Fashion-Forward and Fuel-Smart: The 2024 Kia Sorento Turns Heads + Corners

The 2024 Sorento hits the lot here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis with a bold new look, a powerful turbocharged engine, and a revamped interior sure to impress. Plus, the all-new X-Pro trim is ready for adventure, whether you’re heading to the mountains or just barely making the start time for soccer practice! Positioned just below the flagship Telluride, the Sorento is perfect for families that can benefit from a convenient third row. 

The 2024 Sorento takes after its inspiring relative, the Telluride, with a strong, boxy design that demands attention. Embracing Kia's "Bold For Nature" theme, the Sorento features an upright hood, squared-off sides, and a rectangular front grille reminiscent of the upcoming EV9 electric SUV. Adding to its Telluride-inspired look, it boasts vertically stacked headlamps, unique Star Map driving lights, and vertical taillights. With all types of interior choices now available, today’s drivers tend to prefer a very modern touch. To rise up to the challenge and meet this demand, the 2024 Sorento is equipped with a 12.3-inch dual instrument cluster and infotainment screen.

The Sorento’s standard powertrain is the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder which cranks out 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic with standard front-wheel drive or an optional all-wheel drivetrain. Upper trim levels quench any urban dweller’s need for speed with the more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, cranking out 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Kia’s active on-demand all-wheel drive system draws on “all the feels” from a center locking differential. This is the hard-working additive that can automatically split power equally between the front and rear wheels.

Traction and stability are both high on wish lists here at Jim Butler during Missouri winters, and the Sorento’s leveraged torque vectoring improves both. X-Line models add more visual flair with a center-locking differential, and very cool front and rear bumpers with a molded-in skid plate garnish. There’s also a unique gloss-black front grille, and 20-inch gloss-black wheels, along with signature X-line logos sprucing things up inside and out. X-Pro models claim the “high style” perch courtesy of 17-inch wheels, BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, and a max towing capacity of 4,500 lbs.

These higher trim levels offer eye-catching Sage and Olive brown interior color hues, along with high-end open-pore wood garnish. The 2021 Rebelle Rally marked the thrilling sixth edition of an all-women’s road contest. The 2022 Sorento PHEV began this endurance test at the legendary Hoover Dam, inspiring the Roadrider Brown hue during the process. The 2024 Sorento is Kia’s second production vehicle featuring the amazing Connected Car Navigation cockpit operating system.

The driving aids of the future are now hinging on advancements that amaze even the most tech-savvy! Smart Cruise Control-Machine Learning will adapt to your braking patterns and driving style, tailoring a fine-tuned daily drive experience. Highway Driving Assist 2 with automatic lange changing is another new game-changing addition that ushers the convenience of tomorrow into the confines of today. The Edmunds.com review team praised the 2024 Sorento for its “abundance of standard features, ample second-row legroom, sharp-looking infotainment system, and incredibly quiet cabin.”

Offroading With “SUV-perior confidence:” A First Drive Experience With the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro

The dreadful and boredom-inducing lockdowns are thankfully far behind us here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, and this was when many of our customers curated their appetite for thriving off-road! The 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro joins our illustrious lineup with the upgrades to tackle the trail properly. The Motor Trend group tested this model to see if its upgrades were merely cosmetic, or if they were fit for the demands of deep ruts and loose sand. 

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.”

A Footprint Fit for Formidable Escape: Get to Know the Enhanced 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro!

Here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, we are always commandeering a front-row seat to emerging trends, and we’d all have to agree that “rugged is in!” Pretty much every automaker out there is coming out with new trims that are attempting to toughen up their trail-ready image, and our 2024 Sorento X-Pro now enjoys this treatment directly after the Sportage and Telluride. The trim line is a highlight of this year’s mid-cycle refresh for the Sorento, which starts the awesome new look off with completely redesigned front and rear ends. 

