2024 Kia Sorento: SUV Made For Toughness

2024 Kia Sorento: SUV Made For Toughness

The Kia Sorento has long been a favorite among mid-size SUVs and the 2024 model continues this tradition with a blend of style, performance and practicality. The latest Sorento stands out in a crowded segment by offering a variety of engine options, including a fuel-efficient hybrid, all wrapped in a sleek, modern design.

Specifications of the 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Kia Sorento comes packed with features that cater to a wide range of driving needs. Available in multiple trims – LX, S, EX, SX and SX Prestige – each model offers something unique.

Engine and Performance: The Sorento’s base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 191 horsepower. If you’re craving more power, the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivers an impressive 281 horsepower. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and responsive gear shifts. For those who prioritize eco-friendliness, the Sorento also offers a hybrid option, combining a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor to produce 227 horsepower.

Drivetrain Options: Front-wheel drive is standard, but if you’re looking to tackle more challenging terrains, the available all-wheel drive (AWD) system is worth considering. It comes with a center-locking differential and torque vectoring, making the Sorento a capable off-roader in its own right.

Towing Capacity: With the turbocharged engine, the Kia Sorento can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is quite competitive for a mid-size SUV in this segment.

Pros and Cons of the Kia Sorento

Every vehicle has its strengths and weaknesses and the Kia Sorento is no exception. This review on Kia Sorento wouldn’t be complete without weighing the pros and cons.

Pros:

• Versatile Engine Options: The variety of engines available ensures there’s a Sorento to match every driver’s preference, from fuel efficiency to raw power.
• Stylish Design: The 2024 Kia Sorento boasts a sleek exterior that turns heads, complemented by a modern interior that’s both functional and comfortable.
• Advanced Safety Features: Kia’s commitment to safety is evident in the Sorento, with a plethora of driver-assistance features available as standard or optional.
• Third-Row Seating: Despite being a mid-size SUV, the Sorento offers third-row seating, which is a plus for families needing extra passenger capacity.

Cons:

• Limited Cargo Space: The addition of a third row compromises the cargo space, especially when all seats are in use.
• Pricey Upper Trims: While the base models are reasonably priced, the cost can escalate quickly as you move up the trim levels, especially when adding options.
• Middling Performance for Base Engine: The non-turbo engine might feel underpowered for some drivers, particularly those who plan on heavy towing or frequent highway driving.

2024 Kia Sorento Price in Naira by Models

When it comes to value for money, this review on Kia Sorento reveals that the SUV offers competitive pricing. However, the price can vary depending on the model and options chosen. Below is an estimated breakdown of the 2024 Kia Sorento prices in Nigerian Naira (₦):

• Kia Sorento LX: ₦50,000,000
• Kia Sorento S: ₦54,942,000
• Kia Sorento EX: ₦62,000,000
• Kia Sorento SX: ₦58,925,000
• Kia Sorento SX Prestige: ₦83,000,000

These prices are approximations and can fluctuate based on import duties, dealership markups and additional features.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

One of the standout elements in this review on Kia Sorento is the extensive safety and driver-assistance features that the 2024 model offers. Safety is a priority for Kia and the Sorento is no exception.

Standard Safety Features: The 2024 Kia Sorento comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. These include forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist. These features help prevent accidents before they happen, offering peace of mind on every journey.

Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems: Higher trims and options add even more advanced safety tech, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. These features make maneuvering in tight spaces and long highway drives much more manageable.

Crash Test Ratings: The 2024 Sorento has received high marks from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), reinforcing its status as a safe choice for families.

Drive and Performance

In terms of driving dynamics, this review on Kia Sorento finds the SUV to be a mixed bag depending on the engine choice.

Base Engine Performance: The standard 2.5-liter engine provides adequate power for city driving but can feel slightly underwhelming on the highway, especially when the SUV is fully loaded. However, it’s smooth and quiet, making it suitable for daily commuting.

Turbocharged Engine: For those who want more spirited performance, the turbocharged engine is the way to go. It delivers robust acceleration, making merging onto highways and overtaking slower vehicles a breeze. The turbocharged Sorento also handles corners with more agility, giving it a sportier feel compared to the base engine.

