2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vs. 2025 Toyota RAV4 Prime
Drivers in Nutley, NJ, who are considering a plug-in hybrid SUV for their next vehicle have some excellent choices, including the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Prime. Both of these electrified crossovers offer impressive efficiency, all-wheel drive capability, and strong reputations for reliability. But when you take a closer look at what each SUV brings to the table—especially in terms of interior space, comfort, everyday drivability, and in-car technology—the Kia Sorento PHEV starts to reveal advantages that could make it a smarter fit for Essex County drivers who need flexibility without sacrificing refinement.
Interior and Comfort
The 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid stands out with its thoughtful and spacious interior layout, especially when compared to the more compact Toyota RAV4 Prime. While the RAV4 Prime is limited to a two-row, five-passenger configuration, the Sorento PHEV offers seating for up to six passengers thanks to its standard second-row captain’s chairs and a third row—an extremely rare feature in the plug-in hybrid category. For families in Nutley, NJ, this added capacity makes the Sorento far more adaptable.
Beyond sheer passenger space, the Kia Sorento provides a more upscale atmosphere, especially in its upper trims. You’ll find high-quality materials, quilted leather upholstery options, and a panoramic sunroof that enhances the open feel of the cabin. Legroom and headroom are generous in all three rows, making longer road trips more comfortable for everyone on board. In contrast, the RAV4 Prime—while comfortable in its own right—feels more utilitarian and less refined inside, especially when it comes to trim detailing and seating upgrades.
Performance and Powertrain
On paper, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Prime boasts quicker acceleration than the Sorento PHEV, reaching 60 mph in around 5.7 seconds thanks to its sportier tuning and dual electric motors. However, when it comes to real-world performance that suits Nutley’s suburban environment—like commuting on I-280, navigating local hills, or dealing with slippery roads in the winter—the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid holds its own with a well-balanced powertrain and smooth power delivery.
The Sorento PHEV is equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine paired with a 66.9-kW electric motor, producing a combined 261 horsepower. More importantly, it features a 13.8-kWh battery that allows for around 32 miles of electric-only driving—enough for most daily errands or short commutes without using gas at all. Once that EV range is depleted, it transitions smoothly into hybrid mode, offering efficiency and confidence across longer trips. The six-speed automatic transmission feels more traditional and refined compared to the RAV4 Prime’s CVT, which some drivers find less engaging. For Nutley drivers who want versatile performance that handles both short local trips and weekend getaways with ease, the Kia Sorento offers a calm, responsive, and comfortable driving experience.
Technology and Connectivity
The 2025 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid features a sleek, modern dashboard with available dual 12.3-inch displays that stretch across the center console and driver’s area, offering crisp graphics, customizable menus, and an intuitive user experience. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation with real-time traffic updates, and the Kia Connect app all make everyday tasks—like finding parking or remote starting the car in winter—much more seamless for Nutley drivers. Toyota’s RAV4 Prime, in contrast, offers a functional infotainment system that now features an updated 12.3-inch display on higher trims, but it still feels less integrated and lacks some of the polish found in Kia’s latest offerings. Additionally, Toyota’s connected services come with limitations at lower trim levels, whereas Kia makes features like voice-command navigation, driver profiles, and over-the-air updates more widely available across the Sorento lineup.
Kia also adds convenience tech that fits daily life in Nutley—like USB-C charging ports in all three rows, a digital key system, and available Harman Kardon premium audio for those who want their commute to sound as good as it feels. The Sorento PHEV makes staying connected and comfortable easier, no matter the destination. Whether you're picking up groceries in Belleville, heading down the Garden State Parkway, or commuting into Newark, the Kia Sorento keeps tech front and center to improve every mile of your drive.
The 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and 2025 Toyota RAV4 Prime are both strong contenders in the growing plug-in hybrid SUV segment, but for Nutley-area drivers who need a bit more space, a more refined cabin, and leading-edge tech, the Kia Sorento rises to the top. With its third-row versatility, smart powertrain tuning, and thoughtful design inside and out, the Sorento PHEV makes an excellent case for modern families and commuters alike. To see how it fits into your lifestyle, visit Nutley Kia today or contact us online to schedule a test drive.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.