2024 Kia Sorento vs 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar adhered to a “reductive” design philosophy, aiming to eliminate unnecessary elements and streamline both the exterior and interior. Debuting this ethos in 2018, the Velar’s design was modernized further for the 2024 model. Tweaks for the new year included a redesigned grille, updated headlights and taillights, fresh wheel designs, and refined exterior detailing. The rear bumper received notable changes, accentuating the SUV's width and providing a lower, wider aesthetic.

Inside, the 2024 Velar showcased a larger 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system that appeared to float in front of the dashboard. The center console was revamped, eliminating physical dials and knobs for climate control, stereo volume, and other functions, now all controlled through the touchscreen. Despite the minimalist approach, a few elements within the cabin were perceived as subpar in quality. Additionally, the voice recognition system necessitated an active connected services subscription or an Amazon account to utilize Alexa, which made the lack of physical controls somewhat inconvenient.

A positive addition was the availability of Kvadrat wool blend seat upholstery for those preferring animal-free options. The Cabin Air Purification Plus system also received enhancements, now featuring PM 2.5 filtration and carbon dioxide monitoring. However, our test vehicle, equipped with the Dynamic SE trim, did not boast these upgrades. This trim included a potent turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, advanced paint and wheel upgrades, a Black Exterior Pack, a Cold Climate Pack, and other luxuries. Priced at $80,533 including the destination charge, the Velar Dynamic SE represented a luxurious and well-equipped package.

Conversely, the 2024 Kia Sorento received its first significant visual update since its 2021 debut. Always admired for its aesthetics, the new design incorporated elements inspired by the popular Telluride and EV9, aligning the Sorento more with its siblings. Enhancements included a bolder front grille, vertically-stacked LED headlights, amber daytime running lights, updated rear bumpers, and refined taillights in higher trims.

The trims ranged from LX to the new X-Pro, with the rugged X-Line now available only on EX and higher models. The X-Line and X-Pro offered aggressive looks, earth-tone paint colors, and either 17-inch or 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. These trims were visually cleaner than competitors like the Subaru Outback Wilderness while maintaining an outdoor-ready appearance.

The interior of the Sorento also saw updates, featuring a new dashboard design with horizontal expanses, similar to the EV9. Lower trims had traditional gauge clusters, while higher trims boasted twin 12.3-inch digital displays. Despite base models lacking advanced features, materials in the Sorento cabin were generally of high quality, with premium stitching and faux wood elements in higher trims.

Ultimately, the 2024 Sorento maintained its reputation for comfort and quality. Material quality was enhanced, steering and seating options were refined, and additional features such as green and brown interior colors added character. At $81,100 for the SX-Prestige model, the Sorento remained a compelling upscale midsize SUV.

The 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar offered two engines: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 247 horsepower (labeled P250) and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder with mild-hybrid technology producing 394 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque (labeled P400). Our test model featured the P400 engine, propelling the SUV from 0-60 mph in significantly less time than the P250. Despite a lower fuel economy rating of 21 mpg combined, this engine provided more performance suited to the Velar's luxurious nature, achieving 19.5 mpg in evaluations.

An eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system managed power distribution effectively, supported by an air suspension option elevating ground clearance from 8.4 inches to 9.9 inches. Terrain Response driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Grass-Gravel-Snow, Mud-Ruts, Sand, and Automatic, tailored handling to various conditions, with a Dynamic mode enhancing on-pavement performance. The Velar excelled in these conditions, maneuvering mountain roads near Malibu with agility and power. However, Comfort mode in urban settings revealed some suspension softness, and off-roading was not tested due to restrictions.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque for baseline performance. While adequate for everyday driving, this engine felt underpowered, especially with a 0-60 mph time nearing 10 seconds. Higher trims, including EX and above, featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft torque, mated to a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup offered mid-seven-second 0-60 times, lively off-the-line acceleration, and sufficient passing power. Fuel economy for turbo models was a respectable 23 mpg combined.

