Kia Sorento X-Line Limited 2024: botox and substances – Road test

Based on what I see everywhere, botox is in fashion. Forehead, lips and I don’t know what, but it seems to me that everyone likes to touch these little ones. Even if Kia Sorento the 4th^e generation (2021) was still very young and without wrinkles, we felt that he needed a little youth treatment. It is true that it was very “old” compared to the EV9 which gives Kia a new style approach. So the Sorento has been injected with a small dose of botox, nothing major, to complete this generation that otherwise remains in the game.

Even more different

At Kia, there is no risk of being criticized for a lack of choice. For 2024, including the addition of the X-Pro, the Sorento comes with no less than 5 different versions, which does not count engine options. In this regard, hybrid and plug-in versions remain the same design as in 2021.

2024 is easily distinguished by its new, completely redesigned front. The optical units are no longer horizontal, they are vertical and connected in a complex pattern. The latter extends over the grille and serves as the base for the headlights and daytime running lights. Obviously, everything is LED and provides a powerful light at night. Unfortunately, they have no direction.

The entire lower part and the layout of the grille change depending on the equipment level, but there are basically two models: one for the LX and EX, and the other, for the X-Line and X-Pro. Going with the geometric arms that I find bold! Another stylistic difference of the 2024, the rear lights are no longer designed with 4 vertical bands, each light is connected.

Setting standards

Nowadays, we ask less and less questions about interior design, it’s not difficult, it’s just a screen. By 2021, the Sorento had two, but they were different; for 2024, they merge to form one and with a curve directed to the driver. This method promotes ergonomics.

Although everything is digital, there is little that can be done for gameplay. The image format is different, but you still can’t have a map or variety. With the multimedia system, there is an improvement in the sense that we add color to different tablets. They are very colorful, but at least the eye finds them more easily. Further down, there are split controls for the multimedia system or those for the air conditioner. Just press a button to switch from one to the other.

The console is very functional. The inductive charging tray is well placed and supported by USBC connections. Behind the gear selector is a dual-purpose dial. With a simple click, you can select driving modes or terrain types to improve the performance of the drive train.

With its high roof, visibility is always good, especially since the model we tested came with blind-spot cameras displayed on the instrument panel. Overall comfort is good even if the seats aren’t exactly reclined. At the back, only the base LX version is available with 7 seats. For all other versions, we offer a 2 +2 +2 configuration. What we lose in space, we gain in comfort. 2 places^e The range offers excellent clearance and surprising comfort considering the category. Access 3^e the column is very simple, even if the opening of the passage remains narrow. Largely, with the contribution of the large panoramic roof, there is good light on board.

Since the car has a family appeal, we must talk about the mass of the trunk. With all the seats in place, it offers 340 liters; in a 4-seat configuration, it offers between 1,076 and 1,274 liters depending on the position of the seats in their slides. Finally, all reduced, 2,124 liters are available.

8 very short reports please

It’s no secret that I don’t like the performance of the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic in South Korean products. I was hoping the 2024 change would remove us from this gearbox, but no, it’s still there. In the case of the X-Line Limited edition, it is automatically paired with a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that develops 281 horsepower and 311.6 pound-feet of torque.

In some South Korean products, including the Sorento, there is a real difference in performance when playing with driving modes. In Eco mode, the gearbox offers aggressive performance due to its frequent reluctance. Add to this that the engine power is off, and it is sick. We can save a bit on fuel, but we quickly tire of engine/transmission management.

By selecting Normal and Sport modes, the transmission adjusts better and controls better with smoother shifts. One thing surprised me, I’m still looking for 281 horsepower. There is good power, but we are far from the efficiency and flexibility of the V6 in acceleration and revving. There is nothing good about his voice either. I loaded the trunk with over 500 pounds of equipment and noticed that the engine was running out of steam. I can imagine the results with 4 or 6 people on board, luggage and a towing capacity of 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs), 1,814 kg (4,500 lbs) for the X-Pro.

On the road, the Sorento isn’t the most exciting to drive, but it handles very well. At the very least, it’s more attractive than most competitors. Its management communicates a little, but it is correct. The X-Line version comes with 33mm raised suspension which doesn’t really affect the handling, you have to push the machine to stabilize it.

I did a little bit of road on the surface mainly mud; cog works well and gives good torque management. Regarding consumption, in the city we get close to 13 liters per 100 kilometers without any problem. At the end of my test, my average consumption reached 10.1 liters per 100 km.

Conclusion

The Kia Sorento 2024 It is one transmission away from being one of the best products in its class. Its “large compact, small medium” format is an asset for many families. Its overall performance and its level of equipment for the price also make it very competitive. Basically, the Sorento lineup starts under $42,000, while the model we tested costs $53,375. Given the total functionality and multiple engine options, RPM continues to recommend the Sorento.