2025 Kia Sorento: Why no more diesel engine?

If there was one thing that kept us wondering during the launch of the 2025 Kia Sorento last week, it was the absence of a turbo-diesel variant. For the longest time, the midsize 7-seater crossover SUV has long been powered by a 2.2L turbo-diesel engine.

But with the advent of electrification and the benefits that come along with it like zero tariffs and number coding exemption, Kia decided to change things up by making the Sorento available only as a turbocharged hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).

With a 1.6L turbocharged gasoline inline-four, an electric motor, and a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the midsize 7-seater SUV makes a combined 235 PS and 367 Nm of torque. Power is then transferred to a 6-speed automatic transmission which is available either as an FWD or AWD crossover SUV.

So why did the brand decide to drop the diesel variant in the 2025 Sorento? Speaking with an executive who's familiar with the matter, having a turbocharged 7-seater hybrid SUV makes for a unique offering in the market. Not only does it make for a compelling vehicle since it's exempted from the number coding scheme, but they were also able to undercut other midsize and compact hybrid crossovers.

Based on customer feedback and the Sorento being available with a hybrid system, the automaker was able to package the vehicle with plenty of features while also offering a fuel-efficient drive. With prices starting at PHP 2.188 million, the 2025 Sorento HEV is more affordable Honda CR-V e:HEV and the Tucson HEV which are selling for PHP 2.605 million and PHP 2.290 million, respectively.

Heck, the Sorento HEV is also more affordable than its closest cousin, the Hyundai Santa Fe HEV which also comes with a turbocharged 1.6L hybrid engine. However, the electrified Santa Fe has a sticker price of PHP 3.33 million.

With the Sorento now available only with an HEV powertrain, we also wondered why the Carnival is still available with 2.2L turbo-diesel under the hood. Our insider shared with us that since the MPV is one of their most established nameplates, Kia decided to still offer a traditional ICE powertrain the market is familiar with. However, those who wish to get a Carnival with a turbo-hybrid engine can get one as well.

With both the Kia Carnival and Sorento now available as hybrids, which do you prefer to get if you're in the market for a three-row family-friendly vehicle?