2025 Kia Sorento PHEV Offers Less Range, Smaller Incentive
The Kia Sorento received a mid-cycle update for 2024 including revised looks and new technology. When it comes to the hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants, however, the changes will apply to the 2025 models hitting dealerships shortly.
For many people who are not ready to go all-electric just yet, the Sorento PHEV is an attractive proposition. Unfortunately, delivery times can be up to a year, maybe longer, depending on where you live. What’s more, we’ve just found out that zero-emission range is shorter for 2025 and that the available federal incentive has been cut in half.
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According to Natural Resources Canada, the 2025 Sorento PHEV is able to drive up to 48 km on pure battery power, down from 51 km a year ago. The 3-km drop might seem insignificant, but it makes all the difference for the government, whose iZEV program sets the bar at 50 km of electric range for PHEV models. Therefore, instead of a $5,000 rebate, customers will now receive just $2,500.
What about provincial rebates? In Quebec, for example, the Sorento PHEV will continue to qualify for a $2,500 incentive until December 31, 2024. Next year, the Roulez vert program will cut the incentive down to $1,000.
The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV combines a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with a 67kW electric motor. The 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque are handled by a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD system. When the 13.8kWh battery runs empty, fuel consumption is 7 L/100 km on average.
New body colours and 19-inch wheels highlight the exterior changes. The refreshed design embodies Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy with the concept of “Bold for Nature.” The upright front hood and squared off edges are reminiscent of the Telluride, while the vertically stacked LED projector headlights and constellation-inspired Star Map lighting elements are inspired by the fully electric EV9.
Inside, the updated cockpit emphasizes horizontal features for a streamlined appearance and a sense of openness. Front and centre is an available new panoramic curved display that integrates dual 12.3-inch screens. Following in the footsteps of the EV9, the Sorento offers the brand’s next-generation operating system with faster processing and frequently used Quick Controls. It’s also equipped to receive over-the-air updates. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity is standard on all trims.
Pricing and full equipment details for the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid and Sorento PHEV in Canada will be announced soon. Expect both models to be slightly more expensive, making the reduced incentive even harder to swallow.