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2025 Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV review

The Kia Sorento range is one of the most diverse large SUVs in terms of its powertrain offerings, with petrol V6, diesel four-cylinder, petrol-electric hybrid (HEV), and petrol plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions available.

WATCH: Paul’s video review of the 2024 Kia Sorento GT-Line HEV AWD.

All of them have seven seats and plenty of sophistication, but as of right now – early 2025 – you still have to spend a heap more money if you want an HEV or PHEV version of this impressive model.

It’s the most expensive version of the Sorento that’s on test here: the GT-Line PHEV. Which has all-wheel drive as standard, but costs a whole lot more than you might expect.

So is it worth considering? Read on to find out.

As mentioned, the PHEV powertrain is reserved for the flagship GT-Line trim at this point in time. Kia Australia has, however, suggested it wants to expand its offering of ‘new energy’ powertrain options across more price points in the Sorento line-up.

That should mean, in theory, that there’ll be some movement in the range in 2025 that would see HEV and PHEV powertrains become available with lower equipment levels at more affordable prices.

But the reality here is that the all-wheel drive PHEV is the most expensive option in the Sorento range right now, representing a massive circa-$19,000 premium over the equivalent-spec front-drive petrol V6. And about $16,000 more than the excellent diesel AWD. It’s also more than $11K dearer than the GT-Line version of the plugless HEV with AWD.

Model Price before on-road costs Drive-away pricing (NSW) Kia Sorento S V6 FWD $50,680 $54,090 Kia Sorento Sport V6 FWD $53,300 $57,090 Kia Sorento S Diesel AWD $53,680 $57,090 Kia Sorento Sport Diesel AWD $56,300 $60,090 Kia Sorento Sport+ V6 FWD $58,230 $61,990 Kia Sorento Sport+ Diesel AWD $61,230 $64,990 Kia Sorento GT-Line V6 FWD $65,590 $69,690 Kia Sorento GT-Line Diesel AWD $68,590 $72,690 Kia Sorento GT-Line HEV FWD $70,330 $76,151 Kia Sorento GT-Line HEV AWD $73,330 $79,301 Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV AWD $84,660 –.

To see how the Kia Sorento lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.

What is the Kia Sorento like on the inside?

The interior of the Kia Sorento GT-Line, no matter which powertrain you pick, is a lovely place to sit and feels more upmarket than some rivals.

Front seat occupants have terrific inclusions like heated and ventilated seats with plenty of adjustment and good comfort. And the tasty Nappa leather seat trim also makes you feel like you’re getting the business-class experience, too.

The dash design is modern and stylish, with a pair of screens flowing together in a single panel, and it really does make this cabin feel up-to-date. It’s also easy to learn, with large icons and quick response times that make it easy to jump around the screens. And even though there’s built-in sat nav, you still get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, too.

There’s a line of touch buttons below the dashboard for shortcuts around the infotainment menus. And also for the climate controls. You can toggle between those functions with a button which changes the display, and how the two knobs on the dash behave. Once you get the hang of this touch-panel, it’s really intuitive.

The digital instrument clusetr is easy to read, and presents a good amount of info. But you can’t show a live-map navigation readout there. Odd.

Charging is taken care of by a set of USB-C ports up front, and there’s a wireless phone charger as well.

Plus the storage space up front is exceptional, with a huge area for phones under the dashboard, two cupholders, a deep bin under the central armrest, and spacious door pockets.

Annoyingly, though, there is some plastic trim on the transmission tunnel that remains a dust and fingerprint magnet.

Parents will love the fact there’s a passenger talk function, so those in the very back can hear the grown-ups by way of the speakers and a microphone up front.

As for the middle row, there is enough legroom and. Headroom for big teenagers and full-sized adults, to the point where six-footers can happily sit behind six-footers.

Middle-row riders get a fold-down central armrest, with additional cupholders on the door cards, and more storage besides that. There are no climate controls for the second row, but there are directional vents.

Parents will be happy with the ISOFIX child seat anchors in the window seats, and. There’s also a trio of top-tether points back there. If child seats aren’t occupying the window seats, those who do will be able to toast their tooshies by way of the outboard seat heating controls.

The third row is fine, but not outstanding (if you need outstanding, buy a Kia Carnival – trust me!).

The rearmost seats are best reserved for small kids or emergency seating. And there is one-touch folding for the second row, to make access easier. Big units might struggle, but little agile ones will clamber in happily.

