Kia Sorento 2025 Manual

Voice Recognition and Bluetooth

Using Voice Recognition¹
Improve Bluetooth Voice Recognition (VR) performance by making a few simple changes:

• Use full names (first and last names) vs. short or singlesyllable names ("John Smith" vs. "Dad," "Smith Residence" vs. "Home").
• Avoid using special characters, emojis, and hyphenated names (@, &, #, /, -, *, +, etc.).
• Avoid using acronyms ("Emergency" vs. "ICE" or "In Case of Emergency") or words with all capital letters.
• Spell words completely; system will not recognize abbreviations ("Doctor Smith" vs. "Dr. Smith").
• Always wait for the beep before speaking any commands.
• When using VR to place a call, speak in a natural, moderate tone, with clear pronunciation. The system may have trouble recognizing commands if you speak too softly or too loudly.
• Open windows, sunroof, weather (wind/rain), or an A/C fan operating at higher speeds can interfere with VR accuracy.
• Your VR system may have difficulty understanding some accents or uncommon names.
• Press the talk button and say "Help" to get a list of available commands.

Pairing or Connecting Your Phone with Bluetooth²

• Select "Device Connections" in the infotainment system display¹ or "Call" button on the steering wheel to begin the pairing process if no phone has previously been paired.
• During the pairing process, please make sure you accept all requests for phonebook download and future autoconnection on your phone.
• To pair a second phone or subsequent phones, reference the manuals and guides supplied with your vehicle as steps vary by infotainment system.
• If you experience any issues with auto-connection, try the following:
  • Reboot your phone (turn the phone off and then on).
  • Update the phone operating system to the most recently released version.
  • Delete the phone from the list of Bluetooth devices on the infotainment system display, delete Kia device from the list of Bluetooth devices on your phone, and re-pair.
  • Ensure the phone has the Bluetooth feature activated.
• If some contacts are not downloading to the infotainment system display, check to confirm that the contact has been entered correctly and that it has been stored under the categories (HOME, MOBILE, WORK, iPhone³) that are supported by the infotainment system display. Some contact categories (MAIN, PAGER, OTHER) may not be supported. If the number of contacts exceeds the maximum number allowed on the infotainment system display, contacts will be partially downloaded. Ensure that only the "phone contact list" is selected for contact download on your phone (not social media or email contact lists as these contacts may not download to the infotainment system display).
• Phone operating systems change frequently, and some phones may have varying compatibility levels with the Bluetooth system. For any questions regarding the features of your vehicle, please contact your preferred Kia dealer or call Kia Consumer Assistance at 1-800-333-4542.

Other Bluetooth Tips

• Bluetooth reception is affected by carrier coverage and is dependent on the phone.
• If streaming audio through Bluetooth from a device, ensure the listening volume on the device is turned up.

Smartphone Connectivity

Apple CarPlay³
Your vehicle offers you command of your compatible iPhone when you connect through Apple CarPlay on your infotainment system display. This will enable you to make calls, send hands-free texts, access many of your favorite apps and music, and get navigation help with Siri voice control.
To connect Apple CarPlay, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R6mmmtuFrs

Android Auto⁴
Your vehicle allows you to connect to your compatible Android phone via Android Auto on your infotainment system display. Through this feature, you can access music, your phone's dialer, navigation help, and more with an intuitive interface and voice commands. You can even access your phone through your steering wheel controls.
To connect Android Auto, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R6mmmtuFrs
The 2025 Sorento Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models are equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. See the Wireless Phone Projection section of this document for setup information.

