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2025 Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Sorento: Which is Better?
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson stands out in the compact SUV crowd, offering style and practicality with a spacious cabin. Standard features include a 187-hp engine and FWD, with an optional AWD. While not a speedster, it offers a comfortable ride. The hybrid options add a performance boost. However, it lacks the sporty edge of rivals like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50. Over at Kia, the SUV selection is diverse. The Telluride and EV9 are standout choices, alongside the Sorento and Sorento Hybrid. With three rows, practical interiors, and attractive designs, the Sorento lineup caters to various needs. Standard features include a non-turbo four-cylinder, optional AWD, and a turbocharged four-cylinder option. The X-Pro trim offers off-road prowess, and there are two hybrid choices.
| Hyundai Tucson | Kia Sorento | |
| Dimensions | 182.3 in x 73.4 in x 65.6 in | 189.4 in x 74.8 in x 66.7 in |
| Engine | 2.5L DOHC inline-4 | 1.6L turbocharged inline-4 + AC Motor |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 261 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 8.8 sec | 7.6 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 24.6 sec | 21.5 sec |
| Top-Speed | 120 mph | 127 mph |
Hyundai Tucson
Engine & Performance
A standard 187-hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and you can opt for either FWD or AWD. The Tucson provides sufficient power for urban commutes and highway overtaking, but those with a heavy foot might find themselves craving more horsepower. While it’s not designed for high performance, the Tucson boasts confident handling, reasonably crisp steering, and a comfortable ride. What truly stands out in Tucson’s driving experience is its quiet and refined feel while cruising, imparting a touch of luxury rarely encountered in this vehicle category.
Price & Mileage
While Hyundai hasn’t confirmed whether the updated 2025 model will maintain the same trims as the 2024 Tucson, we anticipate it will. Estimated to commence at $29,000, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson is projected to achieve EPA estimates of up to 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway with FWD.
Acceleration & Features
On a test track, the AWD Limited model clocked in at 8.8 seconds for the 0-60 mph sprint. While the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants feel more spirited, they fall short of the acceleration prowess seen in the Toyota RAV4 Prime. The 2025 Tucson boasts an enhanced infotainment system, featuring two digital screens housed in a monolithic structure that spans most of the dashboard. The central screen provides access to the radio, navigation, vehicle settings, and more. Expect Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to be standard, possibly offering wireless connectivity across all models, with optional features such as SiriusXM satellite radio and an upgraded Bose stereo system.
Kia Sorento
Engine & Performance
The Sorento boasts a variety of engine options, offering both FWD & AWD configurations. It comes standard with a 191-hp 2.5L inline-four-cylinder engine, and there’s an optional 281-hp turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid model utilizes a six-speed automatic. The eco-friendly Sorento hybrid incorporates a turbo 1.6L four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor, producing a combined output of 227 hp. The AWD Sorento plug-in hybrid shares the same engine and transmission as the standard hybrid but features a more robust electric motor, resulting in a combined power of 261 hp.
Price & Mileage
Our pick would be the EX Hybrid. While it does come with a higher price tag compared to the base Sorento, it includes the more potent turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. The starting price for the Sorento is $34,000. Although the EPA hasn’t provided estimates for the 2025 Sorento, we anticipate its fuel efficiency to be in line with the previous year’s model. The 2024 Sorento Hybrid achieved 39 mpg city and 35 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models, with figures slightly reduced to 36 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for all-wheel-drive configurations.
Acceleration & Features
The turbocharged model demonstrated a relatively swift 0-60-mph time of 6.3 seconds. The Sorento boasts an infotainment system comprising two side-by-side screens in a curved panoramic display. Standard features include a 4.3-inch digital gauge display and a separate 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Higher-end trims offer a larger 12.3-inch reconfigurable gauge display. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enhance connectivity. Optional features include a wireless charging pad, a 12-speaker Bose stereo system, and a rear-seat entertainment system.