Kia America has debuted the updated 2024 Sorento SUV following its global reveal in Korea, headlined by a new X-Pro model that features adventure-ready kit and increased towing capacity.
Building on the existing X-Line version available stateside, the new 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro features 17-inch alloy wheels shod in BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres, as well as an increased 4000lb (1814kg) towing capacity in addition to the standard X-Line’s raised 8.2in (208mm) ground clearance. There’s also special X-Pro badging inside and out.
Don’t expect it to come to Australia, however. Kia America produces the bulk of the Sorento line-up domestically at its manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia, which also produces the Sportage, Telluride and K5.
Kia Australia’s product boss, Roland Rivero, also confirmed the X-Pro and X-Line series are limited to Georgia production, and are therefore left-hand drive and American market-only.
Further to that, supply of Kia’s flagship SUV continues to be tight as Australia sources its vehicles from the same factory as high-volume regions like Europe and the Middle East.
As with the version recently revealed in South Korea, the 2024 Kia Sorento in the US sports a revised design with a face inspired by the larger EV9, as well as a redesigned cockpit incorporating the company’s latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) infotainment setup.
The available panoramic curved display – first seen in the EV9 electric SUV – incorporates dual 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and the central infotainment touchscreen, and boasts faster processing, over-the-air (OTA) updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as the latest generation of Kia Connect online services.
Kia America has also confirmed the 2024 Sorento will also add an enhanced adaptive cruise control with a machine learning function, “designed to adapt to and match the driver’s driving style with certain inputs like accelerating and braking patterns”.
The available Highway Driving Assist 2 semi-autonomous highway feature combines adaptive cruise with lane centring and will even assist with lane changes.
New Olive Brown and Sage interior colourways are available for the X-Line and X-Pro trim levels, as well as a matte open-pore inlay option. Jungle Green and Roadrider Brown join the exterior palette for 2024.
The Kia Sorento is available with two 2.5-litre petrol engines in the US, one naturally aspirated and the other turbocharged. Kia America has confirmed the 1.6-litre turbocharged Sorento Hybrid (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) will join the range later next year as 2025-badged models.
The facelifted 2024 Kia Sorento range will hit Australia either late in 2023 or very early in the new year, with the brand’s local arm confirming carryover powertrains – i.e. 3.5-litre V6 FWD, 2.2-litre diesel AWD, 1.6-litre Hybrid FWD/AWD and 1.6-litre Plug-in Hybrid AWD versions. The hybrids have been off sale since late-2022 due to tight supply.
In Australia, the updated Sorento will also feature 10 airbags (up from the current seven), an enhanced autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system as well as the brand’s Highway Driving Assist 2 semi-autonomous driving system.
The upgraded AEB function – known in Kia-speak as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist – adds a front cross-traffic braking function as well as “side approaching vehicle”, “oncoming vehicle” and “avoidance steering assist when overtaking” functions.
These updates are in addition to the already confirmed dual-12.3-inch Panoramic Curved Display incorporating instrument cluster and infotainment screens, as well as Kia’s new ccNC infotainment system with wireless software updates.
It’s understood the Highway Driving Assist 2 semi-autonomous assistant is also on the cards for the Australian market, given it recently debuted Down Under with the all-electric EV9 flagship.
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