Base Sorento models are equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder which cranks out 191 horsepower, with upper trim levels boasting the turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder churning out 281 ponies. There are two very efficient hybrids paired with a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor good for 227 horsepower in the standard hybrid. 

The plug-in hybrid cranks out 261 horsepower, and the X-Pro is available as an option on the SX-Prestige trim. Towing capacity is a very important stat for anyone looking to bring power toys along for the next lake excursion, which the X-Pro’s new radiator fan helps boost up to 4500 lbs. Ride height is also boosted from 6.9 to 8.2 inches, along with the standard 20-inch alloy tires being traded up for 17-inch wheels. 

These are neatly wrapped in BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A all-terrain tires, which the crew deemed were “perfectly suited for eating up highway miles on a family road trip or jogging around town completing errands.” As soon as the group abandoned the pavement and sampled some tried-and-true Rocky Mountain terrain, the X-Pro really proved its worth in the snow and slush. Snow mode immediately distributes more power to the rear wheels, while Sorento's overall steering performance was rendered way above par.

Switching the dial mode to “Sport” preps things for aggressive driving, allowing for spirited enjoyment of every turn! The Olive Brown leather package and faux wood on the dash stepped up the aesthetics a notch, and EX trims and above replaced the second-row bench seat with extra-comfy captain’s chairs. 

The entire Sorento lineup now comes with twin 12.3-inch display screens, with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay coming standard to stay connected and fully musically inclined on all trims. The Edmunds.com review staff praised the Sorento for its abundance of standard and optional features, awesome amounts of legroom, and sharp infotainment system. Here it was noted that the Sorento is nearly 3 seconds faster than the VW Tiguan and the Honda Passport when it comes down to 0-60 mph time.

The visibility inside is excellent, thanks to excellent sightlines and large windows. The Edmunds team was able to nail down 24 mpg combined during testing, and a 25.2 mpg average during their mixed-evaluation drive route. Thoughtful detailing and premium touches allow the Sorento to look on point when it comes to value for the money, along with impressive power that is addictive. The experts on staff at Autoblog were adamant about the 2024 Kia Sorento having “the best technology suite around”, and we guarantee that the fallen roots on a trail near you are beckoning to come and instigate exciting exploration!

Your Guide to the Noteworthy Upgrades in Kia's 2024 Lineup

The holiday season here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis offers an excellent opportunity to take a pause and reflect on how thankful we are for what we have while enjoying the many sights and sounds around us. Customers are eagerly wondering what the future has in store for our lineup, as the excitement of wrapping gifts and New Year's anticipation calls for a sneak peek at the dazzling SUVs coming soon! Here are some of the bough-and-holly rich details about what will be on tap for next year: 

The 2024 Kia Soul embodies a very affordable compact SUV, with the EX trim level gaining an available Designer package that offers 18-inch alloy wheels, cloth and faux-leather-trimmed seats, and the very cool Umber interior color scheme. All models with a Smart Key will now offer a sleep mode that will keep dangerous hackers from finding their way into the key’s frequency. The Motor Trend crew praised the incoming model for its “spacious cabin and very pleasant drive.”

The 2024 Kia Seltos enjoys its annual refresh this year, beginning with a larger grille on the front fascia, and slightly tweaked headlights. There is also the added convenience of an optional power liftgate, along with Fusion Black, Valais Green, and Pluton Blue joining the color lineup. The X-Line trim is primed and prepped to tackle the trail, featuring 18-inch tires, a gunmetal-finish front grille, black roof rack, gloss-black door accents, and unique X-line branding. 

The 2024 Kia Niro underwent a second-generation redesign last year. All trim levels of the Niro EV and standard hybrid except the LZ base model will now offer a standard dual-level cargo floor. This dynamic Kia offering has been praised for its handsome exterior, 3 excellent powertrains, and slightly larger size. The Edmunds.com review staff praised it for its “helpful driving aids, smooth ride quality, and excellent value for the money.”

