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 Thrilling Transition to Tomorrow: Exploring the 2024 Kia EV9's Trailblazing + Compelling Design

The experts on staff at Car and Driver remarked in one of their blogs last week that car designers these days must not be excited to design 3-row SUVs. Some have reflected that there is only so much to be done with a two-box shape, and that the segment is competitive enough to just play it safe. Kia had excitedly proved that sentiment wrong three years ago with the Telluride, and we now have another modern masterpiece on our hands with the all-electric EV9.

The all-new Kia EV9 certainly makes a bold impression; the engineers and designers met and exceeded the challenge of designing a large battery-powered SUV that is so appealing to many American consumers nationwide. The EV9 is built on Hyundai Motor group’s excellent electric global modular platform (E-GMP) and starts things off with proportions that are slightly different from the Telluride’s.

The wheelbase is 122 inches long, which is nearly 8 inches longer than the Telluride, with the wheels pushed further off into the corners. The headlights offer a bit of a sci-fi vibe, with the vertical orientation of the taillights appearing quite the same way. Even though the EV9 doesn’t claim to be a luxury SUV, the design and materials selected smartly prove otherwise. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen is large enough to satisfy current trends, and there’s also a very cool climate-control center directly behind the wheel. 

The 2nd row captain’s chairs are heated and ventilated, with an excellent amount of power adjustability and extendable footrests. With the Hyundai Ionic 5 proudly claiming an esteemed spot on Car and Driver’s “10Best” list, mini car experts are thrilled with the EV9’s shared E-GMP platform potential. This crew tested the top-of-the-line dual motor, all-wheel drive model, cranking out 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The power source is the 99.8-kWh battery pack which boasts a greater capacity than seen from any other E-GMP models to date.

This large and lucent lithium-ion pack weighs over 1200 pounds, while the EV9’s final weight is an immense 5839 lbs. The EV9’s motors crank out more power and torque than the Telluride’s 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6, with their considerable acceleration abilities easily making up for the extra weight. The dual-motor EV9 blasts up to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, and nails the quarter-mile trot in 13.3 seconds at a formidable 101 mph. These are very fast numbers for ANY segment, and the EV9’s amazingly fast accelerator response can render the Telluride on the slightly slower end.

With the EV9 situated in the first wave of three-row electric SUVs to first hit the mainstream market, it will have to live up to some sizable expectations. This team immediately loved the 285-mm Hankook Ion Evo AS SUV all-season tires, and the primo stopping power courtesy of much larger brake rotors. The EV9 was quite well gripped around the skid pad and made the stop from 70 mph in just 184 feet. The steering quality offered up excellent weighting, and directional changes yielded an eager response. At 70 mph, the EV9 “kicks out the quiet jams” with a hushed 67 decibels and offers an EPA-estimated range of 270 miles,

Scoreboard & Screens: The 2024 Kia Sorento Takes Center Stage in the 3-Row SUV Class!

As football scoreboards become the center of attention nationwide and here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, we are “bowled over” with the features and functionality of new vehicles arriving each day! The 2024 Kia Sorento is an excellent utility player and 3-row choice, and it now comes with four powertrains. The base trim comes with a non-turbo 4-cylinder and front-wheel drive if you’re on a budget, or there’s the option of the off-road-ready and luxurious turbocharged X-Pro model if you’re looking for extra fun. 

The Plug-In Hybrid model can provide an estimated 32 miles on all-electric driving before the gas engine kicks in, with the regular hybrid providing an extra boost of acceleration and great fuel economy as well. All the non-hybrid trims received a mid-cycle refresh for 2024 that spruces things up with a fresh front grill and revised tail lights, along with freshly updated wheel designs. The infotainment system and dashboard are also updated, with the X-Pro and X-Line trims adding a rugged element of appeal. 

The Car and Driver review crew was impressed with the EX-Hybrid, which comes standard with a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain that packs a bit of appealing extra muscle. The EX also includes the comfort of heated front seats, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and remote start. The 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder cranks out 191 horsepower as standard, with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder above it delivering 281 eager horses. These excited test drivers embarked out on the town with the SX trim and enjoyed its incredibly firm brake feedback, and poised handling. 

The exploration-prepped X-Pro trim comes equipped with a center locking differential, all-terrain tires, and 17-inch wheels. The maximum towing capacity for the Sorento is 4000 pounds, which is still adequate for the weekender’s water toys or other recreational items. The 2024 Sorento Hybrid front-wheel-drive models get 39 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, while all-wheel-drive models achieve 36 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. A 4.3-inch digital gauge display and a separate 12.3-inch infotainment screen are standard, with higher-level trims changing things up with a 12.3-inch reconfigurable gauge display. 

