Most Efficient Plug-in Hybrid SUVs in Canada for 2025

The Ford Escape remains unchanged mechanically for 2025, but receives a number of updates to its features and trim. This compact five-seat SUV offers two engines, as well as a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). It shares its platform with the Bronco Sport SUV and Maverick compact pickup truck, and comes in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).

Competitors to the 2025 Ford Escape

Who doesn’t make a compact SUV these days? If you’re cross-shopping the Escape, you need to look at a long lineup that includes the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5 and CX-50, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

What’s new with the Ford Escape for 2025?

The 2025 Ford Escape has a long list of tweaks to its trims. On the base Activ trim, a new Premium Tech Package adds such items as adaptive cruise control with driving assist, premium stereo, navigation, and larger centre screen. That trim also adds an available power liftgate; standard black window surround; black and silver rear bumper; and standard six-way manual driver’s seat.

A space-saver spare tire is now included on the hybrid and PHEV, and can be added to other trims in place of their tire sealant kit. Leather-look quilted and perforated seats are available on upper trims. There are some deleted items, too: A 360-degree camera with split view is no longer standard on the ST-Line Elite and Platinum; active parking assist isn’t included in premium packages on the ST-Line Elite, Platinum, or PHEV; and no-longer-available items are rain-sensing wipers, ambient lighting with floor lighting, and the rear cargo 12-volt power outlet. For exterior colours, Space Silver Metallic is added, while Iconic Silver Metallic and Race Red are retired.

2025 Ford Escape Performance

The 2025 Ford Escape in the Activ and ST-Line trims uses a 1.5L three-cylinder engine with turbocharging – Ford calls this EcoBoost – making 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. The ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite swap that for a 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder making 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both engines use an eight-speed automatic transmission.

All but the base Activ can be optioned with a self-charging hybrid system, which uses a 2.5L four-cylinder making 163 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque on its own, and up to 192 horsepower when gasoline and electricity work together. The Escape PHEV is its own trim, and uses that hybrid system but creates up to 210 horsepower combined and can drive on electric-only for a rated 60 km when plugged in and charged. Both hybrid systems use an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The Activ and ST-Line come in FWD or AWD, and that includes the ST-Line with its optional hybrid system; while the ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite are exclusively AWD, including when equipped as a hybrid. The PHEV is FWD-only.

In a review of the 2023 Ford Escape, Justin Pritchard said, “Out on the road I noted good control over body motions and harshness on uneven roads, and a smooth and relaxed highway glide. The ride is comfortable, with a helping of sporty feedback dialed in from the suspension when encountering undulations in the road. If you’re after something that’s, say, relaxing but also responsive, this should do the trick. On smooth highways, drivers can expect noticeable but not intrusive levels of road noise to arrive by about 95 km/h, with wind noise nicely managed until a little beyond 110 km/h. In most driving, there’s no difficulty relaxing in a quiet cabin or talking with nearby passengers without raising your voice.”

2025 Ford Escape Efficiency

The base Escape with 1.5L and FWD is rated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) at 8.9 L/100 city, 6.9 highway, and 8.0 combined. Adding AWD increases the combined figure to 8.4 L/100 km. With the 2.0L and its standard AWD, the rating is 10.2 city, 7.6 highway, and 9.1 combined. Both take regular-grade, 87-octane gasoline.

In FWD or AWD, the Escape Hybrid rates 5.6 city, 6.5 highway, and 6.0 combined. The Escape PHEV has an electric-only range of 60 km when charged, and when that depletes, it reverts to conventional hybrid operation. In that, it’s rated at 5.6 city, 6.3 highway, and 5.9 combined. When running on its charged battery alone, it’s rated for 2.3 Le/100 km, and that’s for litres equivalent, the electric energy comparison to gasoline energy.

2025 Ford Escape Safety

Although the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn’t yet rated the 2025 Ford Escape, it also hasn’t changed from the 2024 model, and that one got the top five-star rating in crash testing. At the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2024 model got the highest “Good” in almost all tests, including the updated front crash that now assesses potential injury to a rear-seat passenger as well as to those in the front. However, in the updated side crash – which better simulates being struck by a large SUV – it rated “Marginal.” It also earned “Acceptable,” the next-step-down from “Good,” for its headlight performance; and “Marginal” for the performance of its emergency front braking for a vehicle in front.

Standard or optional driver-assist features, depending on the trim, include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, evasive steering assist, lane-keep assist, emergency front braking, rear parking sensors, and post-crash alert system.

2025 Ford Escape Reliability

Consumer Reports gave the 2024 Ford Escape a reliability rating of just 38/100, saying it expects it to be “less reliable than the average new car,” based on the 2021 and 2022 models plus Ford’s brand score. The Escape didn’t win an individual award in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, which looks at three-year-old vehicles, and Ford ranked 23rd out of all automakers, twelve steps below the industry average.

2025 Ford Escape Interior

The base Activ trim includes such items as dual-zone climate control, push button start, eight-inch digital instrument cluster, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, and eight-inch centre touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upper trims can add such items as a 12.3-inch cluster, 13.2-inch centre touchscreen, wireless charger, auto-dimming mirror, panoramic sunroof, heated seats and steering wheel, B&O premium audio, navigation, and 10-way driver and six-way passenger power seats.

In a review of the 2023 Ford Escape, Justin Pritchard said, “Opening the door to the updated interior, I wasn’t sure where to look first: the quilted leather seats, or perhaps the more than 13-inch-wide display screen — a huge visual that communicates the Escape’s goal of delivering a driving environment that’s relaxing and upscale, but also that puts plenty of tech within reach.”

2025 Ford Escape Dimensions

The 2025 Ford Escape has an overall length of 4,574 mm (180.1 inches). Front legroom chimes in at 1,076 mm (42.4 inches), while rear-seat passengers get a generous 1,033 mm (40.7) of maximum leg space. Cargo capacity is 1,062 litres with the rear seats up, and 1,852 litres when they’re folded. The hybrid and PHEV can tow up to 1,500 lbs; the 1.5L engine up to 2,000 lbs; and when properly equipped, the 2.0L can go as high as 3,500 lbs.

