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

The midsize SUV phase is hotter than ever, and Kia is decided to maintain its place on the entrance of the pack. Following the current updates to the Telluride and the EV9 that I reviewed in March of this 12 months, the 2024 Sorento is getting a refresh to take care of its attraction.

Whereas the general design of the 2024 Sorento stays largely unchanged from the South Korean mannequin, Kia has launched delicate styling tweaks to provide the SUV a extra trendy look. Essentially the most noticeable adjustments are on the entrance, the place the headlights now function a glossy, linked mild strip that flows into the grille. The Kia brand 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 alternative. For 2024, together with the addition of the X-Professional, the Sorento arrives with 8 completely different variations: particularly 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 the most effective 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 be provided as PHEV for $51,665.

I believe if you’re 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 gives two engine choices:  

1. Normal Engine: A 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower.  
2. Non-compulsory Turbocharged Engine: A extra highly effective 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 281 horsepower.  

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

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

Exterior Design

The 2024 Kia Sorento gives a daring and refreshed exterior design. The entrance finish has undergone a major transformation, that includes a hanging new headlight design. The vertical LED headlights are built-in into a fancy construction that extends above the grille, housing the daytime operating lights and switch indicators. This daring design aspect offers the Sorento a particular and trendy 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 increased 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 outfitted 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 effectively. Gone are the 4 vertical stripes, changed by a extra linked and streamlined design. These delicate adjustments contribute to the Sorento’s total refined and modern look.

Inside

The 2024 Kia Sorento gives a contemporary and driver-focused inside. Essentially the most notable change is the combination 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 gives important info, 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 simple to make use of.

The Sorento’s inside is designed with practicality in thoughts. The middle console gives handy options like a wi-fi charging pad and USB ports. The twin-role dial gives fast entry to driving modes and terrain settings. The spacious cabin, particularly within the second row, gives 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 gives a spacious and comfy inside, although its third-row seating is finest fitted to kids. Whereas the second-row seats present ample legroom and luxury, the third-row seats are cramped and finest fitted to occasional use.

Cargo area is satisfactory for a midsize SUV, however it falls in need of the bigger Telluride. With the third row folded, the Sorento can accommodate a good quantity of bags. Nevertheless, with all rows in use, cargo area is restricted.

The trunk gives ample area, and the versatile seating configuration permits for varied cargo preparations.

Total, the Sorento’s inside is well-appointed and gives a pleasing driving expertise. Whereas it will not be probably the most spacious three-row SUV available on the market, it gives a cushty and practical cabin for many households.

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

  My expertise reveals that the 2024 Kia Sorento is an excellent automobile for a rising household. The 2024 Kia Sorento is a wonderful alternative for a rising household as a result of it gives a spacious inside with three rows of seating, making it good for accommodating bigger households. The Sorento additionally comes with quite a lot of security options, comparable to computerized emergency braking, lane-keeping help, and blind-spot monitoring, to maintain your loved ones protected on the highway. Moreover, its comfy trip and quiet cabin make it a terrific alternative 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 effectively towards different midsize SUVs just like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. It gives a classy design, a cushty inside, and superior know-how options. Whereas the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander have robust reputations for reliability, the Kia Sorento has been bettering on this space in recent times. Kia additionally gives 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 gives 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. Nevertheless, 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 opinions for its reliability and construct high quality. Whereas it is nonetheless too early to have long-term reliability information, Kia’s robust guarantee protection and improved high quality management processes recommend that the Sorento is a dependable alternative.

• What are the security options on the Kia Sorento?

  The 2024 Kia Sorento comes normal with a complete suite of security options, together with computerized emergency braking, lane-keeping help, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Increased trim ranges provide further 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 package deal:

• 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 provide complimentary scheduled upkeep, in contrast to its sister model, Hyundai.

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

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 knowledgeable information and evaluation concerning the automotive business. He may 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.