Ride Comfort: The Sorento’s suspension does a commendable job of soaking up road imperfections, offering a comfortable ride even on rougher roads. The steering is light, which is great for urban driving but might leave some drivers craving more feedback on winding roads.

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is often a significant consideration for SUV buyers and this review on Kia Sorento is happy to report that the 2024 model fares well in this department.

Standard Engine Efficiency: The base 2.5-liter engine offers decent fuel economy, with an EPA rating of about 24 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel-drive version. The all-wheel-drive variant sees a slight dip, but it’s still competitive.

Turbocharged Engine Efficiency: Surprisingly, the turbocharged engine isn’t far behind in terms of efficiency, delivering around 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. Given the performance boost, this is an excellent trade-off.

Hybrid Option: The hybrid model stands out with its impressive efficiency, delivering up to 39 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. For those who prioritize fuel savings, the hybrid is a compelling option, especially for urban driving.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2024 Kia Sorento, you’re greeted with an interior that is both stylish and practical, as highlighted in this review on Kia Sorento.

Cabin Quality: The interior materials are a mix of soft-touch plastics, leatherette and high-quality fabric, depending on the trim level. The overall build quality is solid, with a design that feels more upscale than what the price might suggest.

Seating Comfort: The front seats are supportive and offer plenty of adjustments, making long drives comfortable. The second-row seats are equally accommodating, with an option for captain’s chairs, which enhances passenger comfort. The third row, while a bit cramped, is suitable for children or short trips.

Infotainment System: Kia has equipped the Sorento with a user-friendly infotainment system. A standard 8-inch touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate, but the available 10.25-inch screen offers a more immersive experience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trims and the higher trims feature a premium sound system, wireless charging and multiple USB ports.

Cargo Space: Cargo capacity is where the Sorento shows some limitations. With all seats in place, you get about 12.6 cubic feet of space. Folding down the third row expands this to 45 cubic feet and with both the second and third rows down, you get a maximum of 75.5 cubic feet. This is adequate but not class-leading, particularly if you frequently carry large loads.

Value for Money

This review on Kia Sorento wouldn’t be complete without discussing value, a crucial factor for many buyers.

Pricing and Features: Given the array of features, the Sorento offers excellent value, particularly in the lower to mid-range trims. You get a lot of SUV for your money, especially when you factor in the safety features and interior quality.

Resale Value: Kia vehicles, including the Sorento, have shown decent resale value over the years. This is important for those considering long-term ownership or eventual trade-in.

Quality and Reliability

Kia has come a long way in terms of quality and reliability and this review on Kia Sorento reflects that evolution.

Build Quality: The 2024 Sorento exhibits a high standard of build quality, with tight panel gaps and a solid feel throughout. The materials used inside the cabin are durable, ensuring that the interior will hold up well over time.

Reliability Ratings: Kia’s reputation for reliability continues to grow and the Sorento is no exception. The 2024 model is expected to maintain Kia’s track record of producing dependable vehicles with lower-than-average maintenance costs.

Warranty Coverage: One of Kia’s strongest selling points is its warranty. The Sorento comes with an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which provides significant peace of mind for buyers. This, combined with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, makes the Sorento an attractive option for those who prioritize long-term reliability.

In wrapping up this review on Kia Sorento, it’s clear that the 2024 model is a strong contender in the mid-size SUV segment. It offers a well-rounded package with versatile engine choices, a comfortable and well-appointed interior and a suite of advanced safety features. While it has its downsides, such as limited cargo space and potentially high costs for upper trims, the overall value it provides is hard to beat.

Whether you’re a daily commuter, a family in need of extra seating or someone who loves a well-designed vehicle, the Kia Sorento deserves a spot on your shortlist. The combination of affordability, reliability and modern features makes the 2024 Kia Sorento an SUV that is well worth considering. So, if you’re in the market for a new SUV, this review on Kia Sorento should have given you a clear picture of why it’s a top choice for 2024.

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