid hits the sweet spot for families looking for a three-row SUV that’s affordable, practical, efficient, and reliable. It offers plenty of space for everyday needs and comes with an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Outside the luxury crowd, the family-friendly three-row hybrid SUV market is still pretty small—especially beyond the Toyota and Lexus models. While options like the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Range Rover LWB bring style and tech, their reliability often doesn’t match up to Toyota and Lexus standards.
That’s changing, though, as more brands invest in solid hybrid powertrains and durable platforms to serve families who need one dependable vehicle on a budget. The Sorento Hybrid stands out as proof that a practical, reliable, and wallet-friendly hybrid SUV is possible.
