Why the 2024 Kia Sorento is America’s Favorite SUV: A Test Drive Review

2024 Kia Sorento Test Drive: The Secret Behind Its Top Sales

Hello, I’m Double Look, an automotive influencer.

Recently, I took a trip to the countryside and had the opportunity to test drive the Kia Sorento for three days and two nights.

The 2024 Sorento recorded sales of 57,184 units from January to July 2024, making it the best-selling vehicle overall, including both domestic and imported cars.

It has consistently held the number one spot in sales.

The Kia Sorento is a mid-size SUV that offers ample space and accessibility, giving it an edge over competitors.

It has maintained a top-three ranking for an extended period.

Recently, more people have been purchasing SUVs for camping or road trips, which has contributed to the soaring sales of mid-size SUVs.

My wife and I frequently go golfing, and if I had to pick the most common vehicle I see in golf course parking lots, it would undoubtedly be the Kia Sorento.

The Sorento comes in three powertrain options: a gasoline turbo 1.6 hybrid, a gasoline turbo 2.5, and a diesel 2.2.

Each model offers unique advantages.

Although demand for the diesel 2.2 model has decreased in the eco-friendly era, it remains popular among business professionals who frequently drive long distances.

Moreover, the gasoline turbo 1.6 hybrid, which is the most popular among all SUVs, has driven sales upward.

People continue to praise the design of the Sorento. Many Sorento owners in my circle have mentioned that they actively considered their wives' opinions when choosing a family car.

I personally tend to prefer the all-new Santa Fe for its more spacious interior among domestic mid-size SUVs. However, female owners and passengers often favor the Kia Sorento over the Santa Fe's boxy design.

Through its facelift, Kia has applied its design identity to the Sorento, earning praise for its aesthetics. Overall, it has received consistent love for its balanced design.

Some express concerns that Kia's common design across models makes them too similar and loses individual identity. However, the Sorento stands out for its excellent design balance and versatility, prompting me to consider a replacement for my vehicle early next year.

The Kia Sorento offers a reasonable price point, with the Noble trim of the gasoline turbo 1.6 hybrid 2WD 6-seater priced at approximately 31,200 USD (4,196,000 KRW).

The Sorento's trunk capacity is 680 liters, making it spacious among mid-size SUVs, except for the Santa Fe, which has a capacity of 705 liters.

While the Santa Fe's trunk has a boxy shape that allows for more cargo space, the Sorento's trunk top is diamond-shaped, which makes it slightly smaller.

I tried fitting two golf bags diagonally in the trunk, and they fit comfortably.

Additionally, if I place two more golf bags on top, I can carry a total of four bags.

If space becomes a bit tight, I can store the driver with the two golf bags in the trunk for convenience.

The second-row space is also quite spacious, especially with features like door-side cup holders that maximize interior space utilization.

The interior featured brown upholstery, which, while not made of genuine leather, has a pleasant color and is widely used.

The facelift has simplified the design by reducing physical buttons, enhancing both simplicity and luxury, while also improving usability.

Notably, the gear shift dial has increased space efficiency between the driver and passenger seats.

2024 Kia Sorento Gasoline Turbo 2.5 Prestige Specifications and Estimated Pricing

Let's first check the specifications and estimated pricing for the gasoline turbo 2.5 model.

Overall Length: 189.4 inches / Width: 74.8 inches / Height: 66.7 inches

Wheelbase: 110.6 inches

Engine: Inline 4-cylinder 1.6L

Max Power: 281 ps / 5,800 rpm

Max Torque: 43.0 kg.m / 1,700 - 4,000 rpm

Tire Size: 235/60R 18 (base option)

Curb Weight: 3,992 lbs

Combined Fuel Efficiency: 25.5 mpg (City 22.4 / Highway 30.6)

Vehicle Price: 29,800 USD (3,575,000 KRW)

Acquisition Tax: 1,750 USD (228,000 KRW)

Bond Discount: 0 USD (Hybrid exemption)

The entry-level model, Prestige, is praised for its value for money. After test driving, I found it impressive not only for high-speed driving but also for its safety and convenience systems.

The delivery time for the Sorento is approximately 1.5 months for the gasoline turbo, 2 months for the diesel 2.2, and 9 months for the most popular gasoline turbo 1.6 hybrid model.

The Santa Fe hybrid has a delivery time of just 4 months, while the Sorento hybrid enjoys broad popularity across all demographics, requiring a wait of over 9 months.

The Sorento's actual purchase price for the Prestige trim typically falls in the upper 30,000 USD range.

However, for those who may not have enough savings or are planning significant expenditures for children's education or home purchases, the initial cost can be a burden.

Additionally, while the gasoline and diesel models can be delivered within 1 to 3 months, the hybrid model requires over 9 months for delivery.

KS Auto Plan secures inventory by selecting popular models in advance, allowing for faster delivery.

For those who are less confident in their driving skills, long-term rentals provide an advantage. Even if an accident occurs, the rental company's insurance rates apply, ensuring that personal insurance premiums do not increase.

Both individuals and businesses can benefit from tax reductions through tax processing. I recommend consulting with KS Auto Plan's business specialists for useful information on this aspect.

You can easily apply for a quote on the website, allowing you to check the best price comparisons. After comparing with other companies, you can finalize your contract under the most reasonable conditions.

This post was created with support from KS.