2024 Kia Sorento SX-Status Assessment: Kia Offers The Sorento a Mid-Cycle Refresh Targeted on Styling Upgrades

The midsize SUV section is hotter than ever, and Kia is set to maintain its place on the entrance of the pack. Following the latest updates to the Telluride and the EV9 that I reviewed in March of this yr, the 2024 Sorento is getting a refresh to take care of its enchantment.

Whereas the general design of the 2024 Sorento stays largely unchanged from the South Korean mannequin, Kia has launched refined styling tweaks to present the SUV a extra fashionable look. Essentially the most noticeable adjustments are on the entrance, the place the headlights now function a modern, linked mild strip that flows into the grille. The Kia emblem has additionally been repositioned nearer to the hood, and the grille itself has been enlarged. On the rear, the vertical taillights now join on the high, making a extra unified look.

Trims, Variations, and Pricing

At Kia, there is no such thing as a threat of criticism for the dearth of selection. For 2024, together with the addition of the X-Professional, the Sorento arrives with 8 totally different variations: specifically the bottom LX, S, EX, SX, EX X-Line, SX X-Line, SX Status and SX Status X-Professional. The bottom LX trim begins at $33,365 MSRP, whereas the highest SX Status X-Professional comes with a $48,765 price ticket. The SX-Status model that I’m driving this week with 2.5T AWD is obtainable at $46,910 plus inland freight and dealing with.

The hybrid and plug-in hybrid variations retain the identical design as in 2021 and the 2021 hybrid Sorento was top-of-the-line hybrid SUV of this measurement that I’ve pushed with 39 mpg. In 2024 EX, SX Status and are provided in hybrid variations, whereas the SX Status can also be provided as PHEV for $51,665.

I feel in case you are keen to pay $46,910 for the SX-Status trim, it is maybe higher to pay $51,665 and purchase the PHEV Sorento to get nice mileage.

2024 Kia Sorento’s Engine and Transmission

The 2024 Kia Sorento provides two engine choices:  

1. Commonplace Engine: A 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower.  
2. Optionally available Turbocharged Engine: A extra highly effective 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 281 horsepower.  

Each engines are paired with an eight-speed automated transmission. Nonetheless, the hybrid mannequin makes use of a six-speed automated transmission.  

Whereas the turbocharged engine supplies ample energy for many driving conditions, some reviewers have famous that it may really feel a bit sluggish off the road. The Sorento’s dealing with is well-balanced, providing a snug experience and assured cornering. The X-Professional trim, a brand new addition for 2024, is particularly designed for off-road lovers, that includes a center-locking differential, all-terrain tires, and elevated floor clearance.

Exterior Design

The 2024 Kia Sorento provides a daring and refreshed exterior design. The entrance finish has undergone a major transformation, that includes a putting new headlight design. The vertical LED headlights are built-in into a posh construction that extends above the grille, housing the daytime working lights and switch indicators. This daring design factor offers the Sorento a particular and fashionable look.

The decrease portion of the entrance fascia varies relying on the trim stage. Base fashions just like the LX and EX sport a extra conventional design, whereas greater trims just like the X-Line and X-Professional function a extra rugged and off-road-oriented look. The X-Line and above trims additionally come geared up with roof rails, elevated floor clearance, and distinctive 20-inch wheels, additional enhancing their adventurous character.

On the rear, the taillights have been redesigned as nicely. Gone are the 4 vertical stripes, changed by a extra linked and streamlined design. These refined adjustments contribute to the Sorento’s total refined and modern look.

Inside

The 2024 Kia Sorento provides a contemporary and driver-focused inside. Essentially the most notable change is the mixing of the 2 separate screens from the earlier mannequin right into a single, curved show. This streamlined design enhances visibility and improves the general aesthetic.

Whereas the digital instrument cluster supplies important data, it lacks the flexibleness to show maps or different superior options. The multimedia system, nonetheless, has been improved with a extra colourful and visually interesting interface. The bodily controls for the multimedia system and local weather management are well-placed and straightforward to make use of.

