The 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige emerges as a compelling option in the competitive 3-row SUV segment, skillfully positioned between the larger Telluride and the compact Sportage and Niro within Kia’s lineup. This refreshed model caters to those who admire the Telluride but seek a more budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing essential features or overall quality. The 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige delivers a similar suite of sought-after amenities found in its larger sibling, often at a roughly $5,000 lower price point, making it an attractive proposition for savvy SUV buyers.
Striking Exterior Design of the 2024 Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige
From every angle, the exterior aesthetics of the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige are undeniably appealing. The updated tiger nose grille, a signature element of contemporary Kia designs, immediately catches the eye. Complementing this bold front fascia are the striking 20-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, contributing to the SUV’s assertive stance. The vehicle’s profile is further enhanced by strong, sculpted lines, a dynamically shaped hood, and a rear spoiler that cleverly integrates the rear wiper – a feature often reserved for higher-priced SUVs and one particularly appreciated for its practicality, especially in maintaining rear visibility in inclement weather and during car washes.
Front view of the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige showcasing its tiger nose grille and LED headlights
The front of the 2024 Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige is further distinguished by new LED headlights that provide a modern and sophisticated illumination signature. Along the lower perimeter of the SUV, between the wheel arches, a distinctive flat black trim adds a touch of ruggedness and visual interest. The review vehicle was finished in a unique and attractive color called Road Rider Brown, a no-cost option that further enhances the exterior’s appeal and sets it apart from more conventional SUV hues.
Side profile of the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige in Road Rider Brown, highlighting its ground clearance and black trim
The SX-Prestige trim represents the zenith of the Sorento model range, offering the highest level of luxury and features. New for 2024 is the X-Pro designation, an upgrade from the previous X-Line, which signifies enhanced off-road capabilities and a more rugged persona. The X-Pro variant comes standard with all-wheel drive, more aggressively styled tires, and increased ground clearance, resulting in a higher ride height that improves visibility and lends a more commanding presence on the road. While marketed as the most off-road-capable Sorento, the X-Pro SX Prestige still maintains a distinctly luxurious feel, blending ruggedness with premium refinement.
Powerful Performance: Engine and Powertrain
Beneath the hood of the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige lies a potent 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. This powerplant delivers a robust 281 horsepower and an even more impressive 311 pound-feet of torque. This combination ensures brisk acceleration and ample power for various driving situations, especially when utilizing the responsive Sport mode. The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, complete with paddle shifters for those who desire a more engaging driving experience.
Luxurious and Tech-Forward Interior
Stepping into the cabin of the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige is akin to entering a luxury SUV. The interior immediately impresses with its premium materials and thoughtful design. The seats are upholstered in genuine leather (not Kia’s SynTex synthetic leather), offering a comfortable and upscale feel, featuring subtle bolsters for added support. Detailed stitching accents are evident throughout the cabin, and high-quality, soft-touch materials in contrasting colors adorn the door panels and dashboard, creating a cohesive and sophisticated ambiance.
Interior of the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige showcasing leather seats, digital gauge cluster, and infotainment screen
Upon starting the vehicle with the push-button ignition, the striking 12.3-inch digital driver gauge cluster illuminates, presenting a vibrant and customizable information display at the center. Drivers can extensively personalize this display using the controls located on the heated, leather-wrapped, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, tailoring the information presented to their preferences.
Center console of the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige highlighting USB ports, wireless charger, and controls
The center console is thoughtfully designed and highly functional, featuring three USB ports and a convenient wireless phone charging pad. Two cupholders and an additional storage cubby provide ample space for personal items like toll tags or phones. The console also houses controls for Auto Hold, a deactivation switch for the start/stop system, and a button for the heated steering wheel. Dedicated switches are provided for the heated and ventilated front seats, along with controls for hill descent control, parking assist, and camera activation. The inclusion of dedicated knobs for adjusting the automatic climate control is a welcome ergonomic touch.
Drivers can select from various drive modes, including the engaging Sport mode, as well as Eco, Normal, Smart, and Snow modes, adapting the vehicle’s performance characteristics to different driving conditions. For more challenging terrains, a differential lock can be engaged to enhance traction.