Kia Access App

• Your cell phone and vehicle have to be connected to a cellular network with a good wireless signal strength to use Kia Connect⁶ via the Kia Access App*⁵. If these conditions are not met, remote commands may not execute or may take longer to execute.
• To use the Remote Start or Remote Start with Climate Control feature, all doors, the hood, and the trunk/liftgate must be closed and locked. The Remote Start or Remote Start with Climate Control feature will operate for 10 minutes.⁷
• Activate the Remote Start or Remote Start with Climate Control feature a few minutes before you plan to get into the vehicle. This will allow the vehicle interior to reach a desired temperature.
• The quickest way to obtain an accurate vehicle status is by pressing the refresh icon on your app or on the Kia Owner's Portal.
• To help preserve vehicle battery, Kia Connect will not work seven days after the ignition was last turned on. You will need to restart your vehicle with a key fob to use Kia Connect again.

Feature Videos

To view a video on your mobile device, snap this code or visit the listed website: https://www.youtube.com/KiaFeatureVideos

Hybrid Indicators at Startup

1. Power Gauge — Indicates how economically the vehicle is being driven.
   2. CHARGE — Indicates that the energy made by the vehicle is being converted to electrical energy (regenerated energy).
   3. ECO — Indicates that the vehicle is being driven in an eco-friendly manner.
   4. POWER — Indicates that the vehicle is exceeding the eco-friendly range.

5. EV Mode — Illuminates when only the electric motor is powering the vehicle.
6. Ready — Illuminates when the Hybrid system is operational. Even if the engine is off, the vehicle can be driven. (Plug-in Hybrid indicator location may vary from image shown.)
7. Service Indicator — Illuminates when a malfunction occurs in the vehicle's Hybrid system. Have an authorized Kia dealer address the concern as soon as possible.

Plug-in Hybrid Modes

*If equipped.

To change the Plug-in Hybrid Mode, press the EV/HEV button (PHEV only); switch between Electric Vehicle (EV) mode and Hybrid (HEV) mode each time the button is pressed. The screen on the Instrument Cluster will display the mode selected:

• Automatic Mode — AUTO will be displayed on the Instrument Cluster, and the vehicle will operate in Hybrid or Electric Vehicle mode as needed.
• Electric Mode — EV will display on the Instrument Cluster, and the vehicle will operate on the EV battery until the power is low, then it will switch to Hybrid mode.
• Hybrid Mode — HEV will display on the Instrument Cluster, and the high-voltage (hybrid) battery and gasoline engine will be used to drive the vehicle.

Rotary Dial Shifter Knob

Shift-by-Wire
P: Park — To shift into Park from any gear, press the Park (P) button on the Rotary Dial Shifter Knob while the vehicle is stationary and the brake pedal is depressed.
Rotate the Rotary Dial Shifter Knob for the following:
R: Reverse | N: Neutral | D: Drive
Refer to section 6 in the Owner's Manual for additional information on Automatic Gear Shift operation or call Kia Consumer Affairs for additional information.

Instrument Cluster LCD

Energy Flow*
Sorento's Instrument Cluster LCD screen displays the following system modes to inform the driver of its status. (Your vehicle may display additional modes.)

	EV Propulsion The electric motor is moving the vehicle.		Engine-Only Propulsion The engine is moving the vehicle.		Power Assist Both the electric motor AND the engine are moving the vehicle.		Engine Generation While the vehicle is stopped, the engine is charging the Hybrid/ Plug-in battery.
	Power Reserve While the engine powers the vehicle, it is also recharging the Plug-in battery.		Engine Brake/Regeneration The regenerative braking system is recharging the Plug-in battery.		Vehicle Stop The vehicle's Plug-in system is standing by.		Engine Generation/Regeneration The engine and the regenerative braking system are both recharging the Plug-in battery.

Charging the Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle

AC Level 1 Charging — "Trickle" Charge
A Level 1 or "trickle" charger is the most common type of charging system for a Plug-in Hybrid. This type of charger uses 120 volts of household electricity and takes up to 10.5 hours for a full charge.