Third-row headroom is tight for adults, and. The flat seats mean it’s a knees-up proposition. But if you’re someone who uses their seven-seater with lots of kids on board, you’ll be happy to learn there are a further two ISOFIX points and two top-tethers for the very back row.

Those in the back get separate fan controls and vents, and USB charge points, as well as storage for a small bottle and. Phone.

In terms of luggage space, the Sorento offers 187L with the third row in place, 616L in its five-seat layout and 2011L with the second and third rows folded flat. There is a small charging cable bag that takes up a bit of space in the boot, too.

All versions feature a full-size alloy spare wheel, and there’s even a space for the cargo blind beneath the boot floor.

Dimensions Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV Length 4810mm Width 1900mm Height 1695mm Wheelbase 2815mm Cargo capacity 187L (7 seats).

To see how the Kia Sorento lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.

This PHEV is a bit different to some of the other plug-in hybrids on the market.

It runs a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine teamed with an electric motor integrated into its six-speed automatic transmission, and it has on-demand all-wheel drive.

The petrol engine makes 132kW of power at 5500rpm and 265Nm of torque over 1500-4500rpm on its own, with the transmission-mounted e-motor contributing 67kW (2100-3300rpm) and. 304Nm (0-2100rpm) for total system outputs of 195kW and 350Nm.

Under the second-row seats is a 14kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack which can be charged via AC single-phase power at a maximum rate of just It’ll take three hours 25 minutes to charge from 15 to 95 per cent at this rate through its Type 2 port.

Kia states a pure-electric driving range of up to 68km (NEDC), combined fuel consumption of just , and CO2 emissions of 36g/km. It has a 67-litre fuel tank and needs 95RON premium unleaded.

When I charged it up, I saw an indicated 50km of EV range on the display, and in reality it achieved 55km in EV mode over a mix of driving scenarios.

I ran it out to 100km to get an idea of whether the claimed is realistic, and. I saw a real-world figure of for that first hundred kays.

Then I did a hundred with the battery depleted, to get an idea of what it might be like if you can’t top up on EV power. And with some start-stop driving, urban running and highway cruising, I saw a return of indicated.

The battery weighs 140kg on its own, and. Contributes to this Sorento’s porky tare weight of 2052kg. Be mindful that the gross vehicle mass is 2680kg, so if you want to fit seven people on-board they might need to eat light lunches in the lead-up.

The towing capacity for the Sorento PHEV is 750kg unbraked and. 1350kg braked. Choose the diesel AWD and you get 2000kg max towing capability.

To see how the Kia Sorento lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.

Let’s talk about the powertrain first and foremost, because it is a peculiar one.

The electric motor is integrated into the transmission, and what this means is that you can feel and even hear gearshifts occurring, even with the car running in fully electric mode.

In hybrid mode, it will obviously use that gearbox too. And in some instances it can make the drive experience feel somewhat laggy, with a hesitation between the engine and transmission and the electric intervention. My partner drove this car and stated “it felt hard to guess what would happen next” when in hybrid mode.

Another quirk of this powertrain is that, even if you’re in EV mode and you’re trying to dictate the powertrain behaviour, it will overrule you and occasionally kick the petrol engine into life.

Whether it’s when you push the throttle hard, or even during deceleration down hills, it won’t stay in EV mode all the time when that mode is selected, unlike some other PHEVs.

As mentioned above, it does have a good amount of EV driving range available, but. With this part of the market shifting quickly – there are PHEVs with 100km-plus ranges hitting our shores this year – it already feels like this Sorento is a bit behind the times.

That comes down to the low-capacity battery, which at 14kWh for a two-tonne-plus SUV is not exactly made for long-distance EV commuting.

In fact, if you need a seven-seater SUV and you know you’d like to get more out of your EV drive component, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV might be a great choice. It’s cheaper than this SUV, and while it is also slightly smaller, I managed to get more than 80km of EV driving out of a full charge.

When it comes to performance. There’s certainly enough on offer here. You’ve got multiple modes to choose from, including Eco, Normal and Sport. And the latter really allows you to get the most out of the powertrain. It’s not ridiculously fast, but it is rapid enough.

The drive experience is predictable, with steering that feels manageable at all speeds and easy to turn when you’re parking, and the ride comfort isn’t too bad, with a slightly firm edge to it, but it never feels too jarring or sharp.

It is a little heavier than the other versions, but the weight isn’t all that noticeable in most situations.