The rear-seat entertainment system has been one of the features most appreciated by busy parents; letting the miles pass by with younger ones whose attention is captivated makes a huge difference! The Sorento also features an optional wireless charging pad and immersive 12-speaker Bose stereo. The KBB review staff were impressed by the Sorento’s affordability and efficiency, while also ranking Kia’s stellar warranty coverage as the best in its class. This team of enthusiasts loved the quicker acceleration of the more powerful engine, along with the greater towing capacity. 

For buyers who don’t travel often with more than five people and perhaps spend a good deal of time navigating tight parking lots, the Sorento is a very attractive and adventuresome means of moving through your week! With the 3rd row folded down, you get a generous cargo hold with 38.5 cubic feet of space, with 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space directly behind the 3rd row. The standard Kia Drive Wise safety suite included with every Sorento provides lane keep assist, automatic high beams, driver attention warning, and automatic emergency braking. EX trims and up feature the Smart Power Tailgate, which accommodates hands-free opening and closing. 

2023 Kia Sorento 3-Row SUV Brings Charm, Eco-Conscious Sensibility

The 2022 holiday season here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis has brought about opportunities to share time with loved ones and take in amazing displays such as the 10th year of Garden Glow and the lights at Anheuser-Busch. As the crossover SUV continues its dominance of the American auto market, the mid-size Sorento was well deserving of the spotlight from the Topspeed.com blog this past week. The 2024 model comes loaded to the gills with holiday goodies such as its turbo engine combined with a sensible hybrid system.

The standard engine is the 1.6-liter turbocharged model with a full hybrid system, which cranks out 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the pairing with a conventional CVT transmission that makes the overall driving experience a bit elastic and unpredictable, the Sorento sets you up with a conventional 6-speed model. The Car and Driver auto testing team was able to get the new model up to 60 MPH in just 7.6 seconds, with the momentum not wearing thin as speed builds. 

The addition of the turbo is a massive help with acceleration, as the 6-speed automatic delivers a stepped-up and well-chiseled shifting process. The 2023 Sorento’s performance feels optimized like a traditional gas-powered car, and not a hybrid. As the industry begins the shift to electric power, this type of sensation will be even further behind, even as the advent of clean-sourced juice provides a unique breed of application. FWD comes standard on the X model and all-wheel drive is optional, with the all-wheel drive system using the well-honed torque vectoring setup.

The inclusion of Torque Vectoring allows for all the wheels to grip the road much better for handling and launch and is one of the extras that puts all Kia vehicles in a class of their own whether your drive is across town or across the country. Inside, satin aluminum and chrome accents add a nice modern touch to the interior. One of the options that we would have to recommend is a panoramic moonroof, allowing you to enjoy the sights outside to their fullest no matter the season.

The Sorento comfortably seats 6, and there are enough USB ports and drink holders to leave everyone feeling adequately situated for the drive. The second-row seats also slide and adjust to offer a greater amount of utility, and third-row passengers get to enjoy comfy recliners and USB ports as well. The NHTSA ranked the Sorento as a 4/5 for crashworthiness, and last year's model earned itself an IIHS top safety pick. The final verdict from the Top Speed crew was that the Sorento offers an ideal balance for any driver, along with class-leading warranty coverage and signature holiday stance!

2022 Kia Telluride Arrives With More Cargo Space, Strength

The best three-row family SUV according to the experts at Autoblog.com is the 2022 Kia Telluride, with user-friendly infotainment, protective safety technology, and class-leading fuel economy. Features such as its 10.25-inch touchscreen and Highway Driving Assist adaptive cruise control have customers excited! 

The Autoblog crew had a blast testing the Telluride SX model, which boasts soft stitched leather, faux wood trim, and a luxury essence that is better than anything in the segment. Standard features include five USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. For 2022, the 10.25-inch touchscreen that was once only available on the top trim levels is available for all trims. The higher trim levels have wireless smartphone charging, integrated navigation, and seven USB ports spread throughout all rows. 

The Telluride defies expectations for even the largest crossovers with second and third-row seating that can comfortably fit 6-ft tall adults. The back has a great amount of headroom and reclining capability, and the second-row slides for convenience. When situated in the third row for a long journey, you’ll realize just how much light is let in by the larger rear quarter windows.

A quick push of a button on the captain’s chairs slides and flips the seats forward, giving you easy access to the third row’s 21 cubic feet of space. The power source is the 3.8-Liter V6 that cranks out 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with available front-wheel and all-wheel drive. This is where the available drive modes really make a massive difference: Sport splits power 65/35 front/rear, and Comfort and Snow both have an 80/20 split. 

Hauling a boat or trailer will be no problem with a 5,000-pound towing capacity. Fulfilling the need for a vehicle that provides a great balance between comfort and everyday driving experience is what many customers seek. Standing above the likes of the Chevy Traverse, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander, this great new ride named after the scenic Colorado town stands poised and ready to win your family over at this coming year’s release!

