Experienced by Adrian McQueen
Photography by Adrenaline Lifestyles
The Kia Sorento has evolved a lot of the years. The 2024 X-Pro model introduces the Sorento into the offroad group. The Kia Sorento is a mid-size crossover SUV that has been produced since 2002 by the South Korean manufacturer. Kia builds the North American-market Sorento at its assembly plant in West Point, Georgia. New for this year is the Hybrid edition that was delivered for review so I was eager to see how Kia answered the call.
Upon first look you will notice the rugged look that the X-Pro model provides. The model that we reviewed was painted in Road Rider Brown. The new Sorento has a modern look with sleek and sloping hood lines, the hexagonal pattern in its grille, LED projector headlights and the 17-inch matte black alloy wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A all-terrain tires. This Sorento is built to go offroad but can handle the streets very well.
The all-new 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro has a stylish interior featuring a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, and three rows of seating. I really enjoyed the second-row being captain’s chairs in place of the standard second-row rear split bench seat. Fold down both rows and you now have plenty of cargo space which is a considerable amount if you are ever in the need to transport a hefty load. The Sorento is ideal for large families as it seats up to 7 people.
The infotainment system has satellite radio, HD Radio, wireless device charging, a rear-seat entertainment system, Bluetooth, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, all controlled using dual 12.3-inch display screens. One serving as a digital gauge cluster, while the other is on the dash serving as the infotainment command center. The screens support Kia’s next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit operating system. There is also a touch bar situated below the infotainment screen on the dash that can switch between climate and media controls. The manual controls were conveniently placed for me to use them with ease. USB-C ports are located throughout the cabin. The explosive sound comes by the way of the Bose premium audio system.
The Sorento X-Pro pairs with a 2.5-liter Turbocharged engine putting out 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque, with an 8-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Once you hit the pedal, the Sorento accelerates quickly. It shifts smoothly, the steering is sharp and it handled rather well. It has ample agility to handle winding roads. The ride is generally comfortable, even over rougher pavement. Towing capacity for the X-Pro increases to 4500 lbs.
Safety is a high priority with Kia. The Sorento has standard driver assistance features that include driver drowsiness monitoring, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and vehicle exit warning. Added safety features include Smart cruise control with Stop and Go, front parking sensors, cyclist detection and intersection assist.
As a parent of young children, the child car seats are extremely important to me. There are two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the second-row seats. This was a plus for me and very easy to use.
Kia warranty coverage is generous when it comes to all of their vehicles, including the new Sorento. The Kia Sorento warranty coverage includes a 5-year/60,000-mile Kia bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile limited Kia powertrain warranty. The Sorento also comes with a 5-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan.
The 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro sits in a competitive class going up against the Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mitsubishi Outlander and the Subaru Ascent. The Sorento has good gas mileage coming in at 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg combined. The model that we tested came in at $49,400.00. Overall, I felt that the Kia Sorento Hybrid was engaging to drive, comfortable and a smooth ride. Over the past 10 years KIA has evolved in a way that most did not perceive and would have argued you down if you told them otherwise. It has been simply amazing to see how the brand has grown and shed away their labels from the past. Please enjoy the photo gallery.
