2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual update, aligning more closely with its Kia siblings like the Telluride and EV9. It featured a robust new front end with vertically-stacked LED headlights and wing-like daytime running lights, giving it a larger and more intimidating presence. The rear updates were subtle, with higher trims boasting elegant LED taillights and new bumpers. The interior saw a modern overhaul with a cleaner dashboard design, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass, enhancing its upscale feel.

The Sorento's trims remained consistent, with the rugged X-Line package available on EX and higher models, and the new X-Pro trim offering a more aggressive look with smaller wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the materials felt more luxurious, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on leather-wrapped elements. Optional green and brown interior colors added character, making the Sorento feel more upscale than some competitors like the Chevrolet Blazer or Honda Passport.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, presented a $75,000 SUV with a unique Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers. Despite these features, its appearance was considered unremarkable, with a large front grille and dramatic rear haunches. The RX lineup included three models: the efficient RX 350h, the plug-in hybrid RX 450h+, and the powerful RX 500h. Each model offered standard all-wheel drive and a range of trims, with prices starting from $52,875.

Inside, the RX Hybrid boasted a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting. The controls varied in usability, but the Lexus avoided the common single curved display, maintaining a traditional layout. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive suspension and performance brakes, enhancing its driving dynamics. However, the RX's overall design and features were heavily dependent on the chosen version and color/wheel combination.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower. This engine struggled with the Sorento's weight, resulting in sluggish acceleration. Higher trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower, offering better performance and a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sorento's handling was confident, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Line and X-Pro trims provided enhanced off-road capabilities, with the X-Pro offering improved towing capacity and all-terrain tires.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying performance. The RX 350h delivered 246 horsepower with a hybrid powertrain, focusing on efficiency. The RX 450h+ PHEV provided 304 horsepower and a 6.2-second zero-to-60 time. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, produced 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, offering impressive acceleration. However, its fuel efficiency was lower than expected. The RX 500h featured advanced suspension and all-wheel-drive systems, but its driving dynamics were less communicative, focusing more on straight-line performance than overall agility.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was modern and comfortable, with ample space in the first two rows but a tighter third row. It offered more legroom than many two-row SUVs, with 41.4 inches in the front and 41.7 inches in the second row. The third row provided 29.6 inches of legroom, suitable for occasional use. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use but expanded significantly when folded. The Sorento's layout was ergonomic, with plenty of storage options.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug but less comfortable over long drives. The rear seats were spacious and comfortable, with optional power-reclining features. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Interior storage was practical, though some areas lacked lining, causing potential noise.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a single-pane, twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen across all trims. The new "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" software prioritized popular features, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. The system supported over-the-air updates and included multiple USB-C outlets. Higher trims offered a Bose 12-speaker audio system and Digital Key 2.0 for keyless access.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a cloud-based navigation system and Wi-Fi hotspot. The RX 500h featured a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, though steering wheel controls were challenging to use. Some features, like digital key functionality, were optional.

The 2024 Kia Sorento included the Drivewise suite of active safety features, with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist as standard. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Sorento received "Good" ratings in some IIHS tests, though its LATCH system was rated "Acceptable."

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Predictive Driving Assist monitored progress and adjusted braking or steering as needed. The RX earned a five-star safety rating from NHTSA, though IIHS rated it "Poor" in some tests. Optional features included a surround-view camera and Traffic Jam Assist.