The 2024 Kia Sorento stands at the forefront of the three-row crossover segment, offering a compelling blend of style, technology, and versatility. As automotive enthusiasts eagerly anticipate its arrival, this blog post aims to provide a thorough review, delving into its features, performance, safety, and overall value. Whether you’re a prospective buyer or simply intrigued by the latest developments in the automotive industry, this comprehensive analysis seeks to unravel the essence of the 2024 Kia Sorento.
- Overview of the Model:
- The 2024 Sorento is positioned as a versatile option within the three-row crossover category, competing with the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mitsubishi Outlander.
- Known for its spacious interior and fuel-efficient hybrid options, the Sorento caters to a diverse range of preferences in the competitive midsize SUV market.
- Anticipation for the Model:
- Enthusiasm surrounds the 2024 release, especially with the promise of a refreshed design and enhanced technology.
- As we explore the expert review, this introduction sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of what makes the 2024 Kia Sorento a notable contender in its class.
In the subsequent sections, we’ll delve into the specifics of the Sorento’s features, exterior styling, performance capabilities, and much more to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect from this eagerly awaited three-row crossover.
Overview of the 2024 Kia Sorento
The 2024 Kia Sorento positions itself as a versatile three-row crossover, navigating the space between midsize competitors such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mitsubishi Outlander. This segment is highly competitive, with consumers seeking a balance between performance, interior space, and advanced features. The Sorento aims to appeal to those looking for a family-oriented vehicle with an extra edge, be it in off-road capabilities or through hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
Comparison with Rivals:
In this landscape, the Kia Sorento distinguishes itself by offering a blend of features and specifications that set it apart from rivals. Its midsize nature places it in direct competition with models like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mitsubishi Outlander, requiring a careful analysis of its unique selling points and potential drawbacks.
Key selling points:
The Sorento’s unique selling points include a spacious interior, fuel-efficient hybrid options, wireless smartphone connectivity, and assertive styling. These features contribute to the overall appeal of the vehicle, making it a rational choice for consumers seeking a reliable three-row crossover. However, it’s crucial to delve deeper into specific aspects to assess its suitability for individual preferences and needs.
2025 Model Year Refresh:
An important consideration for potential buyers is the information regarding the 2025 model year refresh, particularly for the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. This insight suggests a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, indicating that the Sorento remains a dynamic player in the ever-evolving automotive landscape.
In essence, the 2024 Kia Sorento aims to cater to a diverse audience by offering a well-rounded package that combines practicality, style, and the option of environmentally conscious driving. This overview sets the stage for a more in-depth exploration of its features, performance, safety, and other critical aspects in subsequent sections.
Comfort and Quality
The 2024 Kia Sorento excels in delivering a comfortable and quality driving experience, making it a standout choice for families seeking a reliable and spacious SUV.
- Interior Comfort: The cabin of the Sorento is thoughtfully designed to accommodate drivers and passengers comfortably. With a spacious layout and well-padded seats, it provides a comfortable environment for long journeys. The front seats, especially in higher trims, offer decent support, and the mid-level EX and above trims come with power driver’s seats and heated front seats for added convenience.
- Seating Configurations: The Sorento offers flexibility with various seating configurations. While the third-row seats may be a bit cramped for adults, they serve well for occasional use or for children during carpool duties. The six-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs enhances comfort, making it a practical choice for families.
- Materials and Build Quality: Despite some cheap plastic panels, the Sorento manages to maintain an overall quality feel. The use of synthetic leather upholstery in most trims, with options for cloth or genuine leather, caters to different preferences. The dashboard, although somewhat busy, features a large touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, showcasing modern technology and user-friendly interfaces.
- Smart Packaging: Kia has smartly incorporated several convenient features, including cupholders in all four doors and two USB-C ports for each row. The abundance of clever storage spaces, such as door handle cupholders, reflects the brand’s commitment to practicality.
- Cargo Space: The cargo space in the Sorento is commendable, especially with the third-row seats folded down. The availability of power-folding second-row seats in top trims enhances the cargo area’s versatility, making it suitable for various needs, from grocery shopping to larger hauls.
- Dimensions and Comparison:competitors, Measuring 189.4 inches long, the Sorento finds a sweet spot in terms of size. It’s longer than competitors, like the Passport, but shorter than others, like the Chevy Blazer. The Sorento strikes a balance, offering a third row without the bulkiness of larger SUVs like the Telluride.
- Ease of Access: Large door openings simplify the process of getting in and out, which is crucial for families with young children or those using child safety seats. This design consideration contributes to the overall user-friendly nature of the Sorento.
The 2024 Kia Sorento impresses with its commitment to comfort, quality materials, and smart packaging, making it a compelling choice for families seeking a versatile and accommodating SUV.
Safety
The safety aspect of the 2024 Kia Sorento is a pivotal consideration for potential buyers, with a focus on standard and optional safety features. The manufacturer has equipped the Sorento with a range of driver-assist technologies, underscoring their commitment to passenger safety.