Trickle Charger Indicators:

1. 120V AC plug.
2. Power — When the charger and AC plug are plugged in and functioning normally, the indicator will turn GREEN. Indicator is RED if plug temperature sensor warning is present.
3. Charge — Indicates that the vehicle is charging.
4. Fault — Indicates charge failure.
5. Charge Level — Indicates the level of charge: L (8A), M (10A), or H (12A).
6. In-Cable Control Box (ICCB).

AC Level 2 Charging — "Normal" Charge
A Level 2 or "normal" 240-volt charger is the recommended charging system for the Plug-in Hybrid. This type of charger uses 240 volts of electricity and may take 3.5+ hours for a full charge (based on Kia Corporation testing with SAE J1772 charger performed at 3.3 kW). This charger may be able to be installed at your home by a professional technician or can be found at a public charging station.
Reminder: Shape of charger and how to use the charger may be different for each manufacturer. Please see Owner's Manual for more information.

Charging the Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle*⁸
To charge the Plug-in Hybrid vehicle using a normal/trickle charger:

1. Press the brake pedal and engage the parking brake.
2. Put the shift lever in P (Park) and turn OFF the vehicle.
3. Connect the ICCB plug to an electrical outlet.
4. Check if the power light (GREEN) on the ICCB turns ON.
5. Open the charging door by pressing the rear center edge of the charging door (ensure doors are unlocked).
6. Remove any dust or water on the charging connector and charging inlet .
7. Hold the charging connector handle and connect it to the vehicle's charging inlet by pushing the connector until you hear a clicking sound.
8. Charging begins automatically (ensure the charge indicator light is illuminated on your Instrument Cluster, indicating the vehicle is charging).

Checking the Charging Status: The charging status can be checked by viewing the charging status indicator near the charging inlet (bottom indicator). The charging indicator will blink AMBER when charging, and the charge is from 0% to 65%. The charging indicator will blink GREEN when charging, and the charge is from 65% to 100%. The indicator will turn OFF within five seconds when charging is completed.

Scheduled Charging

(Plug-in Hybrid Only)*
Charging time can be set in the Plug-in Hybrid Kia Connect home screen, under Charge Management, or using the Kia Access App.⁵

Charging with the Kia Access App:
The Kia Access App can help you find the nearest charging station and display the charging status and the Scheduled Charging information. On your smartphone, go to an app store or marketplace to download the Kia Access App.

Reminder: When Scheduled Charging is set and the charger is plugged in, charging will not begin until the set time and date are met to complete the charging. The GREEN charge indicator on top of the dashboard will temporarily flash ON/OFF to show that scheduled/reserve charging is set.

Deactivate Scheduled Charging: Depress the Deactivate Scheduled Charging button OFF for more than two seconds to disable the Scheduled Charging feature when immediate charging is required.

Switchable Infotainment/Climate Controller

Your vehicle features a center control panel, which combines controls for the infotainment system and the climate control system.
The appearance of the Switchable Infotainment/Climate Controller on your vehicle may differ from the one shown here.

Switching Between Infotainment and Climate Control

• Touch the control mode selection button to switch between infotainment system control and climate control.
• The selected control panel icon will illuminate, and the control panel will change to show the selected controls.

Quick Tip
You can set the control panel to automatically return to a preferred mode.

• Touch and hold the control mode selection button for about four seconds.
• On the menu that appears, select Off, Infotainment, or Climate.
  • Off: The control panel will remain on whatever mode you select each time you touch the control mode selection button.
  • Infotainment: About six seconds after you discontinue using the climate controls, the screen will return to Infotainment control mode.
  • Climate: About six seconds after you discontinue using the infotainment controls, the screen will return to Climate Control mode.

Wireless Smartphone Charging System

Wireless Smartphone Charging System⁹
Charge a compatible smartphone wirelessly by placing it on the tray at the front of the console, near the Multimedia USB ports and the charging indicator, while the ignition is on.

