SHOULD YOU BUY A KIA SORENTO HYBRID? THOROUGH REVIEW BY A MECHANIC

EV Channels Review

This comprehensive review by a mechanic delves into the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid, offering a detailed technical assessment. The reviewer praises the powertrain's smoothness and refinement, noting the absence of typical hybrid drone thanks to its six-speed automatic transmission, and highlights its impressive fuel economy for an SUV of its size. Positives include a comfortable and user-friendly interior with innovative HVAC controls and ample physical buttons for essential functions. However, significant concerns are raised regarding the hybrid system's design, particularly the external, air-cooled battery with a poorly placed intake vent, the use of a belt-driven starter/generator, and the overall quality of some components like plastic hoses. The exterior styling is deemed overly aggressive and likely to age poorly, with several design elements criticized as afterthoughts. While the interior materials in the Prestige trim don't quite match competitors like the Telluride, the reviewer concludes that the Sorento Hybrid is a solid, comfortable, and refined SUV, especially if reliability holds and the battery placement issues don't manifest, making it a strong contender in its segment.