Sunday Drive: 2024 Kia Sorento a blend of style, performance and comfort
Living where we do in Utah Valley, nestled amidst the awesome landscapes of the Wasatch Mountains, always seems to serve as the perfect backdrop for any new SUV offering in the automotive world. And so it was for the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro Prestige, as we were able to not only explore the Kia but also see some awesome sights!
With the rugged terrain that is only minutes from our home, winding mountain roads and bustling city streets, our area offers a unique range of driving conditions and again proved the perfect testing grounds for Kia’s latest SUV offering.
Over the course of our week with the Sorento, we had the opportunity to experience firsthand what the new Kia has to offer, from its performance and handling to its comfort and awesome technological features.
Design and exterior
From the moment the Sorento landed on our driveway, we were captivated by its sleek and sophisticated exterior design. The SUV’s bold styling cues, including its striking front grille and sculpted lines, made a strong impression as we took our first drive through the streets of our hometown, Springville.
The panoramic sunroof allowed us to embrace the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and wide-open spaces, while the 17-inch black alloy wheels, along with 17-inch tires, from the X-Pro Package, again added a touch of elegance to the overall look of the new SUV. Everywhere we drove, we couldn’t help but admire the Sorento’s commanding presence on the road that turned heads around our neighborhood.
Interior comfort and features
Getting inside the Sorento, we were greeted by the spacious and inviting cabin that instantly put us at ease and made us feel right at home in the new SUV. The controls were easy to understand and get used to.
The premium materials and luxurious appointments, including leather upholstery and heated and cooled front seats, enveloped us in comfort and sophistication. With ample legroom and a generous amount of cargo space, we had plenty of room to stretch out and store most anything we could think of for any adventures we would go on.
The second row of seats were also captain’s chairs, again that were heated, which added to the unique appeal of the Sorento. As we settled in for our first journey out to dinner, we appreciated the thoughtful amenities, such as the heated steering wheel and ambient lighting, which added to the overall sense of relaxation and enjoyment, especially on a cool spring night.
The all-digital cockpit was also a great addition this year with a 12.3-inch driving display that wrapped into the 12.3-inch infotainment display for a linear futuristic look! The X-Pro package added leather-trimmed seats, a SynTex suede headliner along with a digital rearview mirror to the SUV.
Performance and handling
During our many outings, we were impressed by the Sorento’s responsive performance and agile handling, which made navigating the winding canyon roads and city streets on our everyday drive a breeze.
The powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivered plenty of pep for merging onto highways and passing slower vehicles with confidence, coming with an impressive 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. With the Sorento’s advanced all-wheel-drive system providing enhanced traction and stability, we felt secure and in control, even when faced with challenging terrain or wintry weather conditions.
Whether cruising along the scenic roads around Utah Valley or venturing off the beaten path, the Sorento’s smooth ride and precise steering made every drive a pleasure. We averaged a very nice 24 mpg for our week in the Sorento.
Safety and technology
In addition to its impressive performance capabilities, the 2024 Kia Sorento came loaded with advanced safety and technology features designed to enhance driver confidence and convenience.
Standard included safety features were forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist, providing peace of mind on every journey.
Meanwhile, the Sorento’s infotainment system boasts seamless smartphone integration, navigation and a premium sound system, keeping us connected and entertained no matter where we went during the week. With features like wireless charging, a smartphone digital key and a surround-view monitor, the Sorento offered a level of technology and sophistication typically found in luxury vehicles.
Usability
During our week with the Sorento, Deanne had the opportunity, if you will, to help one of her workmates to move from one side of Springville to the other. She spent a couple of evenings in this process and was amazed at how many boxes they could pack into the Kia with the rear seats folded down.
Exhausted both evenings after returning home, she was totally impressed with the ease of loading and unloading the boxes and the huge open space in the back. It would prove to be the perfect vehicle for empty-nesters like us.
Conclusion
Our weeklong adventure in the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro Prestige was nothing short of amazing. From its stylish design and luxurious interior to its powerful performance and advanced technology, the Sorento exceeded our expectations in every way.
As a couple of empty-nesters, working and exploring our local community and surrounding area, the Sorento provided the perfect combination of comfort, capability and confidence, allowing us to work with others and create some memories of our own. For those seeking a versatile and dependable SUV for their own adventures and everyday tasks, we wholeheartedly recommend the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro Prestige.
Base price: $47,390
Destination charge: $1,375
Price as driven: $49,400
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- The 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige.
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- The 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige.
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- Inside the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige.
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- Inside the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige.
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- Inside the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige.
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- The 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige.