2025 Ford Escape Pricing

The base Activ starts at $31,949, with the next-step-up ST-Line at $33,949, and it’s $2,600 to equip either of those with AWD. The ST-Line can be optioned with a hybrid powertrain for $6,000, and then add that $2,600 if you want that hybrid to be AWD too.

The ST-Line Select starts at $39,049; the Platinum at $41,299; and the ST-Line Elite at $42,799. All of those come only with AWD, and it’s an additional $4,000 in each to add a hybrid powertrain. The Escape PHEV, in FWD only, starts at $43,999.

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) is the model formerly known as the RAV4 Prime. This five-seater compact SUV is the top level of the RAV4 lineup, which includes the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid, covered separately. As a PHEV, it can drive solely on electricity after it’s been plugged in and charged, or operate as a conventional gas-electric hybrid.

Competitors to the 2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV

Rivals to the RAV4 PHEV include plug-in versions of the Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Mitsubishi Outlander.

What’s new with the RAV4 PHEV for 2025?

This plug-in’s name changes from the RAV4 Prime to the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) for 2025, but that’s the only thing that does.

2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Performance

The RAV4 PHEV uses a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that makes 177 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque on its own; and combined with its hybrid electric motor, the system makes up to 302 horsepower. It uses an automatic continuously-variable transmission (CVT). After it’s been plugged in and charged, it can drive for up to 68 kilometres on electricity alone. When that depletes, it automatically reverts to conventional hybrid operation, switching between gasoline, electricity, or a combination depending on driving conditions. In this mode, it self-charges its hybrid battery with regenerative braking, but can’t run on that 68-km electricity-alone mode until it’s plugged in and charged again. A second rear-mounted electric motor powers the rear wheels as needed for all-wheel drive (AWD).

In a review of the 2024 RAV4 Prime, Stephanie Wallcraft said, “…the CVT…drones more and offers less control than the six-speed automatic transmissions used in several competitors… Apart from the aforementioned CVT, the Toyota RAV4 Prime is very pleasant to drive overall. Power output is impressive for the class, while steering is comfortable and handling is stable. Toyota exclusively equips its sport-tuned suspension on RAV4 Prime models, which some drivers may find provides a slightly tight and rough ride. However, it’s direct and anything but floaty, which we see as a positive.”

2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Efficiency

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rates the 2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV in conventional hybrid mode at 5.7 L/100 km city, 6.4 highway, and 6.0 combined, for an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,131. When plugged in and charged, it’s rated for 68 kilometres on electricity alone. In that mode, it’s rated at 2.5 Le/100 km – for litres equivalent, the comparison of gasoline energy to electric energy.

2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Safety

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the RAV4 PHEV its highest five-star crash-test rating overall, albeit with four stars for frontal crash. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it the top “Good” rating in its original tests, but the next-step-down “Acceptable” in the updated side test, which better simulates being struck by a large SUV. It hasn’t yet been tested in the updated moderate front overlap, which now assesses potential injury to a rear-seat passenger as well as to those in front; but the gas-only RAV4 has been, and it rated “Marginal.”

Standard driver-assist features include full-speed adaptive cruise control, emergency front braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, automatic high-beam headlamps, and mandatory rearview camera. The upper XSE trim can be optioned with a package that further adds a bird’s-eye-view camera and rear parking sonar with rear braking.

2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Reliability

Consumer Reports gives the 2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV a “Recommended” badge and a predicted reliability rating of 84/100, saying it expects it to be “much more reliable than the average new car,” based on the previous RAV4 Prime models. In the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, which looks at three-year-old vehicles, the RAV4 (not specifically the hybrid models) was named the top compact SUV, while Toyota as a brand ranked fourth among all automakers.

2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Interior

Features on the SE trim include an eight-inch centre touchscreen with wireless connectivity, seven-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, heated cloth seats, power driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, cargo cover, pushbutton start, and locking glove box. The XSE adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, digital rearview mirror, garage door opener, faux-leather upholstery, heated rear seats, and wireless charger. The XSE can further be optioned with a package that adds such items as a head-up display, panoramic sunroof, premium audio, ventilated front seats, driver’s side memory, and hands-free liftgate.

In a review of the 2024 RAV4 Prime, Stephanie Wallcraft said, “Taller occupants benefit most from choosing a Toyota RAV4 Prime, which has more rear headroom than any of its rivals and is bested in the front row only by the Ford Escape PHEV. Legroom in the RAV4 Prime is less impressive, however...”

2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Dimensions

The RAV4 PHEV has an overall length of 4,596 mm (180.9 inches). Headroom depends on the availability of a sunroof in each trim, and ranges from 955 mm (37.6 in) to 991 mm (39.0 in) in front; and 963 mm (37.9 in) to 1,016 mm (40.0 in) in the rear. Front-seat legroom is 1,039 mm (40.9 in), while those in back get 960 mm (37.8 in). With the rear seats upright, cargo capacity is 949 litres (33.5 cubic feet); fold them down and that increases to 1,977 litres (69.8 cubic feet). The RAV4 PHEV can tow up to 2,500 lbs.

2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Canadian Pricing

The RAV4 PHEV starts in SE trim at $51,715, and then to XSE trim at $56,555. The XSE can be optioned with a Technology Package for an additional $5,390. In some jurisdictions, the PHEV’s plug-in capacity may make it eligible for any “green” rebates.

The compact Sportage remains one of Kia’s more popular models and is one of its longest-running nameplates. This five-seater offers a lot of choice since it’s available in gas-only, as a hybrid, and as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

What are the 2025 Kia Sportage’s competitors?

The compact SUV segment is one of the most popular among consumers, and so the Sportage faces a lot of rivals. These include models such as the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Mitsubishi Outlander and Outlander PHEV, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, and more.

What’s new with the Kia Sportage for 2025?

