Turn the drive-mode control to Snow for slippery roads; use AWD Lock only for difficult low-speed traction and return to normal Drive mode on ordinary pavement.
Check that your vehicle has it.
Verified in the shared 2025 U.S.-market Sorento HEV/PHEV manual for vehicles equipped with AWD and the described mode controls.
- Required equipment / service
- Sorento Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid equipped with AWD, Snow mode and AWD Lock
Does the documented scope match your car?
This check combines the verified year, any source-supported powertrain scope, source-named trim/package and required equipment. It does not read a VIN or factory build record.
Published availability and qualifications
Verified in the shared 2025 U.S.-market Sorento HEV/PHEV manual for vehicles equipped with AWD and the described mode controls.
Know what kind of control to look for.
This original category diagram is an orientation aid, not a picture of your exact trim. Use the written labels and your vehicle manual to identify the real control.
Step by step.
- 01
For normal streets and highways, leave the vehicle in its normal Drive mode.
- 02
On snowy or slippery roads, turn the DRIVE/SNOW control to select Snow mode and confirm the cluster indication.
- 03
For low-speed sand, mud or unpaved terrain requiring maximum traction, press the AWD Lock control and confirm its indicator.
- 04
Use smooth steering, braking and accelerator inputs while monitoring surface conditions.
- 05
Press AWD Lock again and return to normal Drive mode as soon as difficult traction ends.
Important limits
- Do not use AWD Lock or Terrain-oriented settings on ordinary dry pavement; vibration, noise or drivetrain damage can result.
- Snow mode resets to normal Drive mode after the vehicle is turned off and restarted.
- AWD improves traction but does not shorten braking distance or override tire grip.
Quick checks.
- ✓A small shock when AWD Lock releases can be normal as front and rear traction forces unload.
- ✓If wheel slip continues, reduce accelerator input rather than holding high motor or engine speed.
- ✓If an AWD warning appears or a mode will not engage, return to normal driving and have an authorized Kia dealer inspect the system.
What happened on your vehicle?
Your response is stored on this device. If you separately allow analytics, a non-account-linked guide/result event may also be measured. No VIN or personal information is requested.
2025 Kia Sorento HEV/PHEV Digital Owner's Manual — AWD and Snow Mode
Relevant section or page: Driving your vehicle — All Wheel Drive system — AWD/SNOW mode. We use the written official source to determine the steps and applicability shown above.
Reviewed with a visible trail.
Scope and steps were checked by Car Cheat Codes Editorial Review. A guide is narrowed or corrected when the source does not support a broader claim.
- Published
- Last modified
- Source checked
Guide change history
- Initial verified publication.