2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro Evaluation: All That Most Customers Desire – Plus More | Carscoops

      It's difficult to dispute the outstanding value provided by Kia.

      **PROS ››** Excellent value, stylish design, luxurious feel inside, options for everyone

      **CONS ››** Complex climate controls, lower towing capacity, limited off-road features available

      Let’s be honest: the automotive industry has become so specialized that you could likely find a vehicle suited for your pet iguana if you looked hard enough. Nevertheless, the Kia Sorento successfully establishes a distinct niche in the competitive three-row SUV market. It faces tough competitors such as the Mitsubishi Outlander, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Hyundai Santa Fe. What differentiates the Sorento is its ability to not only compete within its category but also to challenge players from various segments.

      In Kia's record-setting sales year in the US during 2024, the Sorento made up nearly 12% of their total sales. To put this in perspective, Kia sold 6,529 additional Sorentos in 2024 compared to 2023, a remarkable accomplishment in a saturated market. So, what makes the Sorento such a popular choice?

      Despite the excitement surrounding it, the Sorento doesn’t exactly dazzle on paper. The base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine produces a modest 191 horsepower (142 kW) and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque. This entry-level model is a front-wheel-drive SUV that starts at approximately $33,000.

      **QUICK FACTS**

      It turns out the Sorento simply provides all that the average buyer requires and then some. This is our conclusion after driving one for a week as if it were our own. We tested the compact SUV in cities, on highways, off-road, and with several passengers. Ultimately, this vehicle packs a substantial amount of SUV into a relatively compact form.

      **Under The Hood**

      Kia offers the Sorento with four powertrain options, including the base version discussed earlier. Buyers can opt for a traditional hybrid, featuring a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a total of 227 horsepower (169 kW). Like the base Sorento, front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available. It achieves up to 34 mpg combined.

      There’s also a plug-in hybrid variant with an electric range of 32 miles, fuel efficiency of 34 mpg combined, and again, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. Notably, this version generates more power, reaching 261 horsepower (194 kW) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque. We have previously tested a hybrid Sorento in Europe and found it to be quite favorable.

      Our test vehicle was not the base trim. Instead, we had the chance to drive the X-Pro SX-Prestige, the most expensive Sorento on the market. With all options included, this model's MSRP was $49,400. For those who think this price is extravagant, consider that the average transaction price for a new car in January 2025 was $49,740—and this SUV is anything but average.

      Under the hood is a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter engine found in the base model, delivering 281 horsepower (209 kW) and 311 lb-ft (421 Nm) of torque. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The term "X-Pro" in Kia's language signifies that this is an off-road-oriented variant.

      As a result, it features a locking center differential, allowing it to distribute power and torque evenly across both axles. It also comes with 17-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and a higher towing capacity of 4,000 pounds. Unsurprisingly, this combination results in the lowest fuel economy of any model in the lineup, with EPA ratings of up to 20 mpg in the city, 27 on the highway, and 23 combined. We achieved a respectable 24.2 mpg during our week with it.

      **Interior Quality**

      The term "handsome" aptly describes the interior of the Sorento. Our test vehicle had a cabin adorned with a blend of black, tan, and wood accents. The seats and door panels featured Kia’s genuine olive-brown leather upholstery alongside black faux leather. This combination looks and feels excellent, although it is slightly compromised by some cheap black plastic framing.

      The dashboard strikes a good balance of premium and functional design. Kia incorporates a wide infotainment and gauge cluster screen that is also found in various other models. These screens look sharp, provide high-quality graphics, respond quickly, and are user-friendly.

      We particularly like a feature that displays a live view of the left or right blind spot when the corresponding turn signal is activated. This feature stood out to us during our initial evaluation of this SUV five years ago. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay function well with the system and connect swiftly and reliably.

      If there's a drawback regarding technology, it's the persistent