2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Kia Sorento

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 grey paint colour 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.

Is the popularity of Lexus’s midsize two-row SUV justifiable? Or does the RX sell on the strength of the Lexus brand and the model’s legendary reputation for reliability, a plush ride, and a quiet interior? The changes to the 2025 RX don’t help answer that question, unless you're looking for sportier choices such as the new F Sport Black Line special edition shown here.

Verdict: Though it lacks substantial competition in the luxury hybrid SUV segment, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid is worthy of consideration. With hybrid, performance hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain choices, as well as a range of packages that cater to a variety of customer requirements, it checks a lot of boxes.