Settling into the driver’s seat of the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX-Prestige, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. This wasn’t just any test drive; I was about to embark on a 400-mile journey from Sacramento to Los Angeles for the 2024 LA Auto Show. It was the perfect opportunity to put Kia’s refreshed midsize SUV through its paces.
The 2024 Sorento has undergone a significant facelift, and it’s immediately apparent. The front fascia sports a bolder grille, flanked by redesigned LED headlights with striking amber daytime running lights. These changes give the Sorento a more commanding presence on the road, reminiscent of its larger sibling, the Telluride.
The X-Pro package adds a rugged touch with 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, which not only look the part but also contribute to a more comfortable ride on rougher roads.
Table of Contents
Interior and Technology
The 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX-Prestige offers a premium seating experience that belies its price point. The front seats are upholstered in embossed and perforated Olive Brown leather, a $295 option that adds a touch of luxury to the cabin.
These power-adjustable seats provide ample support and feature both heating and ventilation functions, ensuring comfort in no matter the weather conditions. The driver’s seat offers an impressive 14-way power adjustability with memory settings.
In the second row, the X-Pro SX-Prestige trim replaces the standard bench with a pair of captain’s chairs, reducing total seating capacity to six but enhancing comfort for middle-row passengers. These seats are also heated and offer good legroom, with the ability to slide and recline for added flexibility.
The third row, while not as spacious, is surprisingly usable for a midsize SUV. It features a 50/50 split-folding design, USB ports, and cupholders built into the side walls. However, adults may find the low seat cushion forces their knees up, making it more suitable for children or short trips.
With all three rows of seats ready for passengers, there is still some room in the back for a few day trip bags and supplies. Or at least enough room to smuggle one more passenger.
One of my favorite features was the panoramic sunroof. The interior ambiance significantly enhances the interior ambiance, flooding the cabin with natural light, creating an open and airy atmosphere. The sunroof extends over both the front and second-row seats, allowing even rear passengers to enjoy the sky view.
Stepping inside, I was greeted by a premium dual 12.3-inch curved screen setup that dominates the dashboard. This panoramic display integrates seamlessly, combining the digital instrument cluster for the driver with the infotainment system. The screens are housed behind a single piece of curved glass, creating a sleek and futuristic cockpit experience – you’d never guess these were two separate screens.Â
This next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system offers over-the-air updates, ensuring the technology stays current. The infotainment screen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing connectivity for smartphone users.Â
Below the main display, an OLED touch bar allows for quick switching between HVAC and media controls, though it may require a brief glance to avoid accidental adjustments.
The Olive brown leather seats, embossed with the X-Pro badge, not only look upscale but also proved to be incredibly comfortable during my long drive. The driver’s seat offers an impressive 14-way power adjustability, including 4-way power lumbar support and a thigh extension feature, allowing for a highly personalized and ergonomic seating position, which I took full advantage of.
The Sorento’s tech features truly shone during my long drive.
The 12-speaker Bose Premium Audio System delivered an impressive auditory experience, whether I was listening to podcasts or my favorite playlists. This system includes a dedicated subwoofer and an external amplifier, ensuring rich bass and clear highs across the frequency spectrum.
The sound quality remained crisp and well-balanced even at higher volumes, with minimal distortion. The system’s advanced digital signal processing helped create an immersive soundstage throughout the cabin.
The inclusion of 8 USB ports meant I never had to worry about my devices running out of power.
One interesting new feature is the fingerprint system, which offers easier driver profile integration, seamless engine starting, and valet mode. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to full test out this feature.
The interior ergonomics have been vastly improved compared to the previous model, with a more intuitive layout of controls.
It’s these little touches that make the Sorento feel more premium than its price point might suggest.
Powertrain and Performance
As I navigated through heavy traffic leaving Sacramento, I appreciated the 360-degree camera system and the array of driver assistance features. The Sorento boasts over 16 different safety features, providing peace of mind on busy highways.
The 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX-Prestige boasts a potent powertrain that combines performance and efficiency. Under the hood lies a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating a robust 281 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and an impressive 311 lb-ft of torque at a low 1,700 rpm. This provided ample thrust for both city driving and highway cruising.
