Which 2025 Kia Sorento Engine is Right for You?

The 2025 Kia Sorento gives you three different engines to choose from. Each one works differently and costs different amounts to run. Your driving habits will help you pick the best option.

You can get a regular gas engine, a hybrid, or a plug-in hybrid. All three come with all-wheel drive. The engine you choose affects everything from your monthly fuel bill to how much you can tow. Here's what each engine offers and who should pick each one.

Regular Gas Engine: Built for Heavy-Duty Work

The regular gas engine comes in two sizes. The smaller 2.5L engine makes 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. You get this in the LX and EX models. It can tow 2,000 pounds and uses an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The bigger option is a 2.5L turbo engine. This one makes 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. You get it in X-LINE and X-PRO models. The X-LINE can tow 3,500 pounds, while the X-PRO handles up to 4,500 pounds. The turbo uses an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission for quicker shifts.

You should pick this engine if:

• You tow boats, trailers, or equipment regularly
• You drive long distances often on highways
• You want the most power for mountain driving
• You don't want to worry about charging or complex systems
• You need maximum towing capacity

The turbo engine delivers strong acceleration and maintains power even with heavy loads. It runs on regular unleaded gas, which keeps your fuel costs reasonable compared to premium options. The 67-litre fuel tank gives you good range for road trips.

Hybrid Engine: Smart Power for Daily Driving

The hybrid uses a 1.6L turbo engine plus an electric motor. Together they make 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. You get better gas mileage than the regular engine but still have decent power for daily needs.

The hybrid can tow up to 2,000 pounds. The 270-volt battery charges itself while you drive through regenerative braking. You never need to plug it in anywhere. The system switches between gas and electric power automatically.

You should pick this engine if:

• You drive in the city with lots of stop-and-go traffic
• You want to save money on gas without plugging in
• You don't tow heavy things often
• You want good power with lower running costs
• You drive a mix of city and highway miles

The hybrid works best in urban driving where the electric motor helps during acceleration. You'll notice fuel savings right away, especially if you spend time in traffic. The system feels smooth and requires no changes to how you drive.

Plug-In Hybrid: Maximum Efficiency for Short Commutes

The plug-in hybrid also uses a 1.6L turbo engine and electric motor. It makes 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque total. The big difference is the larger 360-volt battery that you charge at home.

You can drive up to 48 km on electric power alone. This covers most daily trips to work, school, or errands without using any gas. Charging takes about 3.8 hours on a standard 240V household outlet. The fuel tank holds 47 litres.

You should pick this engine if:

• Your daily commute is under 48 km round trip
• You can charge at home or work easily
• You want to use almost no gas for local driving
• You still need flexibility for longer weekend trips
• You care about reducing your environmental impact

The plug-in hybrid saves you the most money if you charge regularly and drive mostly short distances. You can still take long trips using the gas engine when the battery runs out.

Real-World Cost Comparison

Maintenance and Reliability Facts

All three engines use similar basic components. The gas engines have the simplest systems with fewer parts that can break. Both hybrid systems add electric motors and batteries but use proven technology.

The hybrid batteries come with extensive warranties. Kia covers the hybrid components for years beyond the standard warranty. Parts availability is good for all three engine types across Canada.

Service intervals are similar for all engines. The hybrids don't need significantly more maintenance than gas engines. Your local Kia dealer can service any of these powertrains without special equipment.

Which Engine Fits Your Driving Style?

Pick the gas engine if:

• You tow heavy loads regularly
• You drive long distances often
• You want the simplest, most proven option
• You don't have reliable access to charging
• You need maximum capability

Pick the hybrid if:

• You drive in city traffic frequently
• You want fuel savings without plugging in
• You rarely tow anything heavy
• You want a good balance of power and efficiency
• You drive moderate distances daily

Pick the plug-in hybrid if:

• Most of your driving is local and under 48 km
• You can charge at home reliably
• You want maximum fuel savings
• You still need occasional long-distance capability
• You prioritize environmental benefits

All Three Deliver the Same Sorento Benefits

No matter which engine you choose, you get identical Sorento features:

• All-wheel drive comes standard
• Room for 6 or 7 passengers
• Large cargo area with folding seats
• Advanced safety systems
• Modern infotainment technology
• Comfortable ride quality for families

The differences focus on power delivery, towing capability, and fuel costs. Your daily driving patterns should guide your engine choice more than anything else.

Experience Each Engine for Yourself

Reading about these engines only tells part of the story. You need to feel how each one accelerates, handles different driving conditions, and fits your daily routine.

Schedule test drives of all three 2025 Sorento variants at Lallier Kia de Laval and discover which powertrain naturally matches your driving style—you'll know the right choice within the first few kilometres.

To learn more about 2025 Kia Sorento, visit Kia.ca