The 2024 Kia Sorento is scheduled to go on sale in the first quarter of 2024 in LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-P trim levels, with an X-Line package available on EX and above trims and the X-Pro package available on the SX-P trim. Kia will continue to offer gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with the latter two joining the lineup later in 2024 as 2025 models

What's New for 2024

Kia’s popular midsize crossover SUV gets a substantial refresh for the 2024 model year. Unveiled at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2024 Sorento features new styling, a more rugged X-Pro package, and updated tech features while keeping the basic platform unchanged.

Design

The Sorento is one of the longest-running nameplates in Kia’s lineup, dating back to the 2002 model year. That original Sorento was an important model in establishing Kia as more than just a bargain-basement brand. Today’s fourth-generation Sorento was introduced for the 2021 model year, shares a platform with the Hyundai Santa Fe, and competes with three-row crossovers like the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander. It also serves as a slightly smaller and slightly less expensive alternative to Kia’s own Telluride.

The 2024 Sorento doesn’t get as radical an overhaul as its Hyundai Santa Fe platform-mate, but you’ll still be able to easily tell it apart from last year’s model. The biggest change is a new front end incorporating a flatter hood, stacked LED headlights, and a broad rectangular grille for a look inspired by the electric Kia EV9.

The reshaped front end blends remarkably well with the rest of the sheet metal, which is essentially unchanged. The pre-facelift Sorento’s distinctive taillights are still visible, as is the curved profile of the side glass toward the rear.

The available X-Line and X-Pro packages add styling elements inspired by off-roading. The X-Line treatment includes different front and rear bumpers, a gloss black grille, and 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro adds BF Goodrich all-terrain tires with thicker sidewalls, mounted on 17-inch wheels. Both packages get their own interior and exterior color options.

Powertrain

Powertrain options are unchanged for 2024. The LX and S trim levels get a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Higher trim levels get a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard; all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional on most trims and standard with the X-Line and X-Pro packages. Kia’s AWD system includes a locking center differential, which allows the driver to set an even power split between the front and rear wheels at the push of a button. X-Pro models also get an increased towing capacity of 4,000 pounds.

Interior

For 2024, the Sorento gets a curved infotainment display similar to the ones in other recent Kia models. A standalone instrument cluster with a 4.3-linch TFT display is standard, as is a 12.3-inch touchscreen. As an option (standard on higher trims), shoppers can upgrade to dual 12.3-inch screens—one serving as the instrument cluster and the other as the central touchscreen. In this setup, the two screens are placed side-by-side to create the impression of one continuous screen.

Leather upholstery is available on higher trim levels, along with matte open pore wood trim on X-Line and X-Pro models. These models are also available with Olive Brown and Sage interior color combinations.

Technology

The updated display runs Kia’s latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (CCNC) operating system. Kia claims faster processing, along with over-the-air (OTA) update compatibility. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard as well.

The Sorento also adds an improved Digital Key 2.0 system for 2024. This allows drivers with a compatible smartphone (only certain Apple or Samsung phones are supported) or NFC card to lock, unlock, and drive without a key fob. The latest version allows drivers to unlock the Sorento without holding their phone to the door, and it lets them share access to the car with family or friends via text message.

Safety

Crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be published closer to the 2024 Sorento’s on-sale date. Previous model years sharing the same platform have performed fairly well in crash tests.

Available driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control with machine learning, which is designed to adapt to particular driving styles, and Highway Driving Assist 2, which adds lane centering and automatic lane-change capability. A digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera system are also available.

Pricing

Pricing information was not available at the time of publication. For reference, the 2023 Sorento started at $31,415 when factoring in the mandatory $1,325 destination charge. Given the updates for 2024, a price increase wouldn’t be surprising.