Introduced formally for 2021, the Sorento is built for those who have use for a third row but may feel that the Telluride is just a touch too large for their taste. This year’s model offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, in addition to a 281-horsepower, 311-lb-ft turbocharged 2.5-liter I-4 gas engine which resides in the Sorento X-Pro and higher. First on the list of upgrades is a larger and more upright grille, along with nicely-accented LED lights. The cabin now features reshaped air vents and a modernized HVAC control panel, which first made its appearance in the all-electric EV6.
Most trims roar heartily off the pavement with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that runs the brand’s new ccNC user interface. This provides the very convenient option of over-the-air updates along with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sorento X-Line trim brings about more rugged-looking bumpers, faux skid plates, and 20-inch Continental CrossContact all-season tires. The all-terrain tires that the X-Pro package starts things off with have a tread pattern that is inspired by BF Goodrich’s K02 off-road offerings.
The 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro comes aggressively swinging at inclement terrain with 8.2 inches of ground clearance, along with a notable towing capacity of 4,500 lbs. This beats out any other Sorento model by 1,000 pounds and is all made possible with upgraded cooling-system hardware. The Motor Trend team embarked on a beautiful and snowy I-70 west to the Rocky Mountains from Denver, where the Sorento fared excellently on roads heavily populated with potholes. The new Trail Terrain tires bit into soggy dirt better than all seasons could, while also providing a good deal of ride comfort while navigating “the normie route” on the pavement.
The steering response was consistently crisp, and acceleration was peppy even when tried from leftover standing mud. The brake-pedal travel felt adequate while traversing up and down steep inclines, with a superior and consistent buildup of stopping force during your stroke. Once the 8-speed transmission is fully engaged and underway, it takes advantage of the engine’s torque to dole out acceleration that is excellent when held up to any other 3-row family SUV on the market. The driver-assistance features performed flawlessly, and there are useful USB-C ports all over the cabin.
The interior upholstery is finished in a very nice two-tone leather upholstery, along with a very cool microsuede headliner surrounding the huge moonroof. To properly take on chilly St. Louis winters, the heated steering wheel can comfortably emit two grades of warmth. Concluding that this finished package offers more than just a “meek people mover”, the Motor Trend gang was thrilled with the Sorento’s performance geared to those needing something a bit tougher. The Edmunds.com auto review crew praised the Sorento post-test-drive for its “mix of quality, performance, and practicality, as an enticing option with above-average versatility.”
