Execs: Obtainable hybrids; dimensions could also be ‘Goldilocks’ just-right dimension for a lot of; wonderful security tech
Cons: Sluggish base engine; hybrids don’t get up to date for 2024; cramped third row for a three-row SUV
The Kia Sorento has been up to date extensively for 2024. It additionally carries over largely unchanged. Huh?
You see, the variations powered solely by gasoline get a litany of updates and upgrades, together with bolder styling, a brand new tech interface encased inside a slick curved housing, further options and a brand new X-Professional rugged trim stage. The 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid don’t get any of that, and are the identical midsize, three-row SUV you could possibly get final mannequin yr. They’ll be getting the identical updates, minus the X-Professional, for 2025.
So, the query have to be requested: Do you have to watch for them? After spending time within the new Sorento X-Professional in addition to seeing different variations in individual, we will not say it is a substantial leap over what was already fairly nice. It is largely aesthetic adjustments, and it is fairly potential that some might discover the brand new inside controls and infotainment system much less user-friendly. There additionally aren’t any noteworthy mechanical updates, aside from the off-road-oriented X-Professional, so the remainder of the 2024 Sorento lineup ought to theoretically drive the identical. The hybrids will drive precisely the identical, which is simply fantastic.
In the end, we really feel protected in saying that the 2024 Kia Sorento stays considered one of our top-recommended three-row SUVs. We’re optimistic in regards to the hybrids, particularly as electrified household autos are so uncommon. We recognize each Sorento’s in-betweener dimension for many who want more room and seating than two-row compacts provide however don’t need to go all the way in which as much as Telluride-sized household haulers. Typically, the Sorento could be very well-rounded, which the updates shouldn’t change … no matter once they happen.
Inside & Expertise | Passenger & Cargo House | Efficiency & Gasoline Financial system
What it is wish to drive | Pricing & Trim Ranges | Crash Rankings & Security Options
2024 Kia Sorento X-Professional and 2024 Kia Sorento PHEV
What’s new for 2024?
The gas-only Sorento trims get new entrance styling and mildly refreshed rear styling. We’re unsure it is an enchancment, might really be a bit ugly now. Inside, there’s a brand new infotainment system with a next-generation person interface, larger screens encased in a single curved housing and wi-fi Apple/Android connectivity throughout the board. Kia’s dual-mode local weather/infotainment management panel beforehand discovered within the EV6 and Niro make their means into the Sorento, which is probably not to everybody’s liking. A brand new X-Professional trim stage debuts, constructing upon the prevailing X-Line with BF Goodrich all-terrain tires wrapping 17-inch wheels. You may learn extra about these adjustments in our 2024 Kia Sorento preview, and skim our first drive of the 2024 Sorento X-Professional.
The Sorento Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid successfully carry over unchanged for 2024, however will get the above model and infotainment updates for 2025. You may see the visible adjustments above.
What are the Sorento inside and in-car know-how like?
As famous above, the inside differs primarily based on powertrain. The up to date design (above in tan) is sleeker, with slim door-to-door air vents, touch-sensitive menu buttons and a wow-moment curved infotainment panel. The hybrids’ carry-over design (above in white and blue) options eight air vents, bodily buttons, a conventional instrument binnacle and dash-top display screen. It undoubtedly doesn’t look as good, however we additionally thought it regarded fairly good earlier than and nonetheless do. These touch-sensitive menu buttons are additionally a love-‘em-or-hate-‘em function in different Kias (the hate-‘em group appears to be individuals who steadily regulate the local weather management system), so relying in your perspective, performance might really be worse. The Sorento’s high-quality supplies and stable construct high quality are the identical with each, although.
