As car buyers look for alternatives to fully electric vehicles that are still eco-friendly, plug-in hybrids are emerging as a popular choice — offering some electric range, but also strong fuel mileage when operating on fossil fuels.

Many automakers, including Kia, are now offering PHEV offerings among their SUV lineups, and I recently tested the 2025 Sorento plug-in hybrid (specifically a SX-Prestige AWD model).

The Sorento falls between the Sportage and Telluride in the Kia SUV lineup, and is a three-row SUV option that is smaller than the popular Telluride. It comes in gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.

Updates have been made to both the inside and outside of the Sorento PHEV for 2025, and tech improvements are made, making this one of the stronger plug-in hybrid options for buyers in this segment to consider.

Read on for my full take on the Sorento PHEV and who might want to pick one up.

When it comes to taking the plunge in the electrification of their vehicle offerings, some car brands jumped into it head-first, while other brands are being more cautious.

Mazda is one of the brands taking a more reserved approach, having no full EVs yet (and none expected until 2027), and really just starting to offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles in its lineup.

One of those initial offerings is the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV, a plug-in version of the brand’s largest, three-row SUV — featuring standard all-wheel drive, and room for up to 8 passengers. This is the second year the plug-in option has been offered on the CX-90.

There are few true competitors to this vehicle — though Volvo offers a plug-in hybrid of its XC90 (which is more expensive) and Kia offers a plug-in version of the Sorento (which is less powerful). Many leading three-row SUVs, including the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, have no plug-in hybrid offerings as of now.

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus model, and I’m back with a full report on how it looks and drives, and who might want to take one home.