The Kia Sportage was redesigned in 2023 and received a number of tweaks for 2024, and so it’s essentially unchanged for 2025 save for new gloss-black exterior accents on the X-Line trim.

2025 Kia Sportage Performance

The gas-only Kia Sportage comes in five trim lines, and all use a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that makes 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base LX starts in front-wheel drive (FWD). It can be optioned to all-wheel drive (AWD) which is standard on all other trims.

The Hybrid and PHEV models use a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder that makes 177 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque on its own, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. When the gas engine and hybrid system are combined, the Sportage Hybrid makes a total of 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque; the Sportage PHEV makes the same torque but with 261 horsepower. All models are AWD. The Sportage PHEV has a published range of 55 km on electricity alone after it’s been plugged in and charged, and when that depletes, it automatically switches to conventional hybrid operation, so it’ll continue to drive for as long as there’s fuel in the tank.

2025 Kia Sportage Efficiency

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rates the 2025 Kia Sportage in AWD at 10.1 L/100 km city, 8.7 highway, and 9.5 combined. The base FWD model reduces that to 9.3 city, 7.1 highway, and 8.3 combined. The Sportage Hybrid is rated at 6.1 city, 6.3 highway, and 6.2 combined. The Sportage PHEV in hybrid mode rates 6.6 city, 6.7 highway, and 6.7 combined. It has a published range of 55 km in electric-only when its battery is fully charged after plugging in.

2025 Kia Sportage Safety

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) gave its top five-star crash-test rating to the 2024 Kia Sportage, and since the 2025 model is unchanged, that should carry through. The 2024 version also received a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including the top “Good” in the updated side test, which better simulates being struck by a large SUV. However, at time of writing, it hadn’t yet been tested in the updated front moderate overlap, which now assesses potential injury to a rear-seat passenger as well as to those in front. It earned the next-step-down “Acceptable” for its emergency front braking pedestrian detection, as well as for ease-of-use of its child seat tethers.

All Sportage trims include emergency front braking, lane-keep assist, lane-follow assist, rear occupant alert, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and mandatory rearview camera. The X-Line, one step up from the base LX, adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors. Trims above that can add adaptive cruise control, emergency braking on turns, emergency rear braking, highway driving assist, blind-view monitor, and 360-degree camera. All features are included on the Hybrid and PHEV models, and their upper trims further add a remote parking function.

2025 Kia Sportage Reliability

The 2025 Kia Sportage rated 60/100 in predicted reliability from Consumer Reports, which said it expects it to have “above average reliability when compared to the average new car,” based on data from the 2023 model. The Sportage didn’t land an individual award in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, which looks at three-year-old vehicles, but Kia as a brand ranked eighth among all automakers.

2025 Kia Sportage Interior

The entry LX trim is pretty basic other than heated seats, but other trims add such items as power-adjustable seats, faux leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, cooled seats, heated rear seats, wireless charger, 12.3-inch centre touchscreen with navigation, rain-sensing wipers, premium audio, and hands-free liftgate. The Hybrid and PHEV trims come well-equipped at almost all trim levels.

In her review of the 2023 Kia Sportage, Renita Naraine said, ��Staying within the front cabin, let’s talk about that odd touch panel below the touchscreen. Am I a fan? Absolutely sort of. Well, I don’t hate it. It’s fairly easy to use and to be completely honest, I don’t mind if it acts as the climate control. Unfortunately, that’s not all it is. It’s also the media control panel. You may find yourself wondering, How can it be both? There’s a small icon that looks a bit like a paper airplane; when you tap it, the climate controls change to the media controls. Cool, right? Sort of. You have mere seconds to make your media decision before it automatically reverts back to the climate control options. Again, it’s one of those things that I imagine Sportage owners would get used to, but until then, you should probably note that if you turn the volume knob before tapping the airplane icon, then instead of blasting those Harmon Kardon speakers, all you’ll be doing is turning up the heat.”

2025 Kia Sportage Dimensions

The 2025 Kia Sportage has an overall length of 4,660 mm (183.5 inches). Legroom is good at 1,052 mm (41.4 inches) and a generous 1,050 mm (41.3 inches) in the second row. Depending on how you set the cargo floor height in the gas-only Sportage, you get up to 1,121 litres of cargo space, opening up to a potential 2,098 litres when the second row is tucked down. Battery placement in the electrified models cuts a bit into cargo space. The gas Sportage can tow up to 2,500 lbs when properly equipped, and up to 2,000 lbs for the Hybrid and PHEV.

2025 Kia Sportage Canadian Pricing

The 2025 Kia Sportage starts with the LX in FWD at $30,295, with another $2,000 to switch that to AWD. From there, all other trims are AWD-only: the X-Line at $35,895; the EX at $37,595; EX Premium at $39,695; and X-Line Limited at $43,095. The Hybrid comes in EX trim at $38,145 and the SX at $43,845. The PHEV comes as the EX Premium at $46,995 and the SX at $49,995, and as plug-ins, both may be eligible for applicable federal or provincial “green” rebates.

As one of the most popular Lexus models in Canada, the NX is a compact crossover with the luxury features and exterior styling appropriate to the brand. The NX 450h+ has varied competition in the form of ICE, hybrid and electric SUVs including the Volvo XC40, Infiniti QX55, Nissan Ariya and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

What’s new with the Lexus NX 450h+ for 2025?

A snazzy panoramic roof has been added to NX 450h+ Executive and F SPORT 3 grades, meaning owners can stargaze without leaving the comfort of those NuLuxe-upholstered seats. For this model year, the NX continues to be built right here in Canada.

2025 Lexus NX 450h+ Performance

This car features a plug-in hybrid electric powertrain combining the best of electric vehicle and hybrid-electric vehicle operation. It is built around a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, an electronic continuously variable transmission, and a high-capacity lithium-ion battery. All told, it generates 304 system horsepower

2025 Lexus NX 450h+ Efficiency

with a fuel efficiency rating of 2.8 Le/100 km per 100km (city/highway combined), though it is important to note that figure is calculated with its 60km electric-only range that permits some daily driving to be accomplished without using a drop of gasoline. Whilst running on the gasoline-powered engine, economy ratings register 6.3 L/100km in town, 7.1 on the open road, and 6.6 combined.