Expertise is completely totally different. All hybrid trims get a ten.25-inch infotainment display screen that runs a user-friendly, feature-packed interface that’s extra trendy than loads of different carmakers’ infotainment techniques. The brand new 12.3-inch touchscreen interface discovered within the up to date gas-only variations encompasses a totally different person interface, and in sure methods, we predict it may be a step again by way of performance. There isn’t any strategy to see audio data within the split-screen operate when utilizing navigation, and when utilizing the radio, you’ll be able to not see your favourite/preset buttons and the present music taking part in (as you’ll be able to see the outdated/hybrid system might within the picture beneath). The radio menu shortcut button can also be gone altogether, which means it’s a must to press “Media” a bunch of instances to get the place you need to go. We do like that each have a customizable star button, which we wish to set for fast entry to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
The Hybrid will get conventional gauges commonplace on the EX and an all-digital instrument panel on the SX. Within the new design, a second 12.3-inch display screen is used for the instrument panel, however designs differ by trim stage. The SX Status pictured within the gallery above provides a number of design decisions, which may be tied to drive mode or individually chosen.
How massive is the Sorento?
The Sorento has three rows of seats and is taken into account a midsize crossover, but it surely’s significantly smaller than different autos described as such. It is 8 inches shorter in size than the Telluride and 4 inches narrower, which is important. It additionally has almost 2 fewer inches of third-row legroom (plus a seat that is a lot nearer to the ground and due to this fact much less comfy) and three.1 fewer inches of middle-row shoulder room. These are two dimensions more than likely to make a distinction when loading up with individuals. All that mentioned, the Telluride is without doubt one of the largest autos within the phase, and the Sorento is not that far off the tempo. It is probably not as spacious or comfy again there, however the seats are hardly packed tight, and when you’re on the small facet, journeys will not be as tortuous as you may assume. It is also necessary to notice the Sorento has mainly the identical exterior dimensions as two-row midsize crossovers – in that means, the third row can mainly be considered a bonus function for infrequent use.
One different factor to remember: A second-row bench seat is elective on most trims, which means there’s steadily solely six seats aboard with the second-row captain’s chairs and two-person third row. Most three-row crossovers as of late have seatbelts for seven or eight relying on the center seating row. Entry to that third row may be higher because the second row simply does not go away a lot of a spot when slid ahead (pictured beneath).
Cargo house with the third row lowered (38.4 cubic toes) and all seats lowered (75.5) is healthier than what you will get in most two-row midsize SUVs (and a bit higher than what you get in a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4). The place it actually suffers relative different three-row crossovers is cargo house behind the raised third row. Its mere 12.6 cubic toes trails all these larger three-rows significantly, and by way of precise baggage, might barely match two carry-on curler suitcases in our testing. As such, utilizing all three rows is one thing that is unlikely to be performed for prolonged journeys, except your loved ones packs actually gentle or invests in a roof-top provider. If that funding appears probably, know that the X-Line has raised roof rails (pictured beneath) that usually make doing so quite a bit simpler.
What are the Sorento gasoline financial system and efficiency specs?
The 2024 Sorento LX and S trim ranges come commonplace with a 2.5-liter inline-four that produces 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. A standard eight-speed computerized and front-wheel drive are commonplace, with all-wheel drive an choice. Though engine output is just like what you’d discover in a CR-V or RAV4, the Sorento’s larger weight ends in slower acceleration – Kia says this engine will get the Sorento from 0-62 mph (100 kph) in 9.5 seconds. Kia estimates gasoline financial system of 23 mpg metropolis, 31 mpg freeway and 26 mpg mixed with FWD and 23/28/25 with AWD.
All different trims get a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four that produces 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque – an output that exceeds that of larger three-row SUVs. Its 0-62 time is 7.4 seconds, which is extra aggressive, however hardly eye-popping given the obtainable energy and the way fast it instantly feels off the road. Plenty of credit score goes to all that torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated handbook transmission that for all intents and functions behaves like several outdated computerized. Kia estimates gasoline ecinomy figures of 20 mpg metropolis, 29 mpg freeway and 23 mpg mixed with FWD and 20/27/23 with AWD.
