5 Ways the 2025 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige Balances Style and Capability—Even If You Never Leave the Pavement
The 2025 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX-Prestige is one of our favorites, and that’s because it’s built with beautiful capability you can appreciate every day.
The Kia Sorento is one of the most underappreciated 3-row family SUVs. It also happens to be one of our favorites, because even at the top of the line, which is the off-road-focused X-Pro SX Prestige AWD, with a long list of creature comforts, safety features, and a family-friendly third row, it starts at $47,590 MSRP.
There are so many reasons we advocate for the Kia Sorento, but one of the most underestimated features is the AWD capability and how it plays into everyday living. Even if you’re like the majority of LuLu Lemon customers who buy the pricey pants for the look and don’t plan on attending a single yoga class, there are several features that buyers can appreciate without truly understanding them.
But we’re just going to cover the five major features that make the Kia Sorento the unsung hero of off-roaders, even if you never spend a second at a campsite.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
1. Everyone Can Appreciate the Rugged-Chic Look
I’d venture it’d be hard to find someone who sees the 2025 Kia Sorento and thinks it’s ugly. The X-Pro SX Prestige AWD trim is dressed like it’s headed to the cabin in the woods, with BFGoodrich all-terrain tires from the factory, matte black cladding, black X-Pro badging, glossy but very Kia-esque black wheels, and a black grille.
Yet, the curvaceous exterior paired with Kia’s signature headlight design makes it look elegant enough for a date night. Kind of like wearing a cocktail dress with tasteful hiking boots. The Sorento’s subtle fender flares add just enough attitude to make it stand out from the standard Sorento crowd, which is something I quickly fell in love with.
2. She’s Beautiful On the Inside, Too
The interior is almost just as attractive as the outside. Leather is seen throughout the interior in most trims, but in the X-Pro model I reviewed, I was swept off my feet by the light brown leather against the soft black leather on the steering wheel, center console, and dashboard.
Kia’s famous (and very much loved) dual 12.3-inch digital displays stretch across the dashboard, merging the driver display and infotainment into one seamless, modern panel. You get built-in navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto for easy connection. The ambient lighting lets you set the tone (literally), while the panoramic sunroof, my three-year-old’s favorite feature, floods the cabin with natural light.
3. There’s Serious AWD Capability Hiding in Plain Sight
There are eight trims of the Kia Sorento, and four of them come standard with AWD–and the X-Pro SX Prestige is one of them. The X-Pro also comes with a center locking differential and Snow or Mud drive modes, which genuinely improve traction when conditions get sketchy. Whether it’s a steep gravel driveway, a slushy ski resort parking lot, or a downpour on the highway, it keeps its composure.
It also has a fairly high towing rating for an engine of its size. It comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a turbo that produces 281 horsepower, but it’s rated to tow 4,000 lbs—which is a lot more than many of its competitors can say, thanks to a tough, standard automatic transmission. No CVTs need apply.
4. Other Off-Road Goodies Make it Great for Just-in-Case Situations
The Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige hides underbody protection for the engine oil pan and gas tank underneath it all, so if you do end up in a sticky situation, the Sorento is more than ready to protect itself (and you). The suspension setup is retuned for the X-Pro model this year, which helps keep things smooth when the going gets rough–literally. During my time with it, those washed-out trails of Central Oregon made me feel like the Kia was yawning the whole way.
Similar to the LuLu Lemon analogy, you probably won’t take it anywhere crazy, but the point is: you could. And a lot easier than you’d assume. It’s capable enough to get you to that remote cabin, campground, or trailhead—while being smooth enough to enjoy the drive there.
5. It’s Flexible, Spacious, and Affordable
The Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige proves you don’t have to choose between capability and comfort. It’s bold and confident yet approachable—equally ready for school drop-offs, mountain detours, or a cross-state road trip, especially for those on a budget, with trims ranging from $32,190 to $47,590.
With a usable third row (or tons of space when the third row is folded), it’s flexible enough for families, adventurers, or anyone who wants the option. Finally, it feels like we found a balanced SUV: it’s not pretending to be a hardcore off-roader, but it channels the energy in a way that makes even the most mundane chores feel fun.
Even if your most rugged terrain is a cracked city street or a steep driveway, the Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige reminds us that it can handle it. With confidence, grace, style, and a little bit of grit.
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