2025 Lexus NX 450h+ Safety

After heaving the NX into its array of concrete and steel barriers, testers at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this model a Top Safety Pick rating. Not only did it ace the small and moderate overlap tests but it also garnered top marks in the new updated side impact test.

2025 Lexus NX 450h+ Reliability

As with many other models from a brand which sits atop the Consumer Reports heap in terms of overall reliability, the NX’s mechanicals are very well regarded by the CR boffins. However, the NX as a whole suffers in rating thanks to what was historically deemed fussy infotainment controls; the system was been overhauled last year but the model is saddled with poor marks for the old infotainment since Consumer Reports aggregates its scores based on years of accumulated data.

2025 Lexus NX 450h+ Interior

Despite technically being a trim of the NX line as a whole, the hybrid 450h+ has a trio of trims: Ultra Premium, Executive, and F Sport 3. The first one kicks off with the likes of a 14-inch touchscreen, power adjustable steering column, and a power moon-roof amongst other features. Executive trims adds 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, wireless charging dock, and panoramic view monitor in addition to other gear. Finally, the F Sport can be had with theatrical ambient illumination, power rear hatch, and bold colour choices including Circuit Red interior upholstery.

2025 Lexus NX 450h+ Dimensions

Overall length is 4,659 mm (183.4 inches) riding on a 2,690 mm (105.9 inch) wheelbase. Width is given as 1,865 mm (73.4 inches) while height is 1,670 mm or 65.7 inches. Ground clearance is 195 mm (7.7 inches) which matches several other all-wheel drive crossovers in this segment. Towing capacity maxes out at 2,000 pounds and cargo capacity is capped at 46.9 cubic feet.

2025 Lexus NX 450h+ Canadian Pricing

While the NX is small(er) in stature, it isn’t very small in price. An opening bid is all of $63,330 including fees but not taxes, the Executive trim is an $80,485 proposition, while the F Sport and its jazzy colour selections will trade for $80,605. Other options like premium paint selections can push those numbers even higher.

The RX 450h+, which debuted for 2024, sits at the top of the popular Lexus RX lineup, with the “h” signifying it’s a hybrid and the “+” adding that it’s a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). This five-seater midsize SUV also comes as the gas-only RX 350, and in two other non-plug-in hybrids, the RX 350H and RX 500h.

Competitors to the 2025 Lexus RX 450h+

Those cross-shopping the RX 450h+ might look at the BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring, Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e, and the Volvo XC60 PHEV.

What’s new with the Lexus RX 450h+ for 2025?

Having been introduced as a new vehicle within the RX lineup for 2024, the 450h+ is unchanged other than a new 12.3-inch multi-information display.

2025 Lexus RX 450h+ Performance

The RX 450h+ uses a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with hybrid system, making a combined 304 horsepower – Lexus doesn’t divulge the torque figure – and with an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT). Electric motors front and rear give it all-wheel drive (AWD) and it contains an 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery. After it’s been plugged in and charged, the 450h+ is rated for up to 60 kilometres on electricity alone. Once the stored charge runs out, the system automatically switches over to self-charging hybrid operation, so it will continue to drive for as long as there’s gas in the tank.

In her first-drive review of the 2024 Lexus RX 450h+, Stephanie Wallcraft said, “In our test drive we found the CVT, while not overly intrusive and undoubtedly helpful in reducing fuel consumption, is less satisfying than the six-speed automatic equipped in the RX 500h. While our testing environment didn’t pressure the AWD system, we similarly feel the 500h’s Direct4 AWD with its greater range of torque distribution would be a bonus for those who appreciate an energetic drive feel…it’s clear the plug-in hybrid was never intended to be the powerhouse of the new RX line-up. Lexus dumped much of its performance toolbox into the 500h, and in the PHEV engineers focused on a combination of efficiency and drive feel. That said, the 450h+ does deliver satisfying power output when called upon with an estimated zero to 100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds. In practice, it’s plenty entertaining to whip around on back roads.”

2025 Lexus RX 450h+ Efficiency

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rates the RX 450h+ with an all-electric range of 60 km on a charge; and when running on electricity it’s pegged at 2.8 Le/100 km, which stands for litres equivalent, the comparison of electric energy to gasoline energy. When operating as a self-charging hybrid, the 450h+ is rated at 6.4 L/100 km city, 7.1 highway, and 6.7 combined, for an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,454 on premium-grade gasoline.

2025 Lexus RX 450h+ Safety

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hadn’t specifically tested the 450h+ at time of writing, but it gave the similar RX 350h and RX 500h models its top five-star rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the RX overall and named it a Top Safety Pick for 2024, giving it a top “Good” rating in the three tests necessary for that award for 2024. However, it earned “Poor” in the updated moderate front overlap test, which now assesses potential injury to a rear-seat passenger as well as to those in front.

Standard driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control, emergency front and rear braking, lane-keep assist, lane-tracing assist, road sign assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, automatic high-beam headlamps, intuitive parking assist, and backup camera with washer.

2025 Lexus RX 450h+ Reliability

Consumer Reports gives the RX 450h+ a “Recommended” badge and a predicted reliability rating of 58/100, saying it expects it to have “about average reliability when compared to the average new car,” based on limited data from the 2024 model plus Lexus’ brand score. The non-plug-in RX 350h hybrid scored 67/100. The 450h+ couldn’t have won an individual award in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, since that looks at three-year-old vehicles; but the RX lineup overall was named the top Midsize Premium SUV, and Lexus as an automaker ranked top of all brands, followed by Toyota.

2025 Lexus RX 450h+ Interior

The RX 450h+ comes in a single top-trim level and includes such features as a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, 14-inch centre touchscreen, three-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, rear sunshades, head-up display, wireless charger, multi-colour ambient lighting, and hands-free liftgate.

