In a statement, ACMobility, Kia’s official distributor in the Philippines said:

Kia Philippines is poised for even greater growth this year, fueled by the continued success of the Sonet and the recent launch of groundbreaking models like the EV9 and Carnival Turbo Hybrid. Additionally, with Kia’s efforts to expand its electrified portfolio in 2025, the new model launch of the Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid will offer Filipino consumers even more tailored options to meet their evolving needs and preferences.

Naturally, no official specs have been revealed yet, but the teasing has begun on Kia Philippines’ social media accounts (see below).

Globally, the Sorento Turbo Hybrid uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter T-GDI engine which, by itself, already produces 180 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 265 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. However, its outputs are further supplemented by a 64 horsepower and 264 Nm electric motor. Combined outputs are 235 horsepower and 367 Nm of torque. Power is all routed through a 6-speed automatic driving either the front or all wheels.

Together with the new powertrain (it’s unknown whether the Sorento will go exclusively hybrid or whether the turbo diesel will remain on offer), the Sorento Turbo Hybrid will usher in the refreshed exterior and interior design for the mid-sized SUV.

Looking at the global model, the updated exterior is meant to embody futuristic boldness for a more premium look. The front updates are substantial with a new hood design featuring more volume and the Kia logo moved to the top. It also gets vertically-oriented headlamps and star map DRLs that emphasize a high-tech image, a new radiator grille with a 3D mesh pattern, and a new bumper vertical air intakes and a wide skid plate. To the rear, it has refreshed taillights with diagonal LEDs. The vertical taillamp star map graphics, created by connecting two distinct taillamps, emphasize the design-connectivity of the Kia Sorento’s new look. The wide rear skid plate combines with the black cladding to create a solid SUV image.

The interior is equally changed and is equipped with the latest comfort and convenience features. The curved display—12.3-inch for the instruments and 12.3-inch for the infotainment—allows drivers to see all pertinent vehicle information at a glance. The horizontally-oriented dashboard is further emphasized by a strip of mood lighting stretching from coast-to-coast on the AC vent garnish. The same lighting is visible on the gear knob and front door garnish as well. The shift-by-wire gear knob has been re-designed.

Other possible features on the 2025 Sorento include front relaxation seats with memory setting and power adjustable lumbar and bolster support for the driver. A camera-based rearview mirror, a panoramic sunroof, and a power tailgate with a walkaway auto close.

Confirmed specs and pricing will, of course, be revealed closer to its launch, but expect the Sorento Turbo Hybrid to become the flagship SUV of Kia in the Philippines. With the Carnival Turbo Hybrid priced at P 3.488-million (P 120,000 more than the SX Turbodiesel), it’s very likely that the Sorento Hybrid Turbo will be priced at around P 3-million, putting it in the company of the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, Mazda CX-90, and the Subaru Evoltis.