The usual Sorento Hybrid encompasses a mixture of a 1.6-liter inline-four and a single electrical motor for a mixed output of 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. In contrast to most different hybrids, it depends on a conventional six-speed computerized transmission leading to it feeling a bit extra regular behind the wheel. Its 0-62 time falls in between the 2 above engines at 8.6 seconds. EPA gasoline financial system estimates for 2024 are 39 mpg metropolis, 35 mpg freeway and 37 mpg mixed with FWD and 36/33/34 with AWD.
The 2024 Sorento PHEV is a plug-in hybrid (beneath in white) that makes use of the identical gasoline engine however will get a extra highly effective electrical motor and a much bigger battery that, because the identify suggests, may be replenished by plugging in. Output is 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It could possibly journey an EPA-estimated 32 miles on electrical energy alone, which is nice for such a big PHEV. It will get a ranking of 79 miles-per-gallon equal from the EPA. Its acceleration ought to be the identical because the common hybrid.
What is the Sorento wish to drive?
Though we now have but to drive the gas-only 2024 Sorento fashions in something however the brand new X-Professional trim, that is actually the one model that ought to be totally different from final yr’s mannequin. As such, look forward to finding the Sorento drives like a smaller car when behind the wheel than a Telluride or different three-row crossovers. On the identical time, it feels a little bit extra substantial and premium, so to talk, than compact SUVs just like the Hyundai Tucson or Toyota RAV4 would. That mentioned, the experience and dealing with do differ by the model you get, particularly the extra off-road-oriented ones. The X-Traces have larger floor clearance and due to this fact a taller suspension you undoubtedly discover, because it feels a little bit ponderous and extra susceptible to physique roll. As for the brand new X-Professional, you do discover the more durable rubber and knobbier tread sample, leading to firmer responses to bumps and an occasional nervous experience high quality on sure kinds of seemingly clean pavement. Street-holding grip and braking distances must also endure with these tires, so we would undoubtedly assume twice about getting the X-Professional as an alternative of the X-Line. After all, there’s nothing that claims you’ll be able to’t swap all-seasons onto an X-Professional … or all-terrains onto an X-Line.
In the end, the largest distinction will stay your alternative of powertrain. Count on the bottom engine to be awfully sluggish (we are saying “anticipate” as a result of we’ve by no means examined one), whereas the turbo showcases severe guts. Its 281 hp and 311 lb-ft is an terrible lot to feed by the entrance wheels alone, and never surprisingly, the front-wheel-drive Sorento EX we examined demonstrated loads of torque steer when accelerating exhausting from a cease or powering out of a nook. You may additionally find yourself interacting with the steadiness management system extra typically, particularly on slippery surfaces. The obtainable all-wheel-drive system ends in the turbo Sorento feeling much less frenetic off the road and considerably extra assured in slippery situations. The Sorento’s dual-clutch automated handbook transmission is an atypical alternative for a household SUV and usually behaves like a traditional computerized, although you could discover it rolls again barely on inclines earlier than rapidly participating as an adept driver of a handbook transmission may. Till that occurred to us, we had spent every week completely forgetting the Sorento had a DCT.
The hybrid is arguably a better option – even when you’ll need to dwell with final yr’s design and tech (and we’re actually unsure that is a nasty factor). It doesn’t have the outright grunt of the non-hybrid turbo engine, however its 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet aren’t any slouch. And having each an electrical motor and turbocharger, it provides a lot of that torque low within the rev band, making for simple acceleration. It additionally encompasses a six-speed computerized as an alternative of a DCT. The result’s a lot smoother shifts and fewer of them, although it’s sluggish to make adjustments. And naturally, the hybrid will get significantly higher gasoline financial system than the gas-only Sorentos.