2025 Lexus RX 450h+ Dimensions

The Lexus RX 450h+ has an overall length of 4,889 mm (192.5 inches). Front-seat headroom is 967 mm (38.1 in), while the rear seat is 977 mm (38.5 in). Those in the front chairs get 1,041 mm (41 in) of legroom; in the rear it’s a bit less at 947 mm (37.3 in). With the rear seats upright, cargo volume is 835 litres (29.5 cubic ft); when they’re folded, it’s up to 1,305 litres (46.1 cu.ft.).

2025 Lexus RX 450h+ Canadian Pricing

The RX 450h+ comes in a single Executive trim line at $87,500, too far above the price threshold to qualify for government “green” rebates. Drivers whose daily commute falls within or close to that 60-kilometre electric-only range and who regularly plug it in could potentially make very few trips to the gas station. If that’s not the case, they may want to look at the non-plug RX 350h hybrid, which comes in five trim levels at $62,290 to $77,789. The performance-oriented RX 500h hybrid, also without a plug, runs from $81,939 to $90,574.

The Hyundai Tucson gets a considerable update for 2025, including styling tweaks, redesigned cabin, new features, and new XRT trim. As with the 2024 version, this five-seater compact SUV comes as gas-only, as a gas-electric hybrid, and as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). All three have standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

Competitors to the 2025 Hyundai Tucson

The compact sport-ute segment is a crowded one, but not many offer three powertrain choices as the Tucson. One that does is its Kia Sportage cousin, which also has the three. Other possibilities in the compact market include the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-50, Mitsubishi Outlander and Outlander PHEV, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

What’s new with the Hyundai Tucson for 2025?

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson’s mechanicals mostly remain the same, other than the hybrid and PHEV now have adjustable regenerative braking. On the outside, the Tucson gets a new grille, front and rear bumpers, daytime running lights, and alloy wheel designs. The Ultimate receives acoustic laminated front side windows. The previous blind-spot collision avoidance system is now just a warning.

The cabin upgrades include a three-spoke steering wheel, new gear selector, LED interior lighting on all trims, 12.3-inch colour touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, USB-C ports, and cabin temperature knobs in place of capacitive touch adjustment. The Ultimate trim adds a head-up display and fingerprint scanner; models with driver-side memory now include the mirror positions; and the heated steering wheel gets three settings, while heated rear seats get four. The new XRT has a bit of a tougher appearance, including raised roof rails and unique wheels, but without any extra off-road performance features.

2025 Hyundai Tucson Performance

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson starts in gas-only with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that makes 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid trades that for a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder with six-speed automatic and hybrid system, making a combined 231 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The PHEV builds on the hybrid’s powertrain with 268 horsepower and the same 258 lb-ft of torque. When plugged in and charged, it can run on electricity alone for a rated 51 km. AWD is standard across all models.

In a review of the 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid N Line, Brendan McAleer said, “With a conventional automatic rather than a continuously-variable transmission (CVT), the Tucson Hybrid makes the most of its electric torque, and feels even feistier than it is. Other hybrids can feel a little out of breath once the electric torque fades off in the mid-range, but the turbocharged 1.6 has come on boost by then, giving the Tucson a broad powerband. It’s fun to drive, without that rubber-band feeling you get from a CVT.”

2025 Hyundai Tucson Efficiency

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rates the 2.5L gas-only Tucson at 9.7 L/100 km city, 7.7 highway, and 8.8 combined. The hybrid is rated at 6.3 L/100 km city, 6.6 highway, and 6.4 combined. The PHEV is heavier and it rates slightly higher at 6.7 city, 6.8 highway, and 6.7 combined, but with 51 km of battery-only range after it’s plugged in and charged. When that depletes, it automatically reverts to hybrid operation, driving for as long as there’s fuel in the tank.

2025 Hyundai Tucson Safety

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hadn’t crash-tested the updated 2025 Tucson at time of writing, but it gave its top five-star rating to the 2024 version. That’s the same at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which awarded the 2024 model a Top Safety Pick+ award, including the top “Good” rating for the updated front crash test that now assesses potential injury to a rear-seat passenger as well as to those in front.

Standard driver-assist features on all trims include emergency front braking with cyclist, pedestrian and intersection detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, automatic high-beam headlamps, driver attention monitor, safe exit warning, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and mandatory rear view camera. Upper trims can add ultrasonic rear occupant alert, remote park assist, blind-view monitor, highway driving assist, and reverse parking collision avoidance.

2025 Hyundai Tucson Reliability Rating

Consumer Reports hadn’t yet assessed the 2025 version at time of writing, but gave the 2024 Tucson a “Recommended” badge and a predicted reliability rating of 69/100, saying it expects it to be “more reliable than the average new car,” based on data from the 2022 and 2023 models. The Tucson didn’t win an individual award in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, which looks at three-year-old vehicles, and Hyundai ranked 13th among all automakers, two steps below the industry average.

2025 Hyundai Tucson Interior

On all trims, the new cabin includes a 12.3-inch centre touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, front and rear USB ports, power driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and push button start. Upper trims can add navigation, Bose premium audio, fingerprint recognition, wireless charger, head-up display, leather upholstery, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, and auto-dimming mirror.

2025 Hyundai Tucson Dimensions

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson has an overall length of 4,630 mm (182.2 in). Both front- and rear-seat passengers get virtually the same amount of legroom – 1,052 mm (41.4 in) ahead and 1,050 mm (41.3 in) behind. With the rear seats up, the gas model has 1,095 litres (38.6 cu.ft) of cargo volume; the hybrid gets 1,097 litres (38.7 cu.ft); and the PHEV loses some space to its battery, with 902 litres (31.8 cu.ft). With the seats down, cargo space ranges from 2,119 litres (74.8 cu.ft) in the gas model to 1,876 litres (66.2 cu.ft) for the PHEV. The gas model can tow up to 3,500 lbs, while the hybrids can pull a maximum of 2,000 lbs.

