Revamped 2024 Kia Sorento bolstered with head-turning style




(November 17, 2023) IRVINE, Calif. — Refusing to trail behind in the midsize three-row SUV segment, the refreshed 2024 Kia Sorento made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show "with a strikingly confident exterior redesign, an up-level premium interior with next-generation technology, and a newly added X-Pro variant geared up for more thrilling outdoor excursions."


Kia says that infused with a number of innovative elements borrowed from the 2024 EV9, the 2024 Sorento seamlessly marries advanced technology and rugged appeal.



“The Sorento continues to be a key player in the success of our capable SUV lineup, and it’s notably credited as the pioneer that introduced the popular X-Line model series,” said Steven Center, COO and EVP, Kia America. “The newly added Sorento X-Pro brings it full circle, and with Kia’s latest tech and design refinements, we are confident the Sorento will not just lead the segment, but blaze ahead of it.”



The 2024 Sorento is expected to go on sale in the first quarter of 2024 in LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-P trims, with the X-Line available on EX and above and X-Pro on SX-P. Sorento HEV and PHEV models are anticipated to hit dealerships later next year as 2025 models.


The Sorento’s confident stance was achieved by combining Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy with the concept of “Bold for Nature.” The upright front hood and squared off edges are reminiscent of the award-winning Telluride, with its distinctive amber daytime running lights reimagined on the Sorento for a sleek and modern aesthetic.



Around back, vertical taillamps are unmistakably Telluride. From the EV9’s playbook, the Sorento boasts a broad and rectangular front grille, complemented by vertically stacked LED projector headlamps that emphasize the front end. The constellation inspired Star Map lighting elements in the front and rear lend the Sorento a futuristic edge, while the front and lower bumpers incorporate a wider skid plate garnish for extra rugged appeal.



Within the cabin, horizontal features such as the air vents and controls give the interior a streamlined and modern aesthetic, creating a sense of openness. At the heart of the interior’s transformation is an available panoramic curved display that integrates dual 12.3-inch screens (panoramic panel with 4.3-inch TFT and 12.3-inch screen is standard). Borrowed from the Telluride and Sportage, the Sorento’s exterior color options now include Midnight Lake Blue and Dawning Red. In the HEV and PHEV versions scheduled for later in 2024, an available lush Dust Blue interior color palette provides a relaxed and inviting ambiance.




The X-Line continues to add an extra dose of rugged flair. Upgrades include a center-locking differential, bridge-type roof rack, X-Line front and rear bumpers with a molded-in skid plate garnish, and a unique gloss-black front grille with 20-inch gloss black wheels. X-Line emblems adorn the exterior and inside, leather-trimmed seatbacks are embossed with the X-Line logo.



For those seeking a great adventure, the X-Pro scales up its capability with standard 17-inch wheels offering a larger tire sidewall for standard BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, an ideal set-up for tackling more challenging trails. With increased towing capacity up to 4,000 lbs., the X-Pro can tow a travel trailer for an elevated camping adventure.  X-Pro emblems inside and out signal the SUV’s presence.  



The Sorento, available in FWD or AWD, maintains its composed ride and performance. The LX and S trims come standard with the 2.5-liter I-4 GDI engine that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque, matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Upper trims including the X-Line and X-Pro deliver a power boost with 281 horses and 311 lb.-ft. of torque via a 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4 GDI matched to an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT).



Available on certain trims and standard on the X-Line and X-Pro, active on-demand all-wheel drive is designed to provide enhanced driving performance in a variety of circumstances, with a center locking differential that can split power equally between the front and rear wheels for more severe environments. Torque vectoring is designed to increase traction by predicting which wheel will best utilize power, enhancing stability in corners, and giving the vehicle more precise handling dynamics.