1. Enable Wireless Charging in the Vehicle Settings in the infotainment system, select SETUP > VEHICLE > CONVENIENCE > WIRELESS CHARGING SYSTEM FOR MOBILE DEVICES.
2. Place the smartphone on the center of the charging pad .
3. Indicator light may change to AMBER once wireless charging begins.
4. Once charging is complete, the AMBER light may change to GREEN.

Note: Requires Qi-enabled device or Qi-enabled case.

Quick Tips

• Wireless charging must be enabled in User Settings.
• If wireless charging does not work, move the smartphone around the pad until the charging indicator turns AMBER. Avoid placing other metal items in the bin while charging so as to not impede the charging area.
• For wireless charging to occur, all doors (excluding the rear hatch) must be closed, and the Smart Key fob must be detected inside the vehicle.

Wireless Phone Projection

You can connect your compatible iPhone³ to the vehicle through wireless Apple CarPlay³ and you can connect your compatible Android⁴ phone to the vehicle through wireless Android Auto⁴

Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay requires iPhone cellular data service. Normal data rates apply.
Setup:

1. On the center display, touch SETUP > DEVICE CONNECTIONS > PHONE PROJECTION.

Wireless Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto only works with certain Android models and requires cellular data service. Normal data rates apply.
Setup:

1. Download the Android Auto app from the Google Play⁴ store. Open the Android Auto app and proceed with the on-screen instructions to complete setup on the mobile device.

2. On the center screen, touch SETUP > DEVICE CONNECTIONS > PHONE PROJECTION.

Quick Tips for Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Kia recommends you update your smartphone to the latest operating system release.
• Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R6mmmtuFrs for an informative video on wireless phone projection.
• Visit Apple.com for Apple CarPlay app concerns.
• Visit the smartphone manufacturer's website for Android Auto app concerns.

Digital Key 2

Digital Key 2*¹⁰, through your compatible smartphone, can be used to lock and unlock your vehicle and to start your vehicle without needing to have a key fob.

Digital Key 2 Setup for Smartphones with Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology

1. Download the Kia Access App⁵ and create an account.
2. Ensure your Smart Key is inside the vehicle and turn the vehicle on.
3. Activate Kia Connect⁶ in your vehicle's infotainment system.
4. Open the Kia Access App and select DIGITAL KEY .
   
5. Press CREATE OWNER KEY.
6. When your vehicle's infotainment system detects your device, the CONTINUE TO WALLET APP button will illuminate. Select it to open the wallet app.
7. Press CONTINUE. The wallet app will pair up, and your digital key will be added.

Quick Tips

• When in the wallet app, click on the digital key and select the menu icon to adjust other settings or use other features.
• Actual steps may vary between devices.

Using Your Digital Key 2 (Smartphones with UWB)

1. To unlock or lock the doors, carry your smartphone and touch the inside of the door handle to unlock. Press the sensor on the outside of the door handle to lock.
2. Carry the smartphone inside the vehicle, press the brake pedal, and then press the ENGINE START/STOP button to start the vehicle.

For Digital Key 2 setup and operation for smartphones without Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, see the Features & Functions Guide and Owner's Manual.

Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist

Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist is a supplemental system that is designed to assist the driver when the vehicle is in reverse by sounding a warning and temporarily braking if a pedestrian or an object is detected within the sensing area of the rear of the vehicle.

Settings

• To turn PCA on or off, press and hold the Parking Safety button for more than two seconds.
• Pushing the Parking Safety button without holding will mute the audible alert.
• PCA can also be turned on or off in the Vehicle Settings in the infotainment system.
  • Only adjust settings when the vehicle is at a standstill, gearshift is in Park, and the ignition is on or the ENGINE START/STOP button is in the ON position.
  • To turn off PCA, touch SETUP on the center display. Touch VEHICLE > DRIVER ASSISTANCE > PARKING SAFETY. Touch the sliding bar next to REAR SAFETY to toggle OFF/ON.
• If PCA has been turned off, it will automatically turn on again the next time the vehicle is started.

Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control

Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control¹² is designed to automatically adjust vehicle speed when driving on highways with posted speed limits by using road information from the navigation system while Smart Cruise Control (SCC) is operating. SCC is designed to maintain a predetermined distance from vehicles detected ahead by automatically adjusting the driving speed. When traffic is detected, the vehicle is designed to slow down to maintain a set distance behind traffic without depressing the accelerator or brake pedal.

Highway Curve Zone Auto Slowdown

NSCC can automatically adjust the vehicle speed when it detects a curved road ahead and when it receives road information from the navigation system. When NSCC detects a curve ahead, NSCC is designed to activate and reduce the vehicle speed, and the NAV icon changes to AUTO and turns GREEN in the NSCC indicator. When the vehicle passes the curved road, the vehicle may return to its previously set speed.
Turn On/Set/Adjust SCC Speed: Press the Driving Assist button on the steering wheel to activate SCC, and the speed will be set to the current vehicle speed. SCC may decrease the speed to maintain the distance to the vehicle in front. The CRUISE indicator will illuminate on the instrument panel. Use +/- to toggle up or down to accelerate or decelerate to the desired speed.
Set the Vehicle Distance: Press the Vehicle Distance button on the steering wheel. Each time you press the button, the vehicle distance will change , indicated by the number of bars that appear on the display.
Pause/Resume SCC Operation: Depress the brake pedal or press the Pause/Resume button . The CRUISE indicator on the instrument panel will change.
SCC Sensitivity Adjustment: Press the Mode button on the steering wheel. With the OK button , select Drive Assistance, then SCC Response. Then select Fast, Normal, or Slow.
Turn Off SCC: Press the Driving Assist button . The CRUISE indicator on the instrument panel will turn OFF.

Quick Tips

• The navigation part of Smart Cruise Control does not function when a destination is not set on the infotainment navigation system.
• If your vehicle speed is between 0 and 20 mph when you press the Driving Assist button to turn NSCC on, the speed will be set to 20 mph.
• When following a vehicle, the system can automatically adjust your cruise speed based on the vehicle detected in front. It can also bring the vehicle to a complete stop in certain conditions. If the vehicle remains at a standstill for more than three seconds, you must depress the accelerator pedal or toggle the +/- switch up/down to restart vehicle movement.
• NSCC is designed to function above approximately 20 mph only.
• NSCC will not activate until the brake pedal has been depressed at least once after the ignition is turned ON or during engine start.

Reminders

• CRUISE indicator must be ON to operate SCC.
• The speed setting will need to be reset when ignition is cycled.
• The distance settings are approximations and may vary depending on vehicle speed. See the Owner's Manual for more information.
• SCC is also canceled when the driver's door is opened, the gearshift is changed out of D (Drive), the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) is activated, and various other conditions. See the Owner's Manual for other conditions.
• If SCC is left on, it can be activated inadvertently. Keep the system off when not in use to avoid setting a speed which the driver is not aware of.
• NSCC is only available on certain controlled access roads and highways.
• The navigation part of NSCC does not function when a destination is not set on the infotainment navigation system.

Over-the-Air Software Update

The Over-the-Air Software Update¹³ feature allows you to wirelessly update software. Using this feature, you can keep your vehicle system up to date with Kia's latest software update.

Downloading Software

The latest software can be downloaded automatically while driving. After the latest software has been successfully downloaded, you will receive a notification on your phone or the vehicle screen that the software update is ready to install.

Update Procedure

1. After the vehicle is turned off, the vehicle system will allow you to start the update.
2. On the Software Update screen, select Update Now or select Later.
3. To start the update, press Update Now.
   • A new screen will appear with update options.
4. Verify update options selections.
5. Press Update Now.
6. The vehicle will begin installing the update.
   • You can see the progress of the update on the screen.
7. After the update starts, you can exit the vehicle.
8. After the update is complete, you will receive a notification on your phone or on the vehicle screen that the software update is complete.