2025 Hyundai Tucson Canadian Pricing

The gas-only Hyundai Tucson starts in Preferred trim at $34,499, while the new XRT trim is $40,199. The hybrid comes in two trims: the N Line at $43,199, and the Ultimate at $47,199. The Ultimate can be optioned to the PHEV for a total of $52,699, but it may be eligible for federal or provincial “green” rebates, depending on where you live. On all models, only white paint is included in the price; all other colours are an extra $250. The N Line can also be optioned with matte paint for $1,500.

The Dodge Hornet moves into the 2025 model with only a tweak to one of its option packages. An all-new model for 2023, the Hornet is made in collaboration with Alfa Romeo, a fellow brand in the Stellantis group, sharing components with the Tonale. This compact five-seater sporty-minded SUV comes as the GT with gas-only engine, or as the R/T which is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

Competitors to the 2025 Dodge Hornet

The 2025 Dodge Hornet has a lot of rivals in the compact SUV segment, but there aren’t a lot that are completely head-to-head – the Hornet sits about halfway between mainstream and premium, plus it’s sportier than most and offers the PHEV powertrain. Some to consider include the Alfa Romeo Tonale to which it’s related, along with mainstream models such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Kona and Tucson, Kia Seltos and Sportage, Mazda CX-30 and CX-5, Toyota RAV4 Prime, and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, among others.

What’s new with the Dodge Hornet for 2025?

The sole change to the Dodge Hornet for 2025 is the addition of paddle shifters in the available Track Pack option on the Hornet GT.

2025 Dodge Hornet Performance

The 2025 Dodge Hornet GT uses a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine, dubbed “Hurricane,” that makes 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque – noting that the horsepower number is when running premium-grade fuel, and while it works fine on regular-grade gas, Dodge doesn’t divulge how much power you’ll lose on that. It’s mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard. The R/T carries a turbocharged 1.3L four-cylinder with hybrid system, making a combined 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, and with a six-speed automatic. It’s also AWD but uses an electric motor to power the rear wheels as needed. As a PHEV, it offers a rated 53 km on electricity alone once it’s plugged in and charged; and when that depletes, it automatically reverts to conventional hybrid operation, switching between gasoline, electricity or a combination based on driving conditions, and self-charging its hybrid battery with regenerative braking.

In a review of the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T, Jil McIntosh said, “Take it through the twisties and you forget it’s a sport-ute, because it feels sports-car. Even so, once you back off a bit, it’s equally good as an everyday-driver crossover. Its nimble handling moves it well through traffic; the ride is smooth and comfortable; and when you need passing power on the highway, it’s there. It includes a setting called PowerShot, exclusive to the R/T, which gives an electric 30-horsepower boost that Dodge claims can take you from 0-to-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.6 seconds. Perhaps so, but it definitely isn’t a warp-drive experience; it speeds up a bit and that’s about it. That said, if it turns out to be your thing, then after a 15-second battery cooldown each time, you can PowerShoot over and over, as long as you still have about 40% of battery power remaining.”

2025 Dodge Hornet Efficiency

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rates the gas-only 2025 Dodge Hornet GT at 11.3 L/100 km city, 8.1 highway, and 9.9 in combined driving, for an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,069 and that’s with 87-octane gasoline. The Hornet R/T PHEV rates 8.1 L/100 km across all three measures, for an estimated annual cost of $1,578. When plugged in and charged, it’s rated for 53 kilometres of battery-only driving, and at 3.1 Le/100 km – for litres equivalent, the comparable electrical energy to gasoline energy used.

2025 Dodge Hornet Safety

At time of writing, neither the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had cracked up the Dodge Hornet in crash-testing.

Standard driver-assist features include emergency front braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, hill start assist, lane-keep assist, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and mandatory rearview camera. Available features include traffic sign recognition, drowsy driver alert, intelligent speed assist, parallel and perpendicular parking system, and 360-degree camera.

2025 Dodge Hornet Reliability Rating

Consumer Reports gave the 2024 Dodge Hornet a predicted reliability rating of 42/100, saying it expects it to have “about average reliability when compared to other new cars,” based on Dodge’s brand scores. The Hornet wasn’t included in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, since that one only looks at three-year-old vehicles, but Dodge as a brand ranked tenth among all automakers, two steps above the industry average.

2025 Dodge Hornet Interior

Depending on the trim, standard or optional interior features include dual-zone climate control, 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated and ventilated seats, leather and Alcantara upholstery, heated steering wheel, wireless charger, 10.25-inch centre touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and premium Harman Kardon audio system.

In a review of the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T, Jil McIntosh said, “(The interior is) nice. (An) optional package also adds Alcantara faux-suede seats, sport steering wheel, and bright pedals and sill plates, building on the bones of the handsome cabin design…the aluminum paddles are impressively sturdy, but they’re also huge, in a nod to their Alfa Romeo roots. Those with even larger hands than mine complained of difficulty in reaching around to activate the turn signal switch.”

2025 Dodge Hornet Dimensions

The 2025 Dodge Hornet has an overall length of 4,528 mm (178 in). Trunk volume is 765 litres (27 cu.ft.) in the GT, while the R/T’s battery placement reduces its cargo capacity to 650 litres (22.9 cu.ft.). The GT weighs in at 1,600 kg (3,715 lbs), while the R/T PHEV packs on the pounds at 1,875 kg (4,140 lbs). Both are capable of towing up to 2,000 lbs.

2025 Dodge Hornet Canadian Pricing

The 2025 Dodge Hornet starts out as the GT at $41,495; moving it up to the GT Plus is $46,495. The R/T also comes in two trims, starting at $55,995 and then to the R/T Plus at $60,995. Since the R/T is a plug-in hybrid, then depending on where you live, it may be eligible for applicable federal or provincial “green” rebates.

