2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid/PHEV for the U.S.: What to expect [Update]

Update: ‘Design’ section revised.

The fourth-gen Kia Sorento that broke cover in February 2020 has received a comprehensive facelift. The 2024 Kia Sorento packs a number of updates, inside and out, and should continue in hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants when it reaches the U.S. market in the following months.

Here’s what we expect from the electrified SUV for the next model year. Bear in mind that some details and visuals provided in this article may reflect the S.Korean-spec Sorento, and we will keep updating this page as new information and photographs become available.

Design

The Sorento has a tough yet modern shape, and its design conveys the same sense of middle-ground between traditional and contemporary. With the facelift, designers have tried to make it bolder and more sophisticated.

The 2024 Kia Sorento’s visual changes are primarily at the front of the vehicle. It features new, vertical headlights inspired by the Kia EV9 that convey more strength. They consist of four low- and high-beam modules stacked vertically and two