The 2024 Kia Sportage now features LED projector headlights as standard, along with lifesaving second-row airbags directly integrated into the seats. Drivers are immediately sold on the Sportage’s eye-catching exterior, 3 great powertrains, and well-equipped cabin. Busy families love the spacious second row and the equipment offered with the X-Pro that helps tackle the rougher stuff. The Sportage makes an excellent first impression thanks to its snazzy design, very modern dashboard, and eye-catching demeanor. 

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent plenty of changes for the year with a very rugged and boxy design. The X-Pro trim boasts a 4,000-lb towing capacity, which is the highest in the segment. A 12.3-inch touchscreen is now standard, and the interior was given the holiday gift of updated controls along with new upholstery. Amber LED daytime running lights and new vertical taillights bring a much more striking look, and there are some other awesome elements borrowed from the EV9. New for this year is a machine learning-based adaptive cruise control that effectively adapts to your style of braking and accelerating. 

The 2024 Kia Telluride was just refreshed this year, with 2024’s updates focusing heavily on the exterior. On 2024 X-Pro and off-road trims, black gloss exterior accents are now standard. Drivers immediately notice that the Telluride drives like something much smaller, and it is known for its segment-leading technology features. The Edmunds.com team praised the Telluride for its “extensive standard features, satisfying drive, and very upscale cabin. As many vehicles in the segment are quickly overtaken by newer rivals, the Telluride has remained relevant and trendsetting.

The 2024 Kia EV6 brings back the base Light trim, now offered with either the 58.0-kWh battery or the 77.4-kWh pack with the other models in the lineup. The top-tier GT model is now upgraded to a 218-mile range, and every 2024 EV6 model boasts new charge port lighting and a much more clearly designated charge port door. If you are constantly mesmerized by vehicles from the future, the EV6 is going to strike your fancy immediately! The GT Model cranks out 576 horsepower, and the EV6’s charging speeds and alluring interior have caught the attention of the auto industry’s high-tech-enamored reviewers. 

The 2024 Kia EV9 comes from the same very high-tech vein of the brand we love to provide and support so much. With a DC fast charger, Kia says the EV9 should recover 10 to 80 percent charge in a mere 20 minutes. The EV9 has also stood out with the eco-conscious crowd, as it has employed vegan materials and many forms of recycled plastic to embrace sustainability. Dual 12.3-inch screens along with a 5.0-inch screen for HVAC are on board to aptly keep up with the Joneses, the EV9 promises to be very interesting and engaging at every drive.

Motor1.com’s 2024 Kia Sorento Spy Shots Signifies Prototype’s Progress

The Motor1.com team has been dutifully on the move since last September when they spied the refreshed Kia Sorento for the first time, and recently posted on their blog about another group of photos they just collected. This time the promising prototype was secretly spotted with Michigan tags and was also covered in full-body camouflage. It was noted that the front fascia bore vertical headlights more clearly than before, with what appeared to be four separate square projector lenses.

There also appeared to be a new grill design and some potential adjustments to the shape of the bumper. As we mulled over the photos online here at Jim Butler Kia of Saint Louis, we remembered just how awesome publications such as Edmunds.com rendered the 2023 model, as its mix of available performance, quality, and practicality has thoroughly impressed drivers and review professionals alike. The current model is available with four powertrains, with the first star of the show gracing the stage as the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine cranking out 191 horsepower. 

Next up is a turbocharged version of that engine producing 281 horsepower, with the two electrified versions expected to carry over into next year's model year with minimal modifications. The 1.6-liter turbo provides 227 and 261 horsepower collectively with plug-in hybrid and hybrid variants. Since the prototype was still cloaked so heavily in camouflage, this team does not expect a full official debut of the revised Sorrento until summer, and a plausible market launch before the end of 2023. 