The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale symbolizes the changing of Alfa Romeo’s business model, highlighted by a new era of luxury, electrification and connectivity while still remaining true to its performance-oriented DNA. The plug-in hybrid model joined the lineup last year, a companion to the turbo 2.0L gas-powered four-cylinder offered at launch. The addition of a PHEV is important as it speaks to Alfa Romeo’s future — the brand has said it will be all-electric by 2027. As the first C-SUV from Alfa Romeo, Tonale features a variety of advanced driver assistance systems, Uconnect 5, a connectivity platform with Alfa Connect, modern Italian styling and superior driving dynamics from its dual mode active suspension system. Tonale plug-in hybrid customers qualify for federal and provincial EV rebates.

2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Competitors

The Tonale slots in under the Stelvio, giving Alfa Romeo a much-needed compact entry. Based on the same platform as the Jeep Compass and new Dodge Hornet. Key competitors include the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Lexus NX, Mercedes GLB and Volvo XC40.

What’s new with the Tonale for 2025?

The 2025 Tonale evolves from three trims to one core version with available Veloce, Active Assist and Premium packages and additional options for simplified ordering.

A new limited-production Tributo Italiano special edition is introduced for Tonale plug-in hybrid models. Tributo Italiano exterior features include a body-colour-painted kit, 20-inch Grigio wheels, red Brembo calipers, dual chrome exhaust, Gloss Black daylight opening, hands-free power liftgate, aluminum door sills and black-painted roof. Inside, premium touches include driver seat memory, Harman /Kardon audio system and perforated leather seats with red accents. The Tributo Italiano is also available with the new Active Assist Package and sunroof.

2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Performance

The Tonale offers a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, a member of Stellantis’ Global Medium Engine family, rated at 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain features a twin-scroll, low-inertia turbocharger, direct fuel injection and engine stop-start technology. It is capable of towing 1,500 kg.

The PHEV combines a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery with a 90-kW electric motor and 1.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine to deliver 285 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque, with an electric range of up to 53 km. This setup is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The PHEV will hit 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. However, towing capacity drops to 907 kg.

2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Efficiency

The Tonale with the 2.0L turbo four is rated at 11.3 L/100 km city, 8.1 highway and 9.9 combined on premium fuel. Annual fuel cost is estimated at $3,069.

The Tonale PHEV can travel about 53 kilometres on electricity alone when conditions are favourable, which works out to a Scrooge-like 3.1 Le/100 km overall. Using the gas engine delivers an average fuel economy of 8.1 L/100 km. The PHEV gets it juice from a 15.5 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery that can be charged in eight hours using a 110-volt outlet — a Level 2 charger drops that to less than three hours.

2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Safety

All Tonales arrive with the usual safety features, including forward collision warning with auto braking and blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, however, active driving assist, driver attention alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist. Level 2 autonomy with Traffic Jam Assist is available. The has yet to be crash tested by NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Administration) or IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).

2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Reliability

Consumer Reports says the 2024 Tonale is a “disappointing effort,” citing a stiff ride, loud cabin and handling “more mundane than Alfa special.” It rates the Tonale as less reliable than other new cars.

2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Interior

The five-seat Tonale’s interior focuses on the driver, but also considers the comfort of passengers. Unique patterns, logos and colours point to Alfa Romeo. The cabin environment features “the cool solidity of aluminum and the warmth and softness of leather and Alcantara suede,” says Stellantis, reflecting “the personality of a young, metropolitan and dynamic customer.” Tonale features standard Uconnect 5 on a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen and 12.3-inch driver’s cluster screen. Also standard is Alfa Connect, with global services delivery platform with greater over-the-air (OTA) capability. The infotainment system builds upon an intuitive user experience with the Android operating system, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. A customizable home screen allows quick access to frequently used features with one-touch operation. Alexa home-to-car and car-to-home functionality includes in-vehicle Alexa virtual assistant with natural voice capability.

2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Dimensions

At 4,528-millimetre long, 2,082-mm wide and 1,60-mm tall the Tonale is urban-friendly. The 2,636-mm wheelbase delivers room for five along with 648 litres of cargo space with the seats up and 1,430 litres when folded flat. Curb weight is 1,600 kg for the gas version and 1,875 kg for the PHEV.

2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Canadian Pricing

The 2025 gas-only Tonale starts at $47,495 for the base version. The Tonale PHEV has a starting price of $57,995. The Tributo plug-in has an MSRP of $63,995.

As one of the models which wisely led Lincoln’s way back into the world of real model names instead of the MK-Nothing alphabet soup, the Corsair continues into 2025 as an stepping stone into the brand and one of four vehicles (all crossovers or SUVs) on sale in the brand’s showroom this year.

2025 Lincoln Corsair Competitors

Shopping in this segment means one should also look at vehicles such as the Acura RDX, Cadillac XT4 or XT5, and the Lexus NX. One would be remiss not to include the Genesis G70 in this conversation, as well.

What’s new with the Lincoln Corsair for 2025?

While this machine looks very similar to its appearance last year, the addition of a Grand Touring plug-in hybrid model brings competition to others in its class rocking this type of powertrain. The brightwork on that grille can be toned down with a Jet Apperance package if yer so inclined.

2025 Lincoln Corsair Performance

The hybrid mentioned above utilizes a 2.5L gasoline-powered four-cylinder engine and electrified gubbins to make 266 horsepower, though Lincoln is cagey on the actual amount of torque this combo creates. It is funneled to the earth via all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. Meanwhile, the non-hybrid wears a 2.0L turbocharged mill making a healthy 250 horses and 275 lb-ft of torque. This dances with an eight-speed automatic. Both engines prefer a diet of premium fuel.

2025 Lincoln Corsair Efficiency

Lincoln Corsair models powered by the 2.0L turbo may consume 11.2 L/100km in city environs, 8.3 on the open road, and 9.9 combined. Switching to the more expensive plug-in hybrid improves those numbers to 6.9, 7.4, and 7.1 respectively. It can also travel about 40 kilometres on electricity when conditions are right. This is reasonable, given the hybrid system adds about 700 pounds compared to the gasser.

2025 Lincoln Corsair Safety

This vehicle doesn’t win any specific plaudits from the crash test dummies at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, though it gets top marks in all exams save for the tough new side impact test with its heavier (and higher) battering ram designed to better simulate real world traffic on today’s roads.