Quick Tips

• The OTA feature is only available for Kia Connect⁶ service users.
• The screen turns off automatically after three minutes to save battery life. If the screen turns off automatically, you can check the update progress by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button.
• If the update is not completed successfully, contact the Kia Customer Care Center at 800-333-4KIA(4542).

*If equipped.
¹Driving while distracted can result in a loss of vehicle control that may lead to an accident, severe personal injury, and death. The driver's primary responsibility is in the safe and legal operation of a vehicle, and use of any handheld devices, other equipment, or vehicle systems which take the driver's eyes, attention, and focus away from the safe operation of a vehicle or which are not permissible by law should never be used during operation of the vehicle.
²A Bluetooth-enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth wireless technology.
³CarPlay runs on your smartphone cellular data service. Normal data rates will apply.
⁴Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play store and an Android compatible smartphone running Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply.
⁵The Kia Access App for smartphone and smartwatch requires enrollment of vehicle in Kia Connect. Remote features require a Kia Connect subscription, a compatible smart device, and a wireless signal with good coverage to function. Normal cellular service rates may apply. Do not use remote climate control or remote start if vehicle is in an enclosed area (e.g., closed garage) or a partially enclosed area without ventilation. Close all doors leading from adjacent living areas to the vehicle area before executing a remote climate control or remote start command. Remote feature support varies by model, model year, and trim; remote climate control not supported on 2019 Optima LX, 2020 Telluride LX and S, and other vehicles not equipped with fully automatic temperature control.
⁶Purchase/lease of certain 2025 Kia vehicles with Kia Connect includes a complimentary 3-year subscription starting from new vehicle retail sale/lease date as recorded by the dealer. After your complimentary 3-year Kia Connect subscription expires, continued access to the full suite of Kia Connect services available on your Kia will require a paid subscription at the then-current subscription rate, or your use of certain Kia Connect features may immediately terminate. Complimentary Kia Connect subscription is transferable to subsequent owner during the original Kia Connect service term. Only use Kia Connect when safe to do so. Kia Connect may currently be unavailable for model year 2022 and newer vehicles sold or purchased in Massachusetts; please see the Kia Owner's Portal for updates on availability. The Kia Access App is available from the Apple App Store or Google Play store. Kia America, Inc., reserves the right to change or discontinue Kia Connect at any time without prior notification or incurring any future obligation. Message and data rates may apply. Cellular and GPS coverage is required to use most features. Kia Connect features may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. For more on details and limitations, visit www.kia.com or your authorized Kia dealer.
⁷Do not use remote climate control or remote start if vehicle is in an enclosed area (e.g., closed garage) or a partially enclosed area without ventilation. Close all doors leading from adjacent living areas to the vehicle area before executing a remote climate control or remote start command.
⁸Charging rates are estimates based on manufacturer testing. Actual charging rates will vary depending on a number of factors, including battery state of charge, battery condition, and ambient temperature.
⁹Charging system only works with select devices. Refer to the vehicle's Owner's Manual for warnings and instructions.
¹⁰Kia Digital Key requires an eligible Kia Connect subscription and a compatible smart device with an active data plan. Normal cellular service rates may apply when using a smart device.
¹¹When engaged, Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects behind vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
¹²When engaged, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control is not a substitute for safe driving and cruise control procedures. This is not an autopilot feature. It may not detect every object around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
¹³Over-the-Air features and updates may require an additional cost and may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. Kia Connect subscription is required, and Kia Connect terms and conditions apply. Internet connection required.

Kia America, Inc., 111 Peters Canyon Road, Irvine, CA 92606

Documents / Resources

References

• - YouTube
• Kia Features & Functions Videos - YouTube
• SUVs, Sedans, Sports Cars, Hybrids, EVs & Luxury Cars | Kia
• Google Play

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