But we noted a couple of quality issues with our loan car: there was a slight vibration in EV mode at low speeds, especially when turning, and the dashboard of the car developed a squeak after just 1200km.

To see how the Kia Sorento lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.

On test here is the flagship variant in the Sorento range, the GT-Line PHEV.

2025 Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV equipment highlights:

Electric tailgate with proximity opening.

Parking Collision Avoidance Assist – Reverse.

Furthermore, the maximum five-star ANCAP rating was awarded to the Sorento in 2020, and it continues on with the result across all powertrain choices.

Category Kia Sorento Adult occupant protection 82% Child occupant protection 85% Vulnerable road user protection 63% Safety assist 89%.

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) Car detection Pedestrian detection Cyclist detection Junction assist.

All 2024 Kia Sorento models now also receive Kia Connect online services, which include:

The Sorento Sport and above add Highway Driving Assist which functions only when driving on a freeway or motorway and builds on adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, combined with Lane Following Assist to keep the car centred in the lane.

The Sorento has seven airbags. Including dual front, front centre, front side and curtain airbags, but note that the third-row occupants’ heads are not covered by those curtain bags.

How much does the Kia Sorento cost to run?

The 2024 Kia Sorento is covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, and the same cover is offered for the battery pack for the PHEV model.

Servicing requirements are a big consideration here. The Sorento PHEV needs maintenance every 12 months or 10,000km, making it needier than its non-electrified siblings.

And it costs a helluva lot to service, considering those interval durations, as follows:

Service interval Price 12 months/10,000km $329 24 months/20,000km $669 36 months/30,000km $726 48 months/40,000km $1016 60 months/50,000km $370 72 months/60,000km $1165 84 months/70,000km $662.

That means your average service cost is $705, so while your petrol expenses might be lower, you’re diverting some of that cost towards maintenance.

Roadside assistance is available. And if you service with Kia you will have it renewed out to eight years of cover.

Frankly, this is the least enticing version of the Sorento in GT-Line spec. The price seems exorbitant, and the diesel AWD is easily a more effective pick for those who want a powerful and. Efficient version of this seven-seater.

That’s what I’d buy if I was set on a Sorento. Or maybe even the cheaper Sport+ diesel AWD.

Interested in buying a Kia Sorento? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here.

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Volvo EX30 goes Cross Country: Meet the urban electric SUV with an off-road attitude

Volvo’s smallest and most affordable electric SUV just got the Cross Country treatment. The rugged new EX30 model is Volvo’s first EV to earn the rugged Cross Country upgrade. Check out the upgraded model below.

Volvo unveils new EX30 Cross Country electric SUV.

We knew it was coming soon after Volvo teased the off-road variant model with a Steve Jobs-like “One More Thing” surprise during the EX30 launch in 2023. Now, it’s officially here.

Volvo revealed the EX30 Cross Country during a fireside chat in a secluded cabin in snowy Sweden. The new model has several added aspects and even more ground clearance for those who want to go off the beaten path.

The EX30 is already a top seller in Europe and. Is now rolling out in North America. Although it’s already a perfect electric SUV for getting around town, the Cross Country variant unlocks its full potential or, as Volvo says. “enables a seamless switch from one natural EX30 habitat to another.”.

Volvo lifted the standard EX30, giving it more ground clearance. The Cross Country variant has ″ of ground clearance compared to the standard model’s 7″.

For a smaller electric SUV, that’s not too bad. In comparison, the Subaru Solterra has ″ of ground clearance.

Small size, but built for big adventures.

You can see a few differences right off the bat from the standard model, including an embossed blacked-out grille, skid plates. And wheel arches. It also added bigger 19″ wheels with an optional 18″ all-terrain accessory tire.

Inside, the new model still includes the EX30’s clever tech and storage, but. Volvo upgraded it for off-road adventures.

Volvo removed the door speakers and replaced them with large storage bins. The speakers are now found on the dashboard in a soundbar.

Like all EX30 models, the Cross Country variant includes a ″ tablet-style infotainment system with Google built-in.

Powered by its dual-motor AWD system, the rugged new variant is “more than capable of handling the tough and. Slippery conditions” outside the city. The Cross Country model uses the same AWD powertrain as the EX30 Twin Motor Performance with up to 422 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque.