2025 Lincoln Corsair Reliability

Both predicted reliability and predicted owner satisfaction are staunchly midpack, according to Consumer Reports, citing feedback from owners and the results of other models in the Lincoln line. Infotainment is praised as easy to use but the transmission push buttons are panned.

2025 Lincoln Corsair Interior

Right now, the Corsair is in lock step with some of its similarly sized cousins in the Ford household, meaning it still has a tablet tacked on to its dashboard and a set of digital gauges bookended by black plastic or wood trim. We expect the Corsair to adopt the pillar-to-pillar type screen now appearing in the Nautilus and Navigator when this model is refreshed in a year or two.

2025 Lincoln Corsair Dimensions

Total length clocks in at 4,608 millimetres which places it closer (but not quite) to something like the Audi Q5 instead of the smaller Q3. Width is a reasonable 2,108 mm while overall height stands 1,629 mm tall

2025 Lincoln Corsair Canadian Pricing

Starting at $51,795 for the Premiere trim, buyers can walk up to a heady $59,995 for the Reserve model with snazzy gear like a Revel audio system. The plug-in hybrid Grand Touring starts at $62,485 but it is no trouble to blow past 70 grand with options (which is where the Navigator used to live not all that many years ago).

Kia’s three-row midsize SUV comes in three flavours of gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Seating is up to six or seven occupants, depending on the trim; and it receives a refresh for 2025 and a new X-Pro trim.

Competitors to the 2025 Kia Sorento

The Sorento faces a number of rivals, including the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia, Honda Passport and Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota 4Runner and Highlander, and Subaru Ascent, among others.

What’s new with the Kia Sorento for 2025?

The Sorento gets a refresh for 2025, with new front and rear styling, new light designs, and a new X-Pro trim with 4,500-lb towing capacity, in comparison to 2,000 to 3,500 lbs on lower trims.

2025 Kia Sorento Performance

On gasoline models, the Sorento starts with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that makes 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque in the base LX trim. The remaining trims – EX, X-Line, X-Line Limited, and X-Pro – use a turbocharged 2.5L making 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The non-turbo uses an eight-speed automatic, while the turbo engine is hooked to an automatic eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on all.

Both the Sorento Hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) use a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder engine with hybrid system. The gas and electric combine to make 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque in the HEV, and 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque in the PHEV. Both use a six-speed automatic and with standard AWD. As PHEVs do, the Sorento plug-in can drive on electricity alone after it’s been plugged in and charged. When that depletes, it reverts to conventional hybrid operation as the Sorento HEV performs, automatically switching between gasoline, electricity or a combination depending on driving conditions, and self-charging its battery through regenerative braking.

2025 Kia Sorento Efficiency

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rates the non-turbo Sorento at 10.2 L/100 km city, 8.5 highway, and 9.4 combined, for an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,914. The turbocharged trims take that to 11.5 city, 8.7 highway, and 10.3 combined, for an estimated $3,193.

The hybrid is rated at 7.0 L/100 km city, 6.9 highway, and 7.0 combined, for an estimated $2,170. The PHEV rates the same but has an all-electric range of 48 kilometres when charged, and using that brings its estimated annual cost down to $1,491. All Sorento models take regular-grade, 87-octane gasoline.

2025 Kia Sorento Safety

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2025 Kia Sorento its highest five-star crash-test rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tested the 2025 version in 2024, when it earned a Top Safety Pick award. It got the highest “Good” in the original moderate front overlap test, but scored “Marginal” in the updated version, which now assesses potential injury to a rear-seat passenger as well as to those in front, and which isn’t yet required for a Top Pick award.

Driver-assist technologies on all trims include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind-spot monitoring with collision avoidance, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), emergency front braking, front and rear parking sensors, lane-follow assist, lane-keep assist, and mandatory rearview cameras. Upper trims add highway driving assist, automatic rear braking, surround-view camera, and blind-spot viewer.

2025 Kia Sorento Reliability

Consumer Reports gives the 2025 Sorento a predicted reliability rating of 44/100, saying it expects it to have “about average reliability” when compared to the average new car, based on data from the 2022 and 2023 models, along with Kia’s brand scores. The Sorento didn’t get an individual award in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, which looks at three-year-old vehicles, but Kia as a brand ranked eleventh among all automakers, two steps above the industry average.

2025 Kia Sorento Interior

The gas-only Sorento starts in base LX trim, which includes seven-passenger seating, cloth seats, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, push button start, 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, and 4.0-inch digital instrument cluster. All other trims are six-passenger only, and can add heated second-row seats, LED cargo lamp, power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, rear sun blinds, navigation, wireless charger, 12.3-inch instrument cluster, Bose premium sound system, and digital mirror.

The HEV and PHEV both come in EX or SX trim, all with six-passenger seating. The EX models include power driver’s seat, leather-look upholstery, heated front seats, and 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The SX models add leather upholstery, driver’s cushion extension, heated second-row seats, ventilated front seats, 12.3-inch cluster, navigation, Bose stereo, and more.

2025 Kia Sorento Dimensions

The Sorento has an overall length of 4,815 mm (189.5 inches) in lower trims, and 4,820 mm (189.7 in) in upper ones. Legroom in the first two rows is almost at par, with 1,052 mm (41.4 in) in front and 1,060 mm (41.7 in) in behind; but those in the third row are more tightly-packed at 752 mm (29.6 in). With the third row up, cargo volume is 357 litres (12.6 cubic feet). With it down, volume is between 1,090 litres (38.4 cu.ft.) and 1,274 litres (44.9 cu.ft.); while both rows down provide 2,139 litres (75.5 cu.ft.) of storage space.

2025 Kia Sorento Canadian Pricing

The gas-only Sorento starts with the LX at $38,995. From there, it goes through the EX at $42,995; the X-Line at $47,995; the X-Line Limited at $50,995; and the X-Pro at $52,495. The hybrid comes as the EX at $45,645 or the SX at $55,265. The PHEV is the EX at $50,645 and the SX at $60,265.