Blog

Which 2025 Kia Models Come with Sport Mode?

In today’s vehicles, performance isn’t just about horsepower—it’s also about how the car adapts to your driving style. That’s where Sport mode comes in. Many 2025 Kia vehicles, including both traditional gas-powered models and electric vehicles (EVs), come equipped with Drive Mode Select systems that allow drivers to choose how their vehicle behaves.

Sport mode is designed to deliver sharper throttle response, quicker gear shifts (or motor output in EVs), and more dynamic steering for a more engaging drive.

Let’s explore which 2025 Kia models—gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric—include this feature.


What Does Sport Mode Do?

Sport mode enhances the vehicle’s performance characteristics by:

  • Increasing throttle sensitivity
  • Altering shift points (in automatic models)
  • Tightening steering response
  • Adjusting AWD torque distribution (in select AWD models)
  • In EVs: Boosting motor output for instant acceleration

It doesn’t turn your vehicle into a track car, but it does offer a noticeably more engaging and confident driving experience—especially on highways or winding roads.


2025 Kia Models with Sport Mode

Gas and Hybrid Models

Kia K4

The all-new K4 sedan offers multiple drive modes, including Sport. Turbocharged trims benefit from even more dynamic settings.

  • Drive Modes: Normal, Eco, Sport (Custom on GT-Line Turbo)

Kia Sportage / Sportage Hybrid / Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

All versions of the Sportage—gas, hybrid (HEV), and plug-in hybrid (PHEV)—offer Drive Mode Select with Sport mode.

  • Drive Modes: Normal, Smart, Sport, Snow

Kia Sorento / Sorento Hybrid / Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento lineup is available with various powertrains and includes Sport mode across all major trims.

  • Drive Modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow (varies by trim)

Kia Seltos

Despite its compact size, the Seltos includes Sport mode on all trims.

  • Drive Modes: Normal, Eco, Sport

Kia Telluride

This three-row SUV includes an advanced Drive Mode Select system with Sport mode and torque vectoring in AWD models.

  • Drive Modes: Comfort, Eco, Smart, Sport, Snow, AWD Lock

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Kia EV6

The EV6 is a high-performance electric crossover that includes multiple drive modes, including Sport.

  • Drive Modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow (GT trim adds GT mode)
  • Highlights: In Sport mode, the EV6 delivers faster throttle mapping and unlocks full motor output—especially noticeable in AWD models.

Kia EV9

Kia’s all-new three-row electric SUV features an advanced drive mode system tailored for various driving conditions.

  • Drive Modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow
  • Highlights: Sport mode sharpens acceleration and adjusts steering dynamics. Dual-motor AWD trims see increased torque allocation to the rear wheels for sportier handling.

Kia Niro EV

The Niro EV includes drive modes that allow you to control the motor’s responsiveness.

  • Drive Modes: Eco, Normal, Sport
  • Highlights: Sport mode delivers instant torque and quicker acceleration—ideal for zipping through city traffic or overtaking on the highway.

Summary Table: 2025 Kia Vehicles with Sport Mode

ModelPowertrainSport Mode AvailableOther Drive Modes
Kia K4GasYesNormal, Eco, (Custom on select trims)
Kia SportageGas, Hybrid, PHEVYesNormal, Smart, Snow
Kia SorentoGas, Hybrid, PHEVYesEco, Normal, Snow
Kia SeltosGasYesNormal, Eco
Kia TellurideGasYesComfort, Eco, Smart, Snow, AWD Lock
Kia EV6ElectricYesEco, Normal, Snow (GT adds GT mode)
Kia EV9ElectricYesEco, Normal, Snow
Kia Niro EVElectricYesEco, Normal

Why Sport Mode Makes a Difference

Sport mode is not just a gimmick—it changes the entire feel of the vehicle. It’s especially useful when:

  • Accelerating onto highways or merging into fast-moving traffic
  • Overtaking other vehicles with confidence
  • Driving on twisty roads where sharper throttle and steering response matter
  • Experiencing the full performance potential of EVs and turbocharged engines

It allows you to tailor the driving experience to match your needs—whether you want efficiency or exhilaration.


Try Sport Mode Yourself at Orléans Kia

If you’re curious how Sport mode transforms your drive, there’s no better way to find out than to try it yourself. Visit Orléans Kia and test drive any 2025 Kia model equipped with Drive Mode Select. Whether you’re considering an efficient hybrid, a rugged SUV, or a cutting-edge EV, we’ll help you find the perfect vehicle that matches your driving style.

Discover the difference Sport mode makes—only at Orléans Kia.

Contact Us

Contact Us