2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual update, aligning more closely with its Kia SUV siblings like the Telluride and EV9. The redesign featured a robust new front end with vertically-stacked LED projector-beam headlights and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights, giving it a more imposing presence. The rear updates were subtler, with new bumpers and LED taillights on higher trims. The interior saw a transformation with a new dashboard, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass, enhancing the upscale feel. The materials used in the cabin were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats, contributing to a more luxurious ambiance.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its distinctive retro-inspired design, reminiscent of the Lancia Delta, with only minor updates in its mid-cycle refresh. The lower front fascia saw slight revisions, but the iconic “Parametric Pixel” headlights and taillights, round wheel arches, and high rear spoiler remained unchanged. The new XRT trim stood out with red tow hooks and black plastic bumper cladding featuring a digital camouflage pattern. The interior maintained its minimalistic and modern feel, with a revised center console for improved functionality. The XRT trim added a rugged touch with its dark interior and all-weather floor mats, while the overall cabin remained open and uncluttered.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, but its performance was underwhelming given the Sorento's weight. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, available on EX and higher trims, delivered a more robust 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, providing a livelier driving experience. The Sorento's handling was confident, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Line and X-Pro trims offered enhanced off-road capabilities, with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, making them suitable for light off-road adventures. The X-Pro trim also boasted improved engine cooling and a higher towing capacity of 4,500 pounds.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 introduced a new Terrain Mode button on the steering wheel, offering Snow, Mud, and Sand modes for off-road adventures. The XRT trim, available only in all-wheel drive, handled loose sand surfaces admirably, with regenerative braking eliminating the need for traditional hill-descent control. The Ioniq 5's power output varied with the powertrain choice, with RWD models producing up to 225 horsepower and AWD models delivering 320 horsepower. The Ioniq 5's battery capacity increased for 2025, offering a range of up to 318 miles in RWD configuration. The AWD XRT trim had a range of 259 miles, providing ample distance for most journeys.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was comfortable in the first two rows, though the third row remained tight. It offered more legroom in the front and second rows compared to many two-row SUVs, with 41.4 inches in the front and 41.7 inches in the second row. The third row provided 29.6 inches of legroom, suitable for occasional use by children. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering only 12.6 cubic feet, but expanded to 72.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Sorento's controls were ergonomic, and higher trims featured noise-insulating acoustic glass and a power liftgate.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 addressed previous complaints by adding a rear windshield wiper. The interior featured a movable center console with fore-and-aft cupholders and a wireless charging pad. Heated front seats were standard, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and front seat ventilation available on higher trims. The Ioniq 5 offered generous legroom, with 41.7 inches in the front and 39.4 inches in the rear. Cargo space measured 26.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 58.5 cubic feet with them folded down. The transition to the North American Charging System (NACS) allowed access to Tesla's Supercharger network, enhancing charging convenience.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a single-pane, twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a redesigned software system called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC). The system prioritized popular features on the home screen and offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SX-Prestige models included a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system and Digital Key 2.0, allowing smartphone access to the vehicle. The Sorento's infotainment system received over-the-air updates, ensuring it remained up-to-date.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its pair of 12.3-inch screens, with improved functionality and faster processing speeds. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Bose Premium Audio system was available on the XRT trim. The Ioniq 5 featured standard navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and five USB-C ports. A head-up display was exclusive to the Limited trim, and the wireless charging pad was available from the SEL trim level. The Ioniq 5's central USB-C port offered customizable functionality for charging and data transmission.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's Drivewise suite of active safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2 with automated lane changes. The Sorento earned "Good" ratings in IIHS tests but had an "Acceptable" rating for its LATCH system. NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 model.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS and received a five-star rating from NHTSA. New standard safety features included an enhanced driver attention system and parking-distance warnings. The Ioniq 5 XRT and Limited trims offered a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Highway Driving Assist 1 and 2 were available, with HDA 2 offering lane-changing capability and machine learning for improved performance.