On a recent trip to the Los Angeles Auto Show, I had a reservation at a budget hotel within walking distance of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

I expected a Travelodge experience but was surprised by a modern Scandinavian, high-tech cross between a European youth hostel and a boutique hotel.

That’s exactly what entering the Kia Sorento PHEV feels like. I saw the Kia badge and expected basic affordable transportation. But when I opened the door . . . ‘Whoa, this is nice.’

I also had the opportunity to review the Sorento at the Western Automobile Journalists’ “Best of the Bay” competition in Santa Cruz, California. Automotive reporters judged many 2025 models; the varied lineup included the compact Fiat 500e electric car to the monster Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat.

The Sorento won my vote for the best overall vehicle. It did nearly everything right for a family SUV—without a luxury price. The reviewed PHEV SX Prestige AWD model has an MSRP of $54,505 including destination.

A Comfortable Daily Driver

The Sorento is a practical, three-row SUV that doesn’t require acrobatics. Styling and interior appointments are exemplary. At 6-foot-3, I need generous headroom and legroom, and the Sorento delivered. It was easy to enter and exit. The driving position was just right, the legroom in the first two rows plentiful. The third row was more decorative than functional. Adults can fit, but only if they’re gymnasts. Overall, the package was easy to like.

With its generous cargo space, the Sorento is a solid choice for Costco runs to road trips. On the road, the Sorento achieves an impressive EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 79 MPGe. The EPA estimated fuel economy is 35 MPG city, 33 MPG highway. I observed 32 MPG overall.

On the Road 

The Sorento has a gas-only range of more than 400 miles and an additional 30 miles of electric-only range. Bathroom breaks may be required before the low fuel warning icon illuminates.

During my review week, I forgot the Sorento PHEV was a plug-in. It’s the best of both engine worlds. It operates on gas and electricity.

The Sorento accelerates briskly. Around town it feels faster than its estimated 7.6 second zero-to-sixty mph acceleration suggests. The Sorento is easy to maneuver in traffic. On the highway, passing power is limited, but adequate.

Luxury Car Appointments

The Sorento’s cabin is as handsome as luxury cars’ interiors. The seating surfaces look expensive, materials are high-quality. The instrument panel and center stack are highlights. The OLED displays are crisp, bright and clear—even in direct sunlight.

One gripe: The HVAC and Infotainment controls share the same display and control knobs, requiring the use of an awkwardly placed toggle to switch between them. The lack of a dedicated volume knob proved irritating.

The blind spot camera is clever. It pops up on the gauge cluster and looks like “thought bubbles” when the turn signal is engaged. It makes highway lane changes stress-free.

The Right Cupholder in the Wrong Place

The backseat cupholders received an inordinate amount of attention. They’re prominently integrated into the rear doors and at first glance seemed thoughtful and convenient. But when I got it in and shut the door I got knee-poked into oblivion.

Kia designed the back seat with children and smaller adults in mind. They forgot about tall people. It’s not a dealbreaker, and could be a selling point. It’s a good location for in-laws during extended travel.

The Verdict: Publisher’s Choice for Best of the Bay

The Kia Sorento PHEV is a versatile daily driver and family hauler. It’s comfortable, efficient, feature-packed and competitively priced. The third row is best for children; the backseat cupholder is an ergonomic blunder.

But those are small complaints in an otherwise excellent package. The Sorento is no longer a “discount brand.” It’s a practical family SUV that doesn’t feel like a penalty box. Open the door, look around, have a seat, take a drive and be surprised.