This preview of the 2024 Kia Sorento will be updated as new information, specs, and photos are available.
The Kia Sorento three-row crossover walks the line between midsize rivals such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mitsubishi Outlander.
It’s a rational choice that combines a spacious interior and the appeal of 30 mpg-plus fuel efficiency, if you overlook a few awkward details. We’ll update last year’s TCC Rating of 6.3 out of 10 after we drive it early next year. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
The refreshed Sorento features more rugged ends, a streamlined interior, updated technology, and a new X-Pro grade. A big relief for shoppers considering the Kia is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now standard throughout the lineup, thanks to the new 12.3-inch touchscreen and operating system first used in the Kia EV9. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models carry over, with their refresh set for the 2025 model year.
The dogbone grille is gone, or at least broadened to fill the more upright face of the refreshed Sorento. Instead of hooking into the headlights, the Sorento adopts the Kia EV9’s vertical stack of headlights, and takes on some cues from the Telluride on the lower grille as well as around back. A wider skid plate garnish fronts the lip, and the boxier ends suggest a more off-road look bolstered by new X-Line and X-Pro grades.
Both of those models add a roof rack, bumpers with skid plates molded in, and a gloss black finish on the grille. The X-Line gets black 20-inch wheels.
Powertrain options carry over, including a basic 2.5-liter inline-4 making 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque on LX and S trims, or a reasonably athletic 2.5-liter turbo-4 making 281 hp and 311 lb-ft with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic. All-wheel drive is available across the lineup, while X-Line and X-Pro packages add it with a center locking differential that splits the torque between the two axles, then brake-based torque vectoring apportions it to the wheels with the most grip.
The X-Pro adds 17-inch wheels and BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, and its towing capacity maxes out at 4,000 pounds.
Hybrids add more energy with 227 hp, or as a plug-in with 261 hp and 32 miles of electric range per full charge. The hybrids are our favorites, and not just for their fuel economy ratings of 30 mpg combined or more. They’re smoother with the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic that’s sometimes fussy with the turbo-4s. Available all-wheel drive sweetens the deal in colder regions.
The cabin comfortably accommodates four in the best comfort a mainstream brand can offer. The third row fits grade schoolers fine to handle carpool duty. A new interior layout still features the wing-tip vents on the end, but they’re banded together by a thin line of horizontal vents separating the bowed touchscreen panel and a climate panel with dials.
Most Sorentos wear synthetic leather upholstery, although cloth and genuine leather are options. The busy dashboard almost obscures Kia’s terrific infotainment display with wireless smartphone integration as standard. USB ports are plentiful, including some versions that incorporate outlets in the front seatbacks, and over-the-air software updates are new this year.
The Sorento gets mixed safety results, earning a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and excelling at crash tests, but earning just four stars from the NHTSA for subpar front impact results. Yet, Kia loads it with standard driver-assist systems intended to avoid or mitigate the impacts of crashes. That includes automatic emergency braking now with pedestrian and cyclist detection and active lane control. Most versions include adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitors, while top trims get a limited hands-free driving system with automatic lane changes and a surround-view camera system.
How much does the 2024 Kia Sorento cost?
Expect pricing on the core models with gas engines to be announced early next year, starting at about $35,000 for the base LX. Standard features include cloth seats, alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It will be sold in S, EX, SX, and SX-P trims, with the X-Line configurable on EX and above grades, while the X-Pro will only be paired with the top SX-P. The 2024 Sorento may top out over $50,000.
The carry-over 2024 Sorento hybrid comes in EX and SX-P trims. The EX costs $38,015, including a $1,325 destination fee. All-wheel drive adds $2,300. The FWD-only SX-P costs $43,815.
The carry-over 2024 Sorento plug-in hybrid in SX-P trim costs $51,315, including a $1,325 destination fee.
Where is the 2024 Kia Sorento made?
In West Point, Georgia.
