Well, buckle up, ladies and gents, because KIA has just unleashed the revamped Sorento, and let me tell you, the price tag has taken a leap that not even Evel Knievel would attempt. The 2024 crossover is now flaunting a sticker that’s $1,060 fatter than its predecessor. In the good ol’ US of A, the starting price for the upgraded KIA Sorento kicks off at $31,990. For that chunk of change, you’ll be handed the keys to the base Sorento LX with front-wheel drive. If you’re feeling a bit more flush, the spanking new top-tier Sorento X-Line SX Prestige AWD will set you back a cool $47,390 at the very least.
Now, before you start revving your engines, let me drop a truth bomb on you. All the available versions right now come equipped with your run-of-the-mill internal combustion engines. Hybrid fanatics, stay tuned; details on those electrifying versions and their price tags will be unveiled later in the year. Patience, my petrolhead compadres.
The Sorento with its “pure” internal combustion engines is essentially a facelifted version of its predecessor. They’ve borrowed a few style cues from the EV9, like those T-shaped headlights with built-in daytime running lights, framing the familiar radiator grille. The KIA badge, well, it’s relocated to the hood. In the new X-Pro trim, this crossover struts around town on 17.0-inch wheels shod with off-road BF Goodrich tires.
Step inside, and you’ll find a revamped front panel featuring a curved screen comprising two 12.3-inch displays. To make room for this tech marvel, the designers had to tinker with the ventilation vents of the climate control system. Sacrifices for progress, my friends.
The updated Sorento has inherited a slew of cutting-edge EV9 technologies, including the connected car navigation panel KIA (ccNC) and over-the-air updates. Additionally, this crossover comes equipped with an intelligent cruise control system that takes note of the owner’s driving style when it comes to acceleration and braking. Talk about a car that understands you better than your therapist.
But wait, there’s more! In the crossover’s arsenal, you’ll find 10 driver assistance systems as standard. Highlights include collision warning with pedestrian detection and the Digital Key 2.0 system, allowing you to lock/unlock your ride from your smartphone. It’s like living in the future, isn’t it?
Now, let’s talk about the heart of this beast. The KIA Sorento’s engine lineup remains untouched. The base model boasts a 2.5-liter four-cylinder churning out 191 horsepower and 245 Nm of torque. If you’re feeling fancy, the pricier versions sport a turbocharged engine of the same displacement, pumping out a whopping 281 horsepower and 422 Nm of torque. Transmission duties are handled by an 8-speed automatic, and you can choose between front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Options, my dear speed enthusiasts.
As for the juicy details about the updated hybrid lineup, well, KIA’s playing coy for now. They’ve promised us a peek later in the year, as these hybrid and plug-in hybrid crossovers strut onto the scene as 2025 models. Stay tuned, folks, the future is electric, and it’s rolling in style.