The Sorento’s inside is designed with practicality in thoughts. The middle console provides handy options like a wi-fi charging pad and USB ports. The twin-role dial supplies fast entry to driving modes and terrain settings. The spacious cabin, particularly within the second row, provides ample legroom and luxury. Whereas entry to the third row could also be a bit tight, it is appropriate for infrequent use.  

The brand new and refreshed Sorento provides a spacious and cozy inside, although its third-row seating is greatest fitted to kids. Whereas the second-row seats present ample legroom and luxury, the third-row seats are cramped and greatest fitted to occasional use.

Cargo area is enough for a midsize SUV, nevertheless it falls wanting the bigger Telluride. With the third row folded, the Sorento can accommodate a good quantity of bags. Nonetheless, with all rows in use, cargo area is proscribed.

The trunk provides ample area, and the versatile seating configuration permits for numerous cargo preparations.

Total, the Sorento’s inside is well-appointed and provides a pleasing driving expertise. Whereas it is probably not probably the most spacious three-row SUV in the marketplace, it supplies a snug and useful cabin for many households.

• Is the Kia Sorento a great automobile for a rising household?

  My expertise exhibits that the 2024 Kia Sorento is an excellent car for a rising household. The 2024 Kia Sorento is a superb selection for a rising household as a result of it provides a spacious inside with three rows of seating, making it good for accommodating bigger households. The Sorento additionally comes with a wide range of security options, akin to automated emergency braking, lane-keeping help, and blind-spot monitoring, to maintain your loved ones protected on the highway. Moreover, its snug experience and quiet cabin make it an awesome selection for lengthy household highway journeys.

• How does the Kia Sorento examine to different SUVs in its class, just like the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander?

  The 2024 Kia Sorento competes nicely towards different midsize SUVs just like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. It provides a classy design, a snug inside, and superior expertise options. Whereas the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander have sturdy reputations for reliability, the Kia Sorento has been bettering on this space in recent times. Kia additionally provides aggressive pricing and an extended guarantee than lots of its opponents.

• What’s the gas economic system like on the Kia Sorento?

  The gas economic system of the 2024 Kia Sorento varies relying on the trim stage and engine configuration. Whereas the bottom mannequin with the usual engine provides respectable gas economic system, the upper trim ranges with extra highly effective engines are likely to have decrease gas effectivity. The 2024 SX-Status with 2.5T AWD will get 23 MPG and 20/27 metropolis/freeway respective. Nonetheless, the Sorento’s gas economic system remains to be aggressive with different midsize SUVs in its class.

• Is the Kia Sorento dependable?

  Kia has made vital strides in bettering the reliability of its automobiles in recent times. The 2024 Kia Sorento has obtained optimistic critiques for its reliability and construct high quality. Whereas it is nonetheless too early to have long-term reliability knowledge, Kia’s sturdy guarantee protection and improved high quality management processes counsel that the Sorento is a dependable selection.

• What are the protection options on the Kia Sorento?

  The 2024 Kia Sorento comes normal with a complete suite of security options, together with automated emergency braking, lane-keeping help, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Larger trim ranges supply extra security options like adaptive cruise management, ahead collision warning, and driver consideration warning. These superior security options assist to guard you and your passengers within the occasion of an accident.

Kia backs the 2024 Sorento with a complete guarantee bundle:

• Restricted Guarantee: 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain Guarantee: 10 years or 100,000 miles
• Hybrid Parts Guarantee: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Whereas Kia’s guarantee protection is spectacular, it is necessary to notice that the corporate doesn’t supply complimentary scheduled upkeep, not like its sister model, Hyundai.

Total, the 2024 Sorento is a well-rounded midsize SUV that gives a mix of fashion, consolation, and practicality. With its trendy design, spacious inside, and superior options, the Sorento is a robust contender in its section.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque Information. He based TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing skilled information and evaluation in regards to the automotive business. He might be reached at Torque Information Twitter, Fb, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has greater than a decade of experience within the automotive business with a particular curiosity in Tesla and electrical automobiles.