With an impressive number of standard and optional features along with plentiful second and third-row legroom, the 2023 Kia Sorento available right now at Jim Butler is one of only a handful of small SUVs on the market that offers a third row. Situated right between the smaller 5 passenger Sportage and the larger three-row Telluride, the Sorento can quite easily squeeze in up to seven passengers if needed. This rental comes equipped with an impressive arrangement of standard features, including wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, lane-keeping assist, and multiple USB charging ports.

The optional turbocharged engine is downright impressive for a smaller-sized SUV, and the sprint up to 60 mph takes just 6.7 seconds. This is nearly three seconds faster than the competing Volkswagen Tiguan, and even a tick faster than the V6-powered Honda Passport. The brand-new HP dual-clutch automatic transmission is capable of very smooth shifts whether you are reluctantly enduring crawling traffic or full-throttle merging. The front seats offer an excellent range of adjustment, heating, and ventilation, with very firm and comfortable captain’s chairs in the second row.

During many expert drive tests, the Sorento was confident, stable, and consistently well-controlled. Passengers will enjoy more legroom in the second row than in competing dedicated two-row SUVs such as the Honda CR-V. The surround-view camera system is one of the best offerings out there to provide help navigating through very tight situations, and no one on board will be lacking device power with eight USB ports along with a wireless charger. With the third row of seating drops, the Sorento offers between 38.5 and 45 cubic feet, depending on how forward the second-row seats are situated. 

The Sorento's towing capacity is 3500 pounds, with the turbocharged engine able to tow around 2,000 lbs. The turbocharged Sorento also does not need premium gasoline and returns an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. This enthralling yet practical driving experience has been compared to “a lighter version of the Telluride” and remains impressive and versatile in a very crowded segment. John Vincent of U.S News’ car reporting team had the greatest praise an auto reviewer can give a vehicle, as he eventually bought one for himself after thoroughly enjoying his experience! 

Kia Sorento’s 2024 Restyling Elements Depicted with Motor1.com Rendering

The Sorento came on the scene here at Jim Butler Kia of Saint Louis two years ago.Immediately it was appreciated for its sensible approach to a daily driver still loaded with tech and thrilling surprises! It earned the honor of the 2021 “Parents List of Best Family Cars Award”, along with top-of-the-list bragging rights for Autotrader’s “Best New Car for 2021”. The Motor1.com team knew that many customers would be wondering what the model coming soon for 2024 would look like and offered up a rendering here that gives a visual idea of what to expect.

The most drastic changes took place in the upper grille with the running lamps blending directly into the main part of the headlights. The lower fascia now has a set of vertical lights, and the upper and lower grille are no longer two distinctly separate areas. Their Sorento also appears to have different tail lights and a slightly differently shaped bumper. Among the available engines are the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that cranks out 191 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque, and the turbocharged 2.5-liter 4 cylinder offering 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. 

The plug-in hybrid model with the turbo 1.6-liter and a 13.8 kWh battery also can generate a very earth friendly and quick 261 horsepower. A new trademark filing was just discovered recently that depicts the intention to launch a X pro variant of both the Telluride and Sorento, which both also pulled down stellar reviews from KBB.com for handling overall value. The current-model Sorento was praised for its excellent fuel economy, lively performance, above-average standard features, and class-leading interior quality. 

The fiercest competition is from the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and Toyota Venza, neither of which have a third row of seats. The combined highway and city EPA fuel rating for the 2023 model is around 37 mpg, and the Sorento is so amazingly quiet and smooth that many test drivers have completely forgotten they are behind the wheel of a hybrid. Captain’s chairs make the second row more comfortable, and the third row much simpler to access. Standard features on the base S trim of the Kia Sorento include faux leather seats, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, LED headlights, and eight very handy USB ports.

Standard Kia Drive Wise safety tech features include the modern security blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, safe exit assist, rear occupant alert, rear parking sensors, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Upgrading to the EX trim provides you with premium features such as LED fog lights, a wireless charging pad, a hands-free power liftgate, adaptive cruise control, and intersection turning assist.