- Standard Safety Features:
- Automatic emergency braking (front and rear)
- Active lane control
- Blind-spot monitors
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high-beam headlights
The inclusion of these features as standard across various trims enhances the overall safety profile of the vehicle, catering to both city driving and highway conditions.
- Optional Advanced Safety Features:
- Surround-view camera system
- Blind-spot cameras
- Parking sensors
The availability of these optional features allows buyers to customize their Sorento with additional safety technologies. The surround-view camera system is particularly valuable for overcoming potential blind spots and enhancing parking maneuvers.
- Safety Ratings:
- While the 2024 model’s crash-testing results are pending, the 2023 model earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. This bodes well for the 2024 model, suggesting a strong safety performance.
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection:
- An additional layer of safety is provided by automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, showcasing Kia’s commitment to minimizing accidents involving vulnerable road users.
- Advanced Driver-Assist Systems:
- Top trims of the Sorento boast advanced features like a limited hands-free driving system. This system includes automatic lane changes, further enhancing the convenience and safety of highway driving.
- Overall Safety Impression:
- The Sorento is designed not only with the driver’s convenience in mind but also with a keen focus on preventing accidents. The integration of modern safety technologies aligns with contemporary automotive standards.
- Safety Concerns from Previous Models:
- It’s worth noting that the 2023 Sorento received a four-star rating from the NHTSA for subpar front impact results. However, Kia’s efforts to enhance safety features in the 2024 model indicate a commitment to addressing previous concerns.
The 2024 Kia Sorento places a strong emphasis on safety, blending standard and optional features to cater to various preferences and needs. Pending official crash-test results, the vehicle is poised to uphold Kia’s reputation for producing vehicles with robust safety profiles.
Pricing and Trims
When it comes to the 2024 Kia Sorento, pricing and available trims play a crucial role in attracting prospective buyers. Kia offers a diverse range of options to cater to different preferences and budgets.
- Core Models Pricing: The pricing details for the core models, including the EX FWD, LX FWD, and S AWD, are expected to be announced early next year. However, a starting point of about $35,000 for the base LX suggests an accessible entry point into the Sorento lineup.
- Standard Features: Each trim level comes with a set of standard features, with the base LX featuring 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. As you move up the trims, additional features such as heated front seats, a power driver seat, and synthetic leather upholstery become available.
- Additional Trims: The Sorento lineup expands beyond the core models to include the S, EX, SX, and SX-P trims. The X-Line package is configurable on EX and above grades, while the X-Pro package is exclusively paired with the top SX-P trim.
- Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Pricing: For buyers interested in the hybrid models, the carry-over 2024 Sorento hybrid comes in EX and SX-P trims. The EX is priced at $38,015, with all-wheel drive as an additional $2,300 option. The SX-P, available only in front-wheel drive, costs $43,815. The plug-in hybrid variant, available in SX-P trim, tops the lineup at $51,315.
- Variety of Configurations: With five trim levels, two off-road packages (X Line and X Pro), and different powertrain options, the Sorento lineup offers a plethora of configurations. This variety allows buyers to tailor their purchase to specific needs, whether it’s a family-friendly SUV or a more adventurous off-road option.
- Top-End Pricing: While the exact pricing for the top-end trims of gas models is yet to be disclosed, projections hint that the 2024 Sorento may surpass $50,000. This places it in the upper echelon of its segment, but the inclusion of premium features and advanced technologies could justify the higher price point.
In essence, the pricing and trims of the 2024 Kia Sorento showcase a well-balanced lineup that caters to a broad spectrum of consumers, ensuring there’s a Sorento model to suit varying preferences and budget constraints.
Buying Guide
When considering the purchase of the 2024 Kia Sorento, it’s essential to navigate the array of options wisely. The buying guide serves as a roadmap, offering recommendations tailored to individual preferences and budgets.
- Model Consideration:
- Evaluate the powertrain options: inline-4, turbo-4, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid.
- Consider the specific needs of your daily commute and family requirements.
- Trim Levels and Features:
- levels,Examine the different levels, such as EX FWD, LX FWD, and S AWD, to identify the one that suits your preferences.
- Understand the features offered in each trim level, ranging from basic cloth seats to advanced technological integrations.
- Value Proposition:
- Explore the value each trim brings in terms of comfort, safety features, and technology.
- Consider whether the additional features in higher trims justify the increase in cost.
- Pricing Information:
- Delve into the pricing details and assess the affordability of the core models and hybrid options.
- Understand the potential additional costs, such as all-wheel-drive upgrades or hybrid premiums.
- Powertrain Recommendations:
- Tailor your choice based on your driving preferences. For those seeking a more spirited drive, the turbo-4 models might be preferable.
- If fuel efficiency is a priority, the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models offer a greener and more cost-effective alternative.
- Consideration of a Future Refresh:
- Be mindful of the information regarding the 2025 model year refresh for hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.
- Evaluate whether waiting for the refreshed models is a viable option for your purchasing timeline.