Power is transmitted to all four wheels through an advanced 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). This sophisticated gearbox offers quicker shifts and improved efficiency compared to traditional automatic transmissions.
It’s worth noting that the DCT can exhibit some hesitation at low speeds, particularly when moving from a stop. This characteristic is common in dual-clutch systems and tends to smooth out as the vehicle gains speed and momentum.
Merging onto I-5 South, I was impressed by the Sorento’s acceleration. The Sorento’s powertrain allows for brisk acceleration, with estimated 0-60 mph times around 6.0 seconds for turbocharged models. This puts it in a competitive position within its class, offering performance that matches or exceeds many of its rivals.
It may not be a sports car, but it certainly doesn’t feel underpowered. The all-wheel-drive system provided confident handling, even when I encountered a brief rain shower near Bakersfield.
The X-Pro trim enhances the Sorento’s capabilities with standard all-wheel drive, featuring a center locking differential and descent control. These additions, combined with the increased ground clearance of 8.2 inches (up from 6.9 inches on standard models), give the X-Pro improved off-road prowess.
One of the standout features of the X-Pro trim is its increased towing capacity. With the ability to tow up to 4,500 pounds, it’s nearly on par with the base Telluride’s 5,000-pound rating. This makes the Sorento a versatile option for those who need to haul trailers or boats occasionally.
Despite its size and power, the Sorento X-Pro managed to impress with its fuel efficiency. Fuel economy for the turbocharged AWD model is respectable, with EPA estimates of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. I averaged around 30 MPG on my highway-heavy trip, which is commendable for a vehicle in this class.
The Competition
To put the Sorento in context, here’s how it compares with some of its 2024 rivals:
| Model | Base MSRP | Engine | Horsepower | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Sorento X-Pro SX-Prestige | $48,765 | 2.5L Turbo I4 | 281 hp | 4,500 lbs |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | $33,950 | 2.5L I4 | 191 hp | 2,000 lbs |
| Honda Passport | $41,100 | 3.5L V6 | 280 hp | 5,000 lbs |
| Toyota Highlander | $36,620 | 2.4L Turbo I4 | 265 hp | 5,000 lbs |
The Sorento strikes a balance between the more affordable Santa Fe and the larger Highlander. It offers more power than the base Santa Fe but falls short of the Passport’s towing capacity. However, the Sorento’s third row, which is absent in the Passport, gives it an edge in versatility.
The 2024 Sorento comes in multiple trims, each catering to different needs and budgets:
- LX (Base): Starting at $33,365
- S: $35,765
- EX: $39,365
- SX: $43,065
- SX-Prestige: $47,765
- X-Pro SX-Prestige: $400
The X-Pro package, available on the SX-Prestige trim for an additional $1,000, adds off-road focused features like all-terrain tires and a center locking differential.
As I pulled into Los Angeles for the 2024 LA Auto Show, having covered hundreds of miles in comfort, I reflected on the Sorento’s performance. It’s a vehicle that wears many hats – a comfortable cruiser, a capable light off-roader, and a tech-laden family hauler. While it may not excel in any one area compared to specialized competitors, its versatility is its strength.
The 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX-Prestige 2.5T AWD, priced at $49,400, offers a compelling package for those who need the flexibility of a third row, the capability of all-wheel drive, and a touch of luxury. It’s not just a vehicle; it’s a Swiss Army knife on wheels, ready for whatever adventure life throws your way.
Distance driven: 965 miles.
Driving conditions: Rain storms, road trip from Sacramento to Los Angeles and back. Sierra Foothills mountain driving.
Article Last Updated: December 18, 2024.
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Michael Kahn is the publisher of The Weekly Driver, serving as writer, photographer, and content creator. With a keen eye for storytelling and a passion for adventure, he specializes in uncovering the stories and experiences of automobile enthusiasts. Michael’s work is inspired by his love for off-the-beaten-path road trips, global exploration, and the pursuit of exceptional culinary experiences, all captured through the lens of a world traveler and automotive enthusiast.
