If you’re a driver looking to find the sweet spot between more space and capability without going full-size or full-price, midsize SUVs should be on your radar. The issue is, though, when you add all-wheel drive to the mix, the price tends to creep up quickly, but not always.
You can be forgiven for thinking confident handling in rough weather and the added security of AWD would need to stretch your budget. Thankfully, there’s a smartly-priced option on the market that offers both size and traction at a price point that’s hard to beat.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from the Kia website and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and the NHTSA.
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The 2025 Kia Sorento S AWD Starts at $36,365
With a starting MSRP of $36,890 excluding destination, the 2025 Kia Sorento S is the most affordable midsize SUV you can get with all-wheel drive in the U.S. Despite its bargain-friendly price, it’s a well-rounded package that doesn’t feel stripped down.
How the Sorento S Compares to Other Trims
The 2025 Kia Sorento lineup starts with the LX, but stepping up to the S trim adds more style, tech, and available AWD without a huge price jump. Compared to the LX, the S gives you heated front seats, roof rails, SynTex upholstery, and a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen—all worthwhile upgrades for a modest bump in price.
Above the S, you’ll find trims like the EX, X-Line EX AWD, X-Line SX AWD, X-Line SX Prestige AWD, and X-Pro SX Prestige AWD, which bring more premium touches, optional turbo power, and advanced driver tech. But for value-focused buyers, the S hits a strong balance of essentials and features without crossing into luxury price territory.
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Available AWD and Solid Everyday Features
The 2025 Kia Sorento S is available with AWD, for those who want extra traction and peace of mind in rough weather. When equipped, it includes a dedicated Snow Mode that helps maintain control in slippery conditions.
Power comes from a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 191 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It delivers a smooth, easy-going drive well-suited for commuting, errands, and weekend getaways.
2025 Kia Sorento S Performance Specifications
|
Powertrain |
2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
|
Horsepower |
191 hp |
|
Torque |
195 lb-ft |
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
|
Driveline |
Front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive optional) |
|
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gal.) |
17.7 gal |
|
Fuel Economy (AWD Est.) |
City 23/Highway 28/Combined 25 |
|
0-62 mph |
9.8 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
124 mph |
|
Towing Capacity |
2,000 lbs |
Surprisingly Roomy and Versatile
Another great thing about the Sorento is that it has one of the roomiest cabins in its class, offering three rows of seating—perfect for families or those who often haul extra passengers. The second-row bench folds flat in a 60/40 split, and the third row can be folded to unlock maximum cargo space.
With all its seats down, the Sorento has up to 75.5 cubic feet of room to work with—ideal for road trips, DIY runs, or weekend gear hauls. Even with all the rows up, there’s ample cargo room for grocery runs or small luggage.
2025 Kia Sorento Interior Dimensions
|
Front |
Middle |
Rear |
|
|
Headroom |
40.3 inches |
39.1 inches |
36.8 inches |
|
Legroom |
41.4 inches |
41.7 inches |
29.6 inches |
|
Shoulder Room |
59.1 inches |
58.1 inches |
53 inches |
|
Hip Room |
55.6 inches |
55.1 inches |
42.5 inches |
|
Cargo Volume |
75.5 cubic-feet |
38-45 cubic feet |
12.6 cubic-feet |
Smart Tech Without the Upsell
You can forget about paying extra for modern connectivity features. The Sorento S comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a six-speaker sound system, and multiple USB ports for second-row passengers.
There’s also a standard push-button start, remote keyless entry, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Kia clearly didn’t cut corners just to keep the price low.
Solid Safety Suite as Standard
The Sorento S’s list of toys continues with standard safety tech, including forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane keeping assist. These features are part of Kia’s Drive Wise system and are included at no extra cost.
That’s not all, though, as it also comes with rear parking sensors and Safe Exit Assist—a handy function that alerts passengers if they’re about to open their door into traffic. For families, these are thoughtful additions that come included in the price.
