Kia Sorento vs Lexus NX

Larger than a typical compact but smaller than many three-row midsize SUVs, the 2025 Sorento is “right-sized” in many respects. In addition, it comes with gasoline, turbocharged gasoline, turbocharged hybrid, and turbocharged plug-in hybrid powertrains. This review covers the turbo-gas version of the SUV, which sees no significant changes following a substantial refresh for 2024. A new gray paint color is available, and some models get standard black exterior badges in 2025.

Verdict: When something isn’t broken, you don’t fix it. That helps explain why the 2025 Kia Sorento is almost exactly the same as last year. However, a problem looms for this family-friendly SUV. In 2025, the Sorento may lose its Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick rating.

The NX is the compact crossover SUV of the Lexus lineup. It’s between the Lexus UX and Lexus RX in size and price, and competes with small luxury crossovers like the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Genesis GV70, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, and Volvo XC60. This second-generation version arrived for the 2022 model year and receives minimal updates for 2026. The previous NX 250 base model is gone, but Lexus made some changes to the lineup to make the hybrid and plug-in hybrid NX models more affordable.

Verdict: The NX is a good value in hybrid form, but otherwise doesn’t feel like a true luxury vehicle.