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid's Thorough Re-Vamp Offers Larger Screens, Intuitive Interface, Cues From Class-Leading Telluride

Kia has fully revamped the Sorento for the 2021 model year, and the staff hard at work on duty at Newatlas.com gave a thorough review of its performance. Customers thrilled for the coming of warmer weather here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis have been asking about hybrid options, and we're proud to present them with the all-new Sorento Hybrid. Just for starters, it offers a significant boost in fuel economy. This complete revamp also moved the Sorento a bit more to the midsize category, as it's one of the few options out there with 3 rows of seating.

The testing team reporting for duty drove both the brand-new 2021 Sorento in gasoline format as well as the Hybrid and felt that the hybrid model possesses much better balance, and great manners on the road even minus the all-wheel-drive option. Taking noticeable design cues from the larger Telluride and the newly-renamed K5 sedan, the interior becomes significantly more upscale. These are all qualities that today's car buyers are looking for, and to top it all off there is also an 8-inch touchscreen at the base which grows 2.25 inches as you move up in trim level.

The all-new Sorento's screens (of all sizes) possess a rapidly responding interface that offers up blind spot cameras along with other practical features. The child safety latches in the third row are easier to access as well. Plus, with the third row folded down you will have more than enough room for large family grocery store runs or sporting event cargo.

Like many new Kias, even the base level Sorento Hybrid S is very well-equipped. As standard features, you'll enjoy 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, tinted rear windows, roof rails, keyless entry with push-button start, simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver's seat, and a six-speaker audio system. Stepping up to the EX model offers black exterior trim, panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charger, adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, and enhanced forward collision mitigation.

Power for the hybrid is derived from a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder and onboard electric motor that together cranks out 227 horsepower. Both the gasoline and hybrid models proved to be quiet on the road, easy to operate and offer refined drives when up against the competition. As many say it does, the Sorento feels much more premium a vehicle than the price tag lets on, and the move into full electrification will continue with the coming of the PHEV model soon to be announced. The Edmunds.com review team also reflected that the competition like the Ford Escape, Hybrid Honda CR-V, and Toyota Venza cannot match the luxury and fuel economy numbers it boasts.

If you like what you hear and you're ready to take a test drive of the all-new 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid, give us a call! We'll help you lease or purchase this all-new hybrid SUV.

Kia Telluride Speaks Ranks Tops for Daily Usability After Claim To “Best 3-Row SUV For Families”

For the second year in a row, the Kia Telluride was named “Best 3-Row SUV For Families” by U.S. News and World Report! Using criteria such as automotive reviews, safety and reliability ratings, and keeping occupants entertained and connected, vehicles with the highest composite score in their class claimed the title of Best Car for Families for their specific category. For all of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, this just solidifies the Telluride's status as one of the best SUVs on the market.

Another area where all of these front-running winners needed to excel was family-friendly technology offerings. Providing features such as teen driver controls, automatic braking, surround-view parking camera systems and hands-free cargo doors helped Telluride outrank the stiff competition. Customers that are looking for the vehicle to make their daily lives easier thrive on technology offerings that do the busy work for you, making features such as front automatic braking a hard-earned plus. Tri-zone climate control is a massive benefit during trips of any length, and teen driver features are the all-inclusive way to monitor exactly what the newest drivers in your family are doing and when.

An immaculately comfortable ride, well-shaped seats that offer premium comfort during the entire trip, and a spacious interior for large families on the move are traits that the Telluride has impressed all of us with since its debut. During Edmunds.com's thorough 20,000-mile test of the Telluride, they deemed it luxurious while practical enough to make the move away from prestigious numbers such as Land Rovers to arrive back down to Earth in a sensible family-oriented choice.

After driving the Telluride for just three weeks, this testing team claimed that they would immediately allow it to take the spot of their previous personal favorite. At a lanky 6'1”, one auto reviewer claimed that he had absolutely no trouble with stretching out behind the front row and that he was firmly supported no matter the position. Going as far as to state that there is “no other mainstream three-row crossover that pulls this off like Kia”, the ability to combat many types of fatigue during the trip is right at your fingertips.

The Telluride's interior provides a lighter visual essence that offers a great deal of contrast as well as open space. There's a convenient button right on top of the second-row seats that allow the seat-back to fold and the entire seat then slides forward for easy access. A scenic and adventuresome drive through Yosemite Valley offered this particular crew an excellent chance to enjoy the sunroof, allowing them to see pristine sights they may have otherwise missed. This is a cabin that is exceptionally quiet even at freeway speeds, and the seats provide the best in comfort when the miles really begin to roll repetitively by!