The 2025 Sorento S: Is This Second-Tier Trim Right for You?

There are plenty of reasons why you might be looking to find a Kia Sorento for sale in Knoxville. This midsize SUV has three rows of seating and a spacious and comfortable interior, yet it isn’t so bulky that it’s hard to park or difficult to handle, so it offers a great balance between interior space and exterior size.

Once you’ve decided on this model, you’ve made the first step toward finding the SUV of your dreams—but you’re not completely out of the woods yet, because the 2025 Sorento is offered in eight different trim levels, ranging from the entry-level LX to the well-appointed SX X-Pro Prestige. Choosing the right one for you can be tricky, but that’s why we’re here to help.

Today, we’re going to take a close look at the 2025 Sorento S. This trim is one step above the LX, but it’s still highly affordable, making it a good choice for drivers on a budget who want to get a good lineup of features without going overboard. We’ll take a look at what this trim has to offer, how it fits in the lineup, and why it might be right for you.

Price

Kia has a fantastic lineup that includes something for everyone, which is why the least expensive Sorento and the most expensive Sorento have starting prices that are about $15k apart. The Sorento S has a starting MSRP of $34,890; this makes it a little less than $3k more expensive than the base LX and a little more than $3k less expensive than the next trim level up, the EX.

For even more perspective, consider that many 2025 three-row midsize SUVs from other automakers have entry-level trims that start at nearly $40k, or even upward of it. To name just a few examples, there’s the $39,900 Honda Pilot Sport, the $40,700 Chevy Traverse LT, and the $40,860 Toyota Grand Highlander. With its great value, the Sorento makes it possible for you to upgrade from the base trim while still staying below the starting price of many other models in its class. But what do you get with that upgrade? Let’s dig in and find out.

Exterior

At a glance, the first thing you might notice that differentiates the Sorento S from the base LX is the addition of roof rails. This handy feature gives you more options for storing cargo, from camping equipment to Christmas trees, so you can have even more flexibility on what you can bring with you as you travel through Knoxville and beyond. Speaking of the roof, the S can also be had with the optional Panoramic Sunroof Package, while this extra source of natural light is unavailable on the Sorento LX.

The S also has larger wheels with an elegant gloss black finish that match the shiny gloss black grille and rear spoiler. These elements aren’t quite so sophisticated on the LX, so the S is worth upgrading for if you want a more stylish SUV. You can also match your sense of style more easily, since the S has seven available paint colors instead of just five, with Wolf Gray and Midnight Lake Blue getting added to the palette.

Interior

Step inside and you’ll find even more upgrades. Instead of the black woven cloth upholstery that’s the only option for the LX, the S comes standard with SynTex upholstery in either black or gray, so you can get a stylish and easy-to-clean cabin in the color of your choice. To add to the look, you’ll get a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and matching gear shift knob.

On top of looks, you also get extra creature comforts. A ten-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar adjustment comes standard on the S, replacing the six-way manual driver’s seat on the LX. You can also get the temperature just right with dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats. No matter what Knoxville’s weather throws at you, you can stay cozy all year long.

Upgrading beyond the S can get you more interior features, of course, but there is one thing worth keeping in mind. The EX trim and above all come exclusively with captain’s chairs in the second row instead of a bench seat. That’s a plus if you want more comfortable seating for second-row passengers, but it’s a drawback if you want to be able to seat seven people instead of six. Either way, the second-row seats can slide and fold with the push of a button for ultimate convenience (a standard feature even on the LX).

Technology

The Sorento’s infotainment setup has a large 12.3-inch touchscreen, regardless of which trim you choose. However, picking the S over the LX means that, behind the screen, you have a system that includes built-in navigation, so you can get around unfamiliar places without a smartphone.

Speaking of phones, the S also has a standard wireless phone charger and a pair of second-row USB charging ports to supplement the charging ports up front and in the third row, ensuring that everyone can keep their devices powered. Thanks to a standard Wi-Fi hotspot, too, you can also use those devices to access the internet on the go.

Safety

Safety is a priority for just about every driver, which is why Kia includes most of its suite of advanced safety tech in every trim of the 2025 Sorento, even the base LX. Still, some features aren’t included on the entry-level trim. Upgrading to the S can help you navigate the streets of Knoxville with an extra degree of confidence.

While the LX does have standard adaptive cruise control, the S has an upgraded version that can sense upcoming curves on the highway and reduce your speed so you can go around the bend safely. On top of that, there’s also a Highway Driving Assist feature that not only adjusts your speed to keep you in line with surrounding traffic but also automatically keeps you centered in your lane at the same time, so you can cruise along the highway without gripping the wheel. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, you’ll have front and rear parking distance warnings to help you park your Sorento easily, even in tight parallel spots.

The 2025 Sorento S Sits in a Sweet Spot

With significant upgrades over the LX trim and an affordable price that makes it accessible for many drivers, the 2025 Sorento S might just be a perfect fit for your needs. It’s stylish, comfortable, and full of useful features that can help you make the most of your time behind the wheel.

Whether you’re sold on this trim or haven’t made up your mind quite yet, come and visit us at Rusty Wallace Kia of Knoxville. Our team can answer any questions you might have and set you up with a test drive so you can really get a feel for how the Sorento would fit your needs as a driver.

Our showroom is conveniently located here in Knoxville and boasts a wide selection of vehicles so you can find the one that’s just right for your needs. Whether that’s the Sorento S or not, our team will gladly stand by your side and ensure that you have everything you need to make an informed decision. Work with us and you can say “goodbye” to buyer’s remorse and “hello” to the next SUV of your dreams.