Kia Reveals Updated 2024 Sorento in Los Angeles

The competitive nature of sport utility sales was reinforced at the LA Auto Show with the debut of the 2024 Kia Sorento and its 2025 hybrid siblings. The HEV and PHEV models will arrive later next year to round out the lineup.

Kia America kept pace in the three-row midsize segment, debuting the 2024 Sorento in Los Angeles while confirming the company’s design direction will continue to follow the new boxier look established by the soon-to-arrive EV9.

Slated to hit dealerships in the first quarter of next year, the new Sorento not only gets a makeover, it also can be had in five different trim levels, plus the off-road focused X-Line and X-Pro as upgrades on the top equipment packages.

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 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.”

Opposites United

The South Korean automaker’s shifted focus with a new design philosophy that it kicked off about 18 months ago with the redesign of its logo. The new language is called “Opposites United” and the key component of that language has been a more squared off look.

The all-electric EV6 reinforced that look when it arrived on the scene in 2022, but it was taken to new heights with the reveal of the three-row battery-electric EV9 earlier this year. The Sorento clearly borrows from that look.

Like its siblings, the new Sorento is more upright and squared off. The front grille is more rectangular and wider with the LED headlights stacked at the outer edge giving it a modern look with some gravitas. The rear of the Sorento borrows heavily from the brand’s Telluride flagship SUV.

“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,” the company noted.

Again, borrowing from the Telluride as well as the 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.

Moving inside

The interior keeps up the modern aesthetic designed to make it feel open and spacious. That look starts with the panoramic curved display that includes two 12.3-inch screens that make it not only look sleek, but more upscale than its predecessor.

It looks technologically advanced because, well, it is technologically advanced, starting with the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit operating system. Those big screens get faster processors matched to “Quick Controls” to make moving through menus on the touchscreen quicker and easier — and by extension safer.

The new model is able to accept over-the-air updates and allows for occupants to use their own technology with several USB-C ports around the cabine as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available.

Available in the new model is the advanced ultrawideband-based Digital Key 2.0. With this, owners can use their compatible Apple and Samsung smart devices or an NFC-enabled smart card as virtual vehicle keys to lock, unlock, and drive. It also allows the driver to unlock the Sorento without having to hold their smartphone. The keys can be shared with friends and family over text messages on compatible devices.

Moving outside

Available in FWD or AWD, the new Sorento comes with a couple of powertrain options. The LX and S trims come standard with the 2.5-liter I-4 GDI engine that produces 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Upper trims including the X-Line and X-Pro get more power: 281 horses and 311 lb.-ft. of torque from 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.