The Plug-In Hybrid successfully provides the very same expertise as soon as its 32 miles of electrical vary are exhausted. Whereas that is round, although, it may present the quiet and punchy acceleration of an electrical automobile. If you happen to can preserve it plugged in at night time and have a round-trip commute inside its vary, this ought to be the way you’ll expertise the PHEV more often than not. There are two issues to remember. First, it nonetheless has a six-speed computerized, which means you’ll expertise gear adjustments when in electric-only mode. That’ll really feel completely regular for these coming from a gas-powered automobile, and completely weird ought to you have got expertise with a full EV. Second, the gasoline engine will kick on routinely must you want stronger acceleration.
What different Kia Sorento evaluations can I learn?
2024 Kia Sorento X-Professional First Drive Evaluate: Up to date midsizer will get harder and techier
This family-friendly three-row SUV will get off-road updates that do not punish the experience.
2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Street Check Evaluate
We had been very a lot impressed by the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid however lamented that it was virtually unattainable to get again in September 2022. These availability issues have since been alleviated to some extent.
Kia Sorento Baggage Check
Because it’s one of many smallest three-row SUVs, it should not be shocking that the Sorento has one of many smallest cargo areas behind its raised third row. We take a look at how a lot you’ll be able to match with all seats raised, plus how a lot is feasible when you simply put one facet of the 50/50-split third-row down.
2021 Kia Sorento SX Status X-Line Street Check
We evaluation the X-Line model of the range-topping SX Status. It appears totally different, but it surely ought to drive the identical because the up to date 2024 model.
2021 Kia Sorento First Drive Evaluate
Learn extra about this technology of the Sorento, together with its engineering and design relative the earlier model.
What’s the 2024 Sorento worth and the place is it constructed?
The Sorento hybrids are inbuilt Hwasung, South Korea, whereas the gas-only Sorento fashions are inbuilt West Level, Georgia. This has at all times been the case; it has nothing to do with the mannequin yr changeover.
Full pricing for the 2024 Sorento lineup follows. Costs beneath embody the $1,375 vacation spot cost.
LX FWD: $33,365
S FWD: $35,765
S AWD: $37,765
EX FWD: $39,365
EX X-Line AWD: $43,065
SX FWD: $43,065
SX X-Line AWD: $44,865
SX Status X-Line AWD: $47,765
SX Status X-Professional AWD: $48,765
Hybrid EX FWD: $38,015
Hybrid EX AWD: $40,315
Hybrid SX Status AWD: $43,815
PHEV SX Status AWD: $51,315
Apart from the powertrain choices and the same old ladder-like escalation of kit with every trim stage, there are some basic variations to concentrate on. As the value and identify would indicate, the SX Status can be the luxury-oriented trim. The X-Line is the outdoorsy journey alternative, boasting an additional inch of floor clearance, extra versatile raised roof rails and extra rugged styling cues. The brand new X-Professional goes additional by including BFGoodrich all-terrain tires wrapping 17-inch wheels.
What are the Sorento security scores and driver help options?
The Sorento not solely comes with loads of driver help techniques, however they’re among the many best-executed within the trade. These embody ahead collision warning with computerized emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keeping help, a driver inattention warning system and a rear occupant alert system. All however the LX additionally get blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors and Secure Exit Help (warns rear seat occupants of site visitors approaching from behind). The ahead collision warning system within the EX and SX trims can detect cyclists and ahead cross site visitors. Adaptive cruise management with stop-and-go functionality and lane-centering steering help is included within the S, EX, all hybrids and the PHEVs. The gas-only SX and SX Status get a more moderen, upgraded adaptive cruise management system that adjusts its acceleration tendencies primarily based on observing the motive force.
The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security had solely partially examined the gas-only 2024 Sorento on the time of this writing. It obtained a best-possible “Good” within the three exams it was subjected to. It was beforehand a High Security Choose with equally robust crash scores in further exams. Its accident avoidance tech additionally obtained high marks. It is exhausting to see this altering with the updates. The brand new front-end redesign might change the headlight scores, although, which had been “Good” for the SX and SX Status and “Poor” for every part else. In NHTSA crash testing, the Sorento Hybrid acquired a four-star total ranking out of 5 with a four-star frontal and five-star facet ranking.