Great Value Without Compromise
With AWD and a long list of comfort and safety features, it’s fair to say the Sorento S punches well above its weight. Many similarly priced rivals either lack AWD entirely or require a costly upgrade to unlock it.
Factor in Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and the Sorento S becomes even more appealing as a long-term buy. It’s not just cheap—it’s smart.
Optional Packages Add Extra Comfort and Convenience
For buyers who want a little more luxury without moving to a higher trim, the Sorento S offers a couple of well-priced package upgrades. The Panoramic Sunroof Package adds a power sunroof with sunshade and LED interior lighting for $1,300.
You can also add the Convenience Package, which brings a power liftgate, wireless phone charger, and second-row captain’s chairs. These small upgrades let you tailor the Sorento S to your needs without pushing the price out of budget territory.
Interior Quality That Feels a Step Above Entry-Level
Even though it sits near the base of the lineup, the Sorento S doesn’t feel bare-bones inside. You’ll find soft-touch materials throughout the cabin, intuitive controls, and a clean, modern dashboard layout that wouldn’t feel out of place in a pricier trim.
The front seats are supportive and offer heating as standard, while second-row passengers benefit from dedicated vents and USB ports. Overall, it’s a quiet, comfortable place to spend time on the road.
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Room for Seven and Practical Everyday Storage
With its standard second-row bench, the Sorento S seats up to seven passengers—a rarity in this price range with available AWD. If you don’t need the extra seat, you can swap in the available captain’s chair for added comfort and easier third-row access.
You also get clever storage solutions like underfloor cargo bins and door pockets large enough for water bottles. The Sorento is built with families and multi-taskers in mind.
A Quiet Performer on the Road
Despite its size, the Sorento S handles city streets and highway cruises with minimal fuss. The ride is smooth and composed, and the cabin stays quiet even at higher speeds.
Kia also tunes the steering for ease and predictability, making it an approachable choice for drivers new to SUVs. It’s not sporty, but it’s confidence-inspiring and easy to live with.
The 2025 Kia Sorento S AWD Returns 25 MPG Combined
The 2025 Kia Sorento S with all-wheel drive is rated at 23 MPG in the city and 25 MPG combined, according to EPA estimates. That’s on par with most non-hybrid midsize SUVs, especially those offering standard AWD at this price.
Its 2.5-liter engine isn’t a hybrid, but it still delivers respectable efficiency for a three-row SUV. With an 17.7-gallon fuel tank, you can expect up to 420 miles of range between fill-ups.
Competitive Costs for Fuel and Maintenance
At current fuel prices, it’ll cost you about $2.68 to drive 25 miles in the AWD Sorento S. That’s roughly $1,700 annually if you drive 12,000 miles a year—reasonable for a non-hybrid SUV with this much space.
As previously mentioned, you also benefit from Kia’s impressive warranty coverage, which includes 10 years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain. That helps keep long-term ownership costs low, even without the hybrid fuel savings.
Towing Capacity That Covers the Basics
The 2025 Kia Sorento S with AWD is rated to tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. That’s enough for small trailers, lightweight boats, or a pair of dirt bikes—perfect for weekend warriors or occasional movers.
If you need more towing muscle, moving up to a trim with the available turbocharged engine boasts a capacity of 3,500 pounds. But for light-duty needs, the S gets the job done without needing extra equipment or upgrades.
The Sorento S AWD Delivers Big SUV Value on a Budget
For shoppers who want space, safety, and the confidence of available all-wheel drive without blowing past the $40,000 mark, the 2025 Kia Sorento S is a standout. It’s proof that you don’t have to sacrifice practicality or comfort to get into a midsize SUV that fits both your needs and your budget.
Add in Kia’s unbeatable warranty and a well-rounded feature list, and the Sorento S makes a strong case as the best-value AWD midsize SUV on the market right now. Whether you’re commuting, carpooling, or chasing the next weekend escape, it’s ready to do it all, without emptying your wallet.
