The 2003 Kia Sorento was the first from the Korean automaker that made me do a double-take and think, “This upstart is not the same purveyor of cruddy little compacts I thought it was.” 
No, the first Sorento looked like a Lexus RX, approached the reliability of its Japanese competitors, and posted affordable prices. It changed everything. Over two decades later, the 2024 Sorento X-Line is still a styling delight…even if the price is a deservedly more upscale.
X-Line indicates it adopts the look of a handsome hiker, taking on a performance-oriented flair from the black grille flanked by vertical LEDs to sculpted broadsides hugging 21” black wheels, and a rear with individual taillamps that hint at Mustang. It’s not especially imaginative, but adds distinct elements to an overall design that would be just as welcome in Acura and Lexus showrooms.
Slide inside for a hearty dose of Euro chic. Twin 12.3” screens sprout from the dash for gauges and infotainment. Connect wirelessly through Apple and Android; charge wirelessly too. Start touching surfaces for sensory delights from the sueded headliner to matte finish woodgrain on the dash. Dual-zone automatic climate control, panoramic glass roof, and serene Bose audio add to the upscale ambience. Enjoy it all from heated and ventilated front seats, heated middle-row captain’s chairs, and while gripping a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
If there are complaints, they’re minor. Especially given the drenching of active safety systems on the Sorento, I’d love a head-up display. There’s technically a split/fold third-row seat, but it’s really for kids and dogs, not full-grown humans. Cargo space is severely limited with the seats up. Separate rear seat climate controls would also be appreciated by those in the cheap seats.
Kicking those seats down the road is no problem given the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 281 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque. Those spirits travel to the all-wheel-drive system through an 8-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Shift by paddles if you must. And, if you want to go off-road, lock in the center differential with a console switch. Back on pavement, expect 20/27-MPG city/highway – quite good for a three-row non-hybrid crossover.
The comparison to Lexus continues with ride and handling. It’s no sports car, so if you’re looking for a BMW X5 at bargain prices, keep looking. However, the four-wheel independent suspension does an excellent job of absorbing rough city pavement and riding comfortably on long highway trips. It’s pleasant from behind the wheel with quick throttle response and precise steering, but you’ll never forget this is a top-heavy SUV and not a sport sedan. Most owners will find it perfectly acceptable for carrying families and gear wherever they roam.
And, they’ll roam safe in a womb of automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, and rear auto brake. Blind spot cameras in the dash and a digital rearview mirror enhance visibility around the vehicle while safe exit assist employs blind spot sensors to prevent passengers from stepping into traffic.
Kia was serious about the Sorento from my very first encounter decades hence. It was a roomy, stylish, and peppy crossover that felt no shame in suburban driveways. Years of evolution have made it one of the benchmarks in its class. Sorento starts at just $31,980, coming to $48,285 with SX-Prestige trim with almost every conceivable option. Competitors include the Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, Chevy Traverse, Ford Explorer, and Subaru Ascent.
Storm Forward!
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