2024 Kia Sorento X-Line Limited: Comfort and technology

Strengths

• Overall comfort
• Plenty of technology
• Reasonable fuel consumption

Weaknesses

• Some unintuitive controls
• Lots of body movement
• “Nervous” driving assistants

After only three years on the market, the current-generation Kia Sorento receives cosmetic changes for 2024 aimed at keeping it in the game against strong competition.

Although the exterior styling has been revised and the dashboard is more modern, the 2024 Sorento retains the same mechanical elements and the same three-row SUV formula, positioned on the boundary between compact and mid-size.

Pleasant styling

The 2024 Kia Sorento looks more modern and a little more dynamic than before, especially in the new X-Line and X-Pro versions, which replace chrome with gloss black to appeal to buyers wanting a little more “adventurous” style.

Redesigned headlamps give the vehicle a highly distinctive visual signature, with long orange daytime running lights following the edge of the hood and along the vertical LED headlamps.

At the rear, the changes are less apparent, but the four rectangles that make up the taillamps are now linked to form two pairs.

The wheels on our test vehicle, a $53,760 X-Line Limited version, are quite unique in design.

Comfortable interior

Inside, the 2024 Kia Sorento makes a great impression with its many metallic accents and tasteful faux wood appliqués, giving it a more luxurious look than you might expect.

The big news for 2024 is the revised dashboard, which integrates the entertainment and driver information screens into a single curved panel, as with other Kia products.

This layout is modern and puts the controls within easy reach of the driver, but one could wish for a slightly more intuitive infotainment system, as it sometimes takes a while to find the desired setting.

What’s more, the 2024 Sorento adopts the same touch-sensitive control bar beneath the central screen as many of the brand’s other models, which toggles between audio and climate controls at the touch of a button.

While this touch panel streamlines the appearance of the center console, it also complicates adjustments, since you often get confused between audio volume and temperature control, both of which are operated by the same knob.

Since the rest of the cabin has changed little, the 2024 Kia Sorento continues to offer plenty of space and comfort for occupants in the first two rows.

While the third row is more cramped than in some other SUVs in the same segment, it is sufficient for occasional use, and access is easy thanks to the one-touch folding bucket seats.

On the road

The 2024 Kia Sorento doesn’t hold any major surprises in terms of driving experience, as it uses the same mechanical elements as the 2023 models.

The entry-level LX model is powered by a 2.5L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine developing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

All other versions use a turbocharged version of the same engine, which boosts power to 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and works in conjunction with an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox. All-wheel drive is standard in Canada.

The engine’s generous torque makes for brisk acceleration, and the Sorento is not lacking in this respect.

Overall, the transmission’s performance is satisfactory, although it could be a little more responsive and smoother during parking maneuvers.

This mechanical combination results in low fuel consumption on the highway, which climbs quite quickly in town. At the end of our test week, the Sorento averaged 9.5 L/100 km, which is reasonable for a vehicle of this size. Of course, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are also available.

The suspension provides a smooth ride in most situations, but curves cause significant body movements that invite you to slow down if you’re driving too enthusiastically.

All in all, the 2024 Sorento remains agile enough to meet the expectations of its target buyers, who aren’t looking for performance above all else.

Plenty of technology

Like many Korean vehicles, the 2024 Kia Sorento can be equipped with a wide array of technologies, a few of which are not available in competing SUVs.

For example, our X-Line Limited model was equipped with blind spot cameras that display behind the steering wheel, Third-Person view surround cameras, the Highway Driving Assist semi-autonomous driver assistance system that can change lanes automatically at the driver’s command, a Bose audio system, an electric tailgate that opens and closes as you approach or move away from the vehicle, and the digital key system that uses the driver’s phone to identify them.

One criticism can be levelled at this generous equipment: the driving aids are a little “nervous”, i.e. they tend to issue unnecessary warnings and don’t always work as effectively as desired.

Conclusion

The 2024 Kia Sorento is a family SUV that’s still competitive thanks to its comprehensive equipment, successful styling and above-average interior. What’s more, its reasonable price range, from $41,760 to $55,260, earns it points over the competition.