W. C. Handy wrote a little song named Beale Street Blues that set artists like B. B. King, Rufus Thomas, and even Elvis Presley on the path to music salvation. If you’ve been there – or lived there – you know. You gotta feel it! The 2025 Kia Sorento SX-Prestige Hybrid’s luxury will have you walking two feet off of Beale while keeping the blues.
It would cut a swath rolling down the famous brick street. Our Prestige trim adds a might more bling in roof rails, but looks handsome with vertical LEDs up front, sculpted bodysides, 19” wheels and a rear view with individual taillamps that hint at Mustang’s three-barrel design. It’s both sporty and sophisticated, channeling its inner Cadillac or Lexus. Keeping it functional, the tow package adds trailer pre-wiring and integrated hitch in the bumper.
The Blues become real when you slide in and drink up Dust Blue leather seats and trim. It’s a dreamy color, much better than the typical black or gray. A sueded headliner, smooth Bose audio, matte woodgrain trim, and rear door sunshades enhance the posh feel. Adding comforts are a panoramic sunroof and heat for both rows of seats plus the steering wheel. Front seats are ventilated too – much needed during Memphis in August!
This club room is wired too. Twin 12.3-inch screens dominate the dash for clear gauges and super intuitive infotainment system. Connect phones wirelessly through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and console charging pad. Safety systems abound. Automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise, blind spot warning, and rear cross path detection are as expected, but the Sorento goes further with blind spot cameras in the gauge cluster, digital rearview mirror, and Safe Exit Assist that prevents occupants from stepping into traffic.
If you spend a small fortune on booze and regret, you can repent over the Sorento’s powertrain. The “turbo hybrid” mates a 1.6-liter turbo-four with batteries and motors like a string ensemble to deliver 227 horsepower and super frugal 34/34-MPG city/highway. Unlike most hybrids that come with continuously variable transmissions that sometimes whine and whir like drunk revelers, the Sorento employs a proper six-speed automatic with paddles.
I’m always pleasantly surprised at how well the Sorento rides, absorbs rough pavement without feeling tipsy. It’s no sports car, no BMW, but the four-wheel independent suspension provides precise handling whether dropping kids at guitar lessons or taming long family vacations. Quick throttle responses and precise steering delight drivers.
If there are complaints, they’re minor. Especially given the drenching of active safety systems on the Sorento, I’d love a head-up display. Separate rear seat climate controls would also be nice. Then, you’ll only be missing a pair of blue suede shoes to walk elevated streets.
Kia struck a chord from the very first Sorento decades hence. It was a roomy, stylish, and peppy crossover that felt no shame at valet stands and suburban driveways. Years of evolution have made it one of the benchmarks in its class. I’d drive it down Beale or anywhere else. Sorento starts at just $32,980, coming to $49,705 with the luxury-laden hybrid. Competitors include the Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, Chevy Traverse, Ford Explorer, and Subaru Ascent.
Storm Forward!
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