Standard models leaned on FWD, while AWD cost extra, notably enhancing terrain capability when included in the rugged X-Line and X-Pro trims. The X-Pro, equipped with 17-inch rims and all-terrain tires, excelled in off-road conditions, demonstrated by a successful ascent to 9,800 feet in snowy, near-blizzard conditions. Towing capacity improved to 4,500 pounds, and the SUV's varied drive modes ensured smooth performance across diverse terrains.

Approaching the 2024 Velar activated flush-mounted handles, whose design had a slight flaw – they extended sharply, risking facial contact. Tall individuals found entering the front seats challenging due to tight openings and angled windshield pillars, despite new supportive seat cushions and 14-way power adjustments. The test vehicle boasted heated, leather-wrapped front seats, and a Cold Climate Pack adding ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated windshield.

The rear seats offered comfort for two adults, with excellent lumbar and leg support, adequate legroom, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the absence of side window sunshades reduced backseat appeal. Interior storage was sufficient, with generous door bins, though loose items could shift during drives. Cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet, expanding to 62.7 cubic feet with rear seats folded, accompanied by practical netted side storage and bag hooks.

The 2024 Sorento’s cabin remained spacious in the first two rows but tight in the third. Front seats provided 41.4 inches of legroom, while the second-row offered 41.7 inches, surpassing two-row midsize SUVs like the Chevrolet Blazer and Honda Passport. Higher trims included noise-insulating glass, heated, and ventilated front seats, enhancing comfort.

The third row offered 29.6 inches of legroom, suitable mainly for children, better than some competitors like the Toyota Highlander. Captain’s chairs in the second row eased access to the third row and enabled interior visibility. Despite modest cargo compromises with all seats up, folding the third row expanded space to 38.5-45 cubic feet, reaching up to 72.1 cubic feet with second-row seats down, rivaling midsize peers.

The 2024 Velar featured the next-generation Pivi Pro infotainment system with an 11.4-inch touchscreen, over-the-air updates, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a refined user interface. While the interface streamlined functions into the touchscreen, it added complexity by moving physical controls for climate, volume, and defrost functions to the screen. Despite Land Rover’s claim of executing 80% of tasks within two taps, smaller shortcut icons and lack of hand rest made accurate operation challenging, particularly in motion.

Amazon Alexa and cloud-based digital assistants were optional with an active connected services subscription, potentially complicating setup. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered simpler alternatives. The Velar also included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, and higher trims offered a head-up display (HUD) and surround-view camera, though the test vehicle had limited camera assistance.

The 2024 Sorento featured a redesigned infotainment system, “Connected Car Navigation Cockpit” (CCnC), across all trims with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The SX and SX-Prestige boasted twin 12.3-inch displays under a single pane of glass. The new software streamlined popular features on the home screen for improved usability. While voice commands had mixed accuracy, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided convenience, and the system supported over-the-air updates.

Higher trims included a 12-speaker Bose surround sound system, enhancing audio quality. Digital Key 2.0 allowed keyless phone or smart card access and operation, a boon for parental vehicle sharing. USB-C outlets were available across all rows, ensuring connectivity for all passengers.

The 2024 Velar came standard with comprehensive advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Features included adaptive cruise control with speed-limited and driver-set functions, lane-centering, and semi-autonomous driving assistance. These systems generally performed well, with adaptive cruise control proving smooth and responsive. However, Steer Assist struggled with consistent tracking and accuracy, occasionally adding stress with unwanted steering inputs.

The 2024 Sorento’s Kia Drivewise suite included extensive standard and optional safety features, surpassing many rivals. Standard systems comprised adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered advanced features like navigation-based adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and automated lane changes.

Kia’s enhanced sensors and machine-learning features improved system precision, though foul weather occasionally obstructed sensors. Options like surround-view cameras and a rear-view camera mirror (in SX-Prestige) were ideal for off-road or full-load driving. The 2024 Sorento earned high safety ratings in evaluations, with commonly favorable crash-test results but a slight setback in the LATCH system accessibility.