2024 Kia Sorento Launched With Gasoline and Diesel Power

9 months, 3 weeks ago - 7 January 2024, autoevolution

Half a year after the official unveiling, the facelifted Kia Sorento has arrived Down Under.

The mid-size crossover is on sale in four trim levels and with two powertrain options, gasoline, and diesel, with the company stating that the self-charging hybrid and plug-in hybrid assemblies will become available in the first half of the year.

The engine family comprises the 2.2L CRDI diesel with all-wheel drive, offered from AU$53,680 (US$36,092) on the S, AU$56,300 (US$37,853) on the Sport, AU$61,320 (US$41,229) on the Sport+, and AU$68,590 (US$46,117) on the GT-Line. The engine develops 148 kW (201 ps/198 hp) at 3,800 rpm and makes 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque from 1,750 to 2,750 rpm.

Customers opting for the 3.5L V6 with front-wheel drive will have to pay at least AU$50,680 (US$34,075) for the entry-level S, AU$53,300 (US$35,836) for the Sport, AU$58,230 (US$39,151) for the Sport+, and AU$65,590 (US$44,100) for the GT-Line. The gasoline unit pumps out 200 kW (272 ps/268 hp) at 6,300 rpm and has 332 Nm (245 lb-ft) of torque available at 5,000 rpm.

Ordering the base version of the 2024 Kia Sorento will get you electric folding side mirrors, front and rear mudguards, roof rails, a rear spoiler, rain-sensing wipers, paddle shifters, a 4-inch multi-function LCD display, two USB sockets, illuminated vanity mirrors, DAB radio, seven-speaker audio system, 12.3-inch infotainment, over-the-air updates, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and manual air conditioning.

Choosing the Sport will give customers rear privacy windows, satellite navigation with 10-year traffic information and map updates, dual-zone climate control, third-row fan control and vents, and a few other things. The Sport+ brings heated side mirrors, a hands-free tailgate, a heated steering wheel, second-row USB sockets, Bose premium audio, and heated front seats. Finally, the GT-Line adds a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a color head-up display, 64-color ambient lighting, alloy pedals, a wireless charging pad, LED interior lights, heated second-row seats, and an in-car intercom system.

As for some of the things setting it apart from its predecessor, these include the sleeker exterior design with the vertically-stacked LED headlamps that flank the new tiger-nose grille. It also has a new bumper with a softer appearance, a fresh hood that aligns with the nose, a new rear bumper, and tweaked taillights. The Korean company has also paid attention to the wheels, which have a fresh look and has expanded the exterior color palette. Finally, the mid-size crossover sports the brand's new emblems.

Kia has yet to launch the facelifted Sorento in the United States, though it shouldn't be long until we find out our market's pricing details and specifications. For now, the vehicle is in the 2023 model year on the official website, so the updated one will likely launch in the next few weeks or months, likely as a 2025 model.