Navigation screen of the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige displaying infotainment features
Positioned high on the dashboard is another 12.3-inch screen, a new addition for 2024, which serves as the interface for the 12-speaker Bose Premium sound system and a comprehensive suite of infotainment features. These include navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear camera displays, SiriusXM radio, HD Radio, a Wi-Fi Hotspot, and Bluetooth connectivity, providing a thoroughly modern and connected driving experience.
Rear passenger window of the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige with sunshades
Passenger Comfort and Utility
Moving to the second row, the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige features comfortable captain’s chairs that offer generous space. These seats are not only heated but also slide and recline, enhancing passenger comfort and adaptability. Rear passengers benefit from dedicated air conditioning vents and conveniently placed USB ports integrated into the back of the front seats. In this trim level, rear-seat passengers also enjoy integrated sunshades in the side windows, offering added privacy and sun protection. A user-friendly button located on the top of the captain’s chairs allows for easy tilting and sliding of the seats forward, facilitating access to the third row.
Second-row captain's chairs in the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige with climate controls and USB ports
It’s important to note that the third-row seating in the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige is best suited for children, as space is somewhat limited and may not be comfortable for adults, especially on longer journeys. For those requiring more substantial third-row and overall passenger space, the Kia Telluride remains the more accommodating choice.
Utility and Cargo Space
The cargo area of the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige, while not expansive, is practically designed. It includes useful under-floor storage to maximize space. The third-row seats can be easily folded down manually to create a flat cargo floor, and they are equally simple to return to their upright position when needed.
Cargo area of the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige with the third row seats folded down
For added convenience, buttons located in the rear cargo area allow for remote lowering of the second-row captain’s chairs. When both the second and third rows are folded, the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige reveals a generous 75 cubic feet of cargo space, providing ample room for larger items.
Standard Features and Safety Technologies
The 2024 Kia Sorento SX-Prestige trim comes comprehensively equipped with a wealth of standard features. These include a large panoramic moonroof with a power-sliding sunshade, keyless entry with remote start, a 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with thigh extension, a 10-way power passenger seat, a power liftgate, park assist, a rearview camera mirror, power-folding mirrors, driver’s seat memory, and much more, ensuring a luxurious and convenient ownership experience.
In terms of safety, the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige is equipped with an array of advanced driver-assistance systems. These include blind-spot monitoring, forward collision assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear seat alert to remind drivers to check for passengers or items left in the back seat.
The blind-spot monitoring system is particularly advanced, providing not only visual alerts in the side mirrors but also displaying a live, wide-angle side view of the road in the digital gauge cluster when the turn signals are activated. This innovative feature enhances driver awareness and safety significantly.
Options and Pricing
Optional extras for the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige are limited, keeping the configuration process straightforward. Available options include an Olive Brown leather interior package for $295, carpeted floor mats for $225, and a carpeted cargo area mat for $115, allowing for a degree of personalization.
Fuel economy for the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, with a combined rating of 23 mpg. The total MSRP as tested, with the SX-Prestige trim and X-Pro designation, comes to $49,400. This price point is particularly compelling given the extensive list of features and the overall level of refinement offered in this SUV.
On the Road: Driving Experience
One of the standout aspects of the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige is its exceptional cabin quietness. Kia has clearly prioritized noise reduction, resulting in a remarkably serene driving environment. While the X-Pro variant is designed to handle light off-road excursions, its on-road manners are equally impressive. The Sorento is easy to maneuver and park in urban settings, and visibility is excellent all around. Notably, the X-Pro trim is the only Sorento model rated to tow up to 4,500 pounds, adding to its versatility.
Final Verdict: Is the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige Right for You?
Kia has undeniably created a winner with the 2024 Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige. Building on the success of previous models and mirroring the popularity of the Telluride, the Sorento offers outstanding value in the 3-row SUV segment. Its blend of luxury features, robust performance, and practical utility, all backed by Kia’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, makes it a highly attractive choice.
For those considering a Telluride but finding it slightly beyond their needs in terms of size or budget, the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige presents itself as an ideal alternative. It delivers a significant portion of the Telluride experience while allowing buyers to potentially save around $5,000, making it a smart and sensible choice for families and individuals seeking a well-rounded and value-packed SUV.
