October 6th, 2015, I remember it like it was yesterday. That date, a little over nine years ago, was when I published my very first press loan review. It featured a 2016 Kia Sorento, and I even made a video. I also backed it into a jersey barrier, but that’s unimportant. Whenever Kia’s midsize crossover gets dropped off, I always think back to that first review. This week, they dropped off a new 2024 X-Pro SX Prestige 2.5T AWD. A long name, to be sure, but is it any good? Let’s get into some details and find out.

2024 Kia Sorento Overview

For a quick comparison, the Sorento has changed a lot since 2016, as you can see in the images below. The fourth generation (MQ4) debuted for the 2021 model year and just got a mid-cycle styling update for the 2024 model year.

Kia’s newly refreshed three-row Sorento slots between the Sportage and Telluride. It is available in five trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX and SX Prestige. To make things a little more complicated, there are also X-Line and X-Pro versions of some trim levels. Kia already updated their website to 2025 models, and the base LX starts at just over $31,900, while the top-spec X-Pro SX Prestige AWD is just under $47,400. There aren’t any significant changes for the new model year, so that’s pretty consistent with the starting price of our tester.

Speaking of our test car, it’s a top-of-the-food-chain X-Pro SX-Prestige. The standard features list is extensive, some highlights include:

• All-wheel drive
• Leather upholstery with ventilated front seats
• Heated second-row seats and heated steering wheel
• Rear window sunshades
• Upgraded 12-speaker Bose audio system
• 115-volt power outlet

Kia added the Olive Brown leather package ($295), some floor mats ($225), and a rear cargo mat ($115). All in, you’re looking at $49,400 out the door. The total MSRP of my top-trim 2016 Sorento SX Limited AWD was $45,095. That’s actually not terrible; $45K in 2024 money is $59,081.93, according to the random inflation calculator I just used. Still, close to $50K isn’t an inconsequential sum of money for a new car, so let’s see how it did.

2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX-Prestige 2.5T AWD Inside & Out

Compared to the 2023 model, the Sorento is a bit more butch-looking now, with angry headlights no longer integrated into the grille. The vertically stacked headlights do have a swooping “eyebrow” that reaches out towards the grille, though. Overall, I really dig it. It’s simple and attractive, much like the larger Telluride, one of the best-looking family haulers on the market.

The X-Pro has 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, adding to the mildly aggressive look. I like the wheel style, even if the black wheels are getting a little tiresome. Out back, you get a set of taillights that emulates the front end’s look, and that’s about it. The Road Rider Bown exterior paint color is fabulous.

Kia hired the Sorento’s designer, Karim Habib, from BMW in 2019. He is now Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Design Center and has contributed to most of Kia’s latest stuff.

The interior is much the same. Kia kept things simple with a sweeping dashboard and nicely integrated screens. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is lined up next to the driver’s display, giving the feeling that it’s one massive screen. Naturally, you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (both with wireless connectivity) and I didn’t encounter any issues connecting or using CarPlay during my week in the Sorento. The only volume control option is a rocker switch on the steering wheel, which could be better.

Middle-level legroom is 41.7 inches, which is impressive for a fairly small SUV. Behind the third row, you’ll get 12.6 cubic feet of space, which is pretty tight for anything but a quick grocery run. You’ll need to drop the third row to get much in the way of meaningful storage space. Speaking of the third row, it’s there. It’s pretty tight, though; I don’t think I could sit back there for all that long (6 feet, 200 lbs (ish)).

All Sorento models use the same 2.5L four-cylinder engine, which produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft. The latest Sorento also has Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid versions. It’s not fast, but at just over 3,800 pounds, it’s not slow either.

Out on the highway, it proved to be comfortable and quiet. The seats are easy to adjust to find just the right spot, though depending on how far back in the front seat you sit, there isn’t much room to put your arm out the window. Other criticisms were minimal. The door takes a bit to unlock, and you may stand there waving at the handle to get the car to realize you are there.  

Summary

You get a sense that the 2024 Sorento is engineered well. There were even little vortex generators on the mirrors, which probably came from a wind tunnel test. It’s a great size, with a good mix of space for people and stuff. If you’re looking for a three-row crossover that’s easier to park, check out the new Sorento. Plus, the key looks like a detonator, which is fun.