Kia expands Sorento lineup, offers gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid models
Kia’s Sorento three-row crossover utility vehicle entered its fourth generation two years ago, and has an expanded lineup that now includes a plug-in hybrid version, along with the standard gasoline models and conventional hybrids with no external charging capability.
For 2024, regular Sorento hybrids start at $36,690 (plus $1,325 freight), while the plug-in is offered only in the SX-P trim, and begins at $49,990.
Regular hybrids include the EX front-wheel-drive version for the $36,690 price, followed by the EX all-wheel drive at $38,990 and SX-P at 42,990.
Dressing it up – or toughening it up, perhaps – is the rugged X-line treatment that’s designed to make the Sorento more suitable for backroad and limited off-road excursions.
As for the gasoline-only models, for 2023 the X-line package was expanded to Sorento EX and S trims due to the popularity of this rugged iteration, Kia said.
Prices for 2024 gasoline models have not been announced yet. But at the top of the line for 2023 gas models is the Sorento X-line Sx-prestige AWD model (base
price $43,690 plus freight), which includes the standard all-wheel drive, six-passenger seating instead of the standard seven-passenger layout, and an impressive turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine.
Other gasoline-only Sorento models for 2023 include the base LX ($30,090, front drive; $31,890, AWD); S ($32,590, FWD only); X-line S AWD ($34,590); EX ($35,990, FWD only); X-line EX AWD ($39,690); SX ($38,890, FWD; $40,590, AWD); and Sx-prestige AWD ($43,490).
In other recent changes,
the Sorento SX-P models got standard memory seats with 14-way power adjust and a new thigh extender. The SX-P trim also received standard rear heated captain’s chairs.
The 10.25-inch touch screen with navigation and telematics is now standard on all models from the S trim above.
In the regular gasoline models, the 2.5-liter engine cranks out an impressive 281 horsepower and 311 foot-pounds of torque. It’s connected to a truly smoothshifting eight-speed dualclutch automatic transmission.
Extras that make up the
X-line package include Torque-vectoring All-wheel Drive, a center-locking differential, an inch-higher ground clearance, roof rails for additional cargo and backwoods gear, “aggressive” X-line front and rear bumpers, exclusive Matte Black lower body cladding, and unique wheels with all-season tires.
EPA fuel-economy ratings for the gasoline-only models are 22 mpg city/29 highway/25 combined for front drive, and 22/27/24 for AWD versions.
Regular hybrids are 39 mpg city/35 highway/37 combined.