Navigating the crowded arena of three-row SUVs can be daunting, especially when you want to balance space, features, and budget. Fortunately, the 2025 model year brings a standout contender that checks all these boxes, making it perfect for families who seek great value without sacrificing quality.
This SUV boasts a spacious interior that comfortably accommodates up to seven passengers, paired with user-friendly technology and excellent fuel efficiency. Importantly, it comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features and upscale amenities that you would typically expect in pricier models. Despite its wallet-friendly price, it doesn’t skimp on quality or features.
For families needing ample space who also want to keep costs in check, this three-row SUV emerges as the smartest choice. It proves that practicality, comfort, and affordability can indeed coexist, showing that you don’t need to spend a fortune to own a versatile and capable vehicle. Below, we delve into what makes it an exceptional budget-friendly option in its category.
To ensure you get the latest and most reliable information, the insights shared here are drawn from various manufacturer sites and reputable sources, including TopSpeed and the EPA.
A Great Value in the Three-Row SUV Market: The Kia Sorento
If you’re in the market for a mid-size SUV, the Kia lineup has a lot to offer. While the high-end Telluride and fully electric EV9 may grab headlines, the more budget-conscious Sorento deserves your attention. It might not match the grandeur of its bigger siblings but packs an impressive value punch.
Pricing and Trims for 2026
- LX: $31,990
- S: $34,890
- EX: $38,090
- SX: $41,690
- X-Line EX: $41,790
- X-Line SX: $43,490
- X-Line SX Prestige: $46,390
- X-Pro SX Prestige: $47,390
Starting just under $32,000, the 2025 Sorento positions itself as one of the most affordable options in the mid-size SUV segment, complete with a third row of seats. While the base model is serviceable, we recommend upgrading to the EX trim. It enhances the experience with faux-leather seats, heated front rows, a larger infotainment display, and parking sensors, all while staying under the $40,000 threshold. A hybrid EX is also available, starting at $38,690.
Industry-Leading Warranties
If you’re keeping an eye on expenses, warranties are crucial. The last thing you want is a hefty repair bill a few years down the line. The Sorento offers a solid bumper-to-bumper warranty of five years or 60,000 miles, along with an impressive powertrain warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles. However, be aware that it does not come with complimentary maintenance.
Competitive Alternatives
The Sorento isn’t alone in the budget three-row SUV category. Close relative, the Hyundai Santa Fe, starts at $34,300 and offers similar dimensions. If you’re looking for an even more economical choice, consider the Mitsubishi Outlander, which starts at $29,645. That said, the Outlander is a compact SUV, so it’s better suited for smaller passengers in the third row.
An Interior Designed for Comfort
Kia continues to impress with the Sorento’s interior design. The layout is tidy, feeling more luxurious than its price tag might suggest. The materials used are of high quality, making it exceptionally family-friendly, with plenty of standard features and room for everyone.
Interior Dimensions
- Front Row Headroom: 40.3 inches
- Front Row Legroom: 41.4 inches
- Second Row Headroom: 39.1 inches
- Second Row Legroom: 41.7 inches
- Third Row Headroom: 36.8 inches
- Third Row Legroom: 29.6 inches
- Cargo Space (Behind Third Row): 12.6 cubic feet
The Sorento can carry up to seven occupants, though the captain’s chairs option reduces seating to six. While front two rows feel spacious, the third row is best suited for kids on longer trips. The cargo space does shrink when the third row is in use, but with the seat stowed, you’ll get 38.4 cubic feet of room.
Cutting-Edge Infotainment
Even the base models of the Sorento include a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 4.3-inch digital gauge display. Higher trims feature a fully-digital dashboard. Compatibility with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, along with many convenient tech features accessed via the Kia Connect app.
Efficient Powertrain Options
The Sorento promises a variety of efficient powertrains. No matter which one you choose, expect better fuel economy than many competitors. The turbocharged engine option offers an athletic driving experience for those seeking a bit more excitement.
Performance Specs
- Base 2.5-Liter Inline-Four: 191 HP, 181 LB-FT
- Turbocharged 2.5-Liter Inline-Four: 281 HP, 311 LB-FT
- 1.6-Liter Turbo Hybrid Inline-Four: 227 HP, 258 LB-FT
The standard engine provides adequate performance for everyday driving, though it may feel underpowered during quicker acceleration. For more responsive options, the turbocharged and hybrid powertrains are excellent alternatives. You’ll also find the handling solid and ride comfort well-balanced, making it suitable for both city driving and longer road trips.
Impressive Fuel Efficiency
- Sorento Hybrid FWD: 36 MPG (combined)
- Sorento Hybrid AWD: 34 MPG (combined)
- Sorento FWD: 26 MPG (combined)
- Sorento AWD: 25 MPG (combined)
- Sorento Turbo FWD: 23 MPG (combined)
- Sorento Turbo AWD: 23 MPG (combined)
For those keen on fuel savings, the hybrid version of the Sorento stands out. It manages to blend performance with excellent efficiency, making it a smart choice for long-term savings. The conventional 2.5-liter engine also performs well against its competitors, while the turbocharged model, though less efficient, offers a sportier drive.
In conclusion, the 2025 Kia Sorento is a remarkable three-row SUV that delivers on space, features, and pricing, making it an outstanding choice for budget-conscious families.
