2024 Kia Sorento: A Stylish Redesign and Enhanced Features
After spotting a pair of camouflaged Sorentos altitude testing in California alongside a duo of new Hyundai Santa Fes a few months ago, the 2024 Kia Sorento has dropped all disguises for its official U.S. debut at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show. The midsize three-row SUV, positioned above the Sportage and below the Telluride, may not be as vastly reworked as the upcoming Hyundai Santa Fe, but for a midcycle refresh of the fourth-generation Sorento (that initially launched in 2020), it definitely distinguishes itself from the 2023 iteration, particularly via the restyled frontend and panoramic curved display inside. Look for the 2024 Sorento in the first quarter of 2024.
Sorento, Have We Met?
We dig the 2024 Kia Sorento’s athletic demeanor and boldness. Its sculpted front end, boxier hood, upright grille, and new headlights wholly differentiate it from the 2023 model. It’s like it snagged pieces off the front of the new electric EV9, secretly tried them on, made a few adjustments just for funsies, and then decided it loved looking so futuristic. Best of all, the design appeals across the board with its zesty attire. A little wardrobe refresh goes a long way, right?
Vertically stacked LED projector headlights (mated with slender running lights to form a “T”) replace traditional horizontally located rectangular headlights sitting atop running lights. The Kia badge has been relocated from the center of the grille to the bottom of the hood. A thicker grille is completely separated from the headlights via body-color trim. The bumper is combined with the skid plate, and prominent vertical air intakes are positioned in-line below the headlights.
Slightly revised taillights, which Kia calls “unmistakably Telluride,” freshen up the rear. New exterior colors include Midnight Lake Blue and Dawning Red. Otherwise, the 2024 Sorento retains its lines—really, despite the new mug, it’s more similar to the 2023 model than not.
You Had Me at Panoramic …
The streamlined, open-feeling, modern interior of the 2024 Kia Sorento is highlighted by a panoramic curved display that seamlessly integrates, almost like a single screen, optional dual 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and infotainment system screens, reminiscent of other current Kias. The screens support Kia’s next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system. The Sorento is only the second Kia (after the EV9) to get this system. This system processes data faster than before and can receive over-the-air updates.
USB-C ports are located throughout the cabin, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on all trims. Slender horizontal air vents are seamlessly integrated into the smooth dash, capped by updated vertically-oriented units on the edges. Positioned above the center console is Kia’s switchable control system for operating the infotainment system and climate control system. A Digital Key 2.0 allows drivers to virtually lock, unlock, drive, and share keys easily from their smartphones.
The 2024 Sorento comes standard with 10 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features, including an upgraded Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist that now helps detect pedestrians, cyclists, and oncoming vehicles while turning left in intersections. Other available features include Smart Cruise Control-Machine Learning, which adapts to the driver’s driving style, and Highway Driving Assist 2, which even assists in lane changes. There’s also a Digital Camera Mirror and Surround-View Monitor with a 360-degree view.
Getting the X-Pro Treatment
The Sorento, the first Kia to acquire the X-Line model series, finally gets the X-Pro line. The X-Pro is Kia’s “off-road” garnish and competes against other models in the segment. The X-Pro doesn’t make the Sorento suitable for hardcore off-roading, however, it does boost the Sorento’s off-pavement prowess thanks to standard 17-inch wheels and meatier BF Goodrich all-terrain tires. Towing capacity increases to 4,000 pounds, perfect for towing a nimble off-grid camper trailer. The addition of X-Pro emblems solidifies the fun factor.
The X-Pro comes with torque vectoring all-wheel drive with a center-locking differential. This active on-demand AWD is standard on the X-Line and X-Pro (but also available on certain other trims). As a bonus, this AWD provides an extra inch of ground clearance, always useful when off-roading.
The X-Pro (and X-Line) get a new Olive Brown and Sage interior color combination; matte, open pore interior wood trim; and unique Jungle Green and Roadrider Brown exterior hues. The full trim lineup includes the LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-P. The X-Pro is exclusive to the top-tier SX-P trim; X-Line can be had on the EX, SX, and SX-P trims.
No Surprises Under the Hood
As expected, the Sorento’s existing powertrains carry over for the 2024 model year. The LX and S trims come standard with the gasoline 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder that makes 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Upper trims get 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque courtesy of a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder mated to an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
What About the Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid?
The hybrid and plug-in hybrid Kia Sorentos are anticipated to get their refresh for model-year 2025. These hybrids will assumedly receive the same refresh as the gasoline Sorento.
This means 2024 is mostly a carry-over year for the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. The hybrid retains its 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a 1.0-kWh battery (227 hp/258 lb-ft of torque), as does the plug-in hybrid with its 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a 13.8-kWh battery (261 hp/258 lb-ft of torque). The plug-in hybrid drops Runway Red as an exterior option but now pairs the Gravity Blue exterior with the Navy interior color pack.
Pricing and Availability
Prices are slightly up due to the revised design and interior enhancements, effectively balancing it out.
The base Sorento LX’s starting MSRP is $1,580 more than last year. Meanwhile, at the top of the lineup, the X-Pro SX Prestige is $3,400 more than last year’s top-tier X-Line Sorento, incorporating all X-Pro features and additional towing capacity.
Kia indicates that the hybrid and PHEV versions are on track as 2025 model year vehicles and will be available “later” in 2024.