- Top Recommendations:
- The S trim may offer the best value for those looking for a balance between features and cost.
- Hybrid models, particularly the EX and SX-P trims, stand out for their fuel efficiency and smooth performance.
- Fully Loaded Option:
- If seeking a fully loaded Sorento, the SX-P trim for the plug-in hybrid tops the lineup but comes with a higher price tag.
By carefully considering these factors in the buying guide, potential buyers can tailor their choice of the 2024 Kia Sorento to align with their preferences, ensuring a satisfying and well-informed purchase.
Fuel Economy Overview:
The 2024 Kia Sorento offers a diverse range of powertrain options, each with its own fuel efficiency profile. The evaluation of fuel economy takes into account the different models available, including gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants.
Gas Models:
- Gas models have not yet received EPA certification for the 2024 year, but insights from the previous model year provide some reference points.
- The base 4-cylinder engine, for instance, achieved a respectable 24 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined in front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive slightly decreased the combined rating to 24 mpg.
- Turbo-4 models maintain a competitive 25 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 24 mpg combined with all-wheel drive, providing a balanced tradeoff between performance and efficiency.
Hybrid Models:
- The front-wheel-drive hybrid version stands out with impressive fuel efficiency, boasting ratings of 39 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 37 mpg combined.
- All-wheel-drive hybrid models exhibit slightly lower fuel efficiency, with ratings dropping to 36 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 34 mpg combined. This showcases the impact of all-wheel drive on hybrid performance.
Plug-in Hybrid Model:
- The plug-in hybrid variant, with its 14-kWh battery pack, allows for an impressive all-electric range of 32 miles. In gas-only mode, it achieves the equivalent of 79 mpg combined, making it an appealing choice for those with shorter commutes.
Considerations and Implications:
- The fuel economy ratings emphasize the Sorento’s commitment to catering to various consumer needs, providing options for both efficiency-conscious drivers and those seeking a balance between power and economy.
- While gas models maintain competitive efficiency, the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions present compelling choices for eco-conscious consumers, offering a blend of fuel savings and reduced environmental impact.
Future Trends:
- With the rise of hybrid and electric vehicles, the Sorento’s hybrid and plug-in hybrid offerings position it favorably in a market increasingly focused on sustainable driving options.
- As hybrid technologies continue to advance, it is likely that the Sorento’s fuel efficiency will remain a key consideration for prospective buyers, contributing to its overall appeal in the automotive landscape.
conclusion
In conclusion, the 2024 Kia Sorento emerges as a compelling contender in the three-row crossover segment, successfully balancing a blend of fuel efficiency, interior space, and modern features. Expertly, the Sorento has garnered appreciation for its fuel-efficient hybrid variant, spacious interior, and wireless smartphone connectivity. However, some drawbacks, such as the surprisingly noisy cabin and the cramped third row, deserve consideration.
Key Takeaways:
- The Sorento’s refreshed design for 2024 brings more assertive styling, rugged ends, and a streamlined interior.
- Notable technology updates, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, contribute to the Sorento’s modern appeal.
- The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, though carrying over for 2024, are set for a refresh in the subsequent model year.
In terms of performance, the Sorento offers a variety of powertrain options, ranging from a basic 2.5-liter inline-4 to a more athletic 2.5-liter turbo-4. The hybrid models stand out for their smooth operation, enhanced by the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic, particularly contrasting with the occasional fussiness observed with the turbo-4 engines.
Comfort and Quality:
- The cabin comfortably accommodates four passengers, with a third row suitable for grade schoolers during carpool duty.
- The interior boasts synthetic leather upholstery, an excellent infotainment display, and abundant USB ports, though the dashboard’s busyness may distract from these features.
Safety features on the Sorento have seen improvements, with automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and blind-spot monitors being standard across most versions. However, potential buyers should note the mixed safety results from the previous model year.
Pricing and trims:
- Core models’ pricing is expected to be announced soon, starting around $35,000 for the base LX, with various trims available, including S, EX, SX, and SX-P.
- Hybrid models, available in EX and SX-P trims, offer pricing at $38,015 and $43,815, respectively, with additional costs for all-wheel drive.
Buying Guide:
- Recommendations for potential buyers hinge on individual preferences and budget constraints.
- The S trim is highlighted as the best value, with considerations for the turbo-4 or hybrid models for an upgraded driving experience.
- A detailed breakdown of trim levels helps buyers navigate the various options available.
Fuel Economy:
- The Sorento’s powertrains carry over from the previous model year, with the hybrid boasting an impressive 37 mpg combined.
- Fuel efficiency varies across gas models, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids, offering a range of options for consumers concerned about both performance and environmental impact.
In conclusion, the 2024 Kia Sorento presents itself as a well-rounded option in the competitive three-row crossover market, appealing to those seeking a balance between fuel efficiency, interior comfort, and advanced features. Prospective buyers are encouraged to explore the diverse trim levels and powertrain options to find the Sorento variant that best suits their specific needs and preferences.