It’s also equipped with the same 65 kWh battery pack. Which provides an EPA-estimated range of up to 253 miles with fast charging (10% to 80%) in minutes. However, the lifted model will likely see a slight drop in range.

At 167″ long, 72″ wide, and 61″ tall with a wheelbase of 104″. The EX30 is about the size of a Chevy Bolt EV (163″ long x 70″ wide x 62″ tall).

The 2025 Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance model starts at $44,900 in the US. Later this year, Volvo will launch the lower-priced Single Motor variant, starting at $34,950. Prices for the Cross Country model will be revealed closer to launch, but it’s expected to start at around $48,000 to $50,000, or slightly more than the Ultra upgrade ($46,600).

2025 Volvo EX30 trim Starting Price Driving Range Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance, Plus $44,900 253 miles Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance, Ultra $46,600 253 miles 2025 Volvo EX30 prices and range by trim in the US.

After the first models were delivered in late 2023. The Volvo EX30 was the third-best-selling EV in Europe, behind the Tesla Model Y and Model 3.

What do you think of the new Cross Country model? Would you buy the rugged electric SUV for around $50,000? Drop us a comment below and let us know your thoughts.

Ready to check out Volvo’’ new electric SUV for yourself? We’ve got you covered. You can use our link to find deals on the 2025 Volvo EX30 models at a dealer near you today.

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The Volvo EX30 Gets The Cross Country Treatment And Now It's Even Cooler

Volvo has unveiled the more outdoorsy EX30 Cross Country.

It's the first electric Volvo to wear the CC badge and it functions the usual modifications.

It has taller wheels and suspension as well as an exterior makeover made from "rugged ingredients," .

For electric crossover buyers who like the Volvo EX30 but want something a bit taller and. More off-road-capable, the Swedish manufacturer has just introduced the EX30 Cross Country. It is the first Volvo EV to bear the CC designation, and it capabilities all the usual changes, including a raised ride height and. A rugged exterior makeover to go with the taller suspension.

The first thing you spot is the blacked-out front fascia. It might look plain at first glance, but if you get closer. You can see it has an embossed topography map representing the highest mountain in Sweden. The Volvo badge sits exactly where the tallest peak would be on the map. The front end look is completed by a (plastic) skid plate under the front bumper for added protection when going off-road.

Photo by: Volvo 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country.

Building on these developments, there are also unpainted plastic wheel arch extensions, a go-to design element when manufacturers want to cast a particular model as more rugged and. Outdoorsy. The EX30 CC gets unique wheels with taller tires, which aren’t just visually different from the regular model. They contribute to the 19 millimeter ( ride height increase, which is therefore only partly achieved through a different suspension setup.

In the back. Volvo has blacked out the part between the light clusters to mimic what it did in the front of the EX30 CC. The lower part of the rear bumper is also unique to the CC, with a similar skid plate-like design to the front.

You can also tell it’s the CC model by the Cross Country script on the C-pillars as well as on the lower part of the rear bumper. Interestingly, Volvo gave the EX30 CC completely different side mirrors, which are shared with an as-of-yet unreleased Volvo model. The manufacturer also offers accessories for the model, the coolest being a large roof rack that makes it look like a little overlanding vehicle.

Photo by: Volvo 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country.

Inside, the EX30 CC is exactly the same as the non-CC model, although since it’s based on the top Ultra trim, it gets a two-tone design, with fake leather and. Wool upholstery on the seats and most of the available bells and whistles.

The car comes standard with 19-inch wheels with street tires, but buyers can specify an optional set of 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires to help with traction when not on tarmac. The CC version of the EX30 is exclusively available as a dual-motor all-wheel drive vehicle with 428 horsepower and it’s a tenth slower to accelerate to 62 mph (100 km/h) compared to the non-CC model, achieving the sprint in seconds.

Giving an electric car taller suspension and. Chunkier tires will have an effect on its efficiency and range. The EX30 CC’s WLTP range drops from the regular dual-motor model’s 279 miles (450 km) to 265 miles (427 km). Going for the all-terrain tires will likely drop the range figure even more. The battery is also the same 69 kilowatt-hour pack, which can be charged from 10 to 80% in 26 minutes at a maximum rate of 153 kilowatts.

Gallery: 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country 34 Volvo.

Volvo will release pricing information closer to the model’s official market debut later this year. It will carry a price premium over the regular model, which in the United States will cost $44,900 in dual-motor guise. If the EX30 CC comes to the , then its price will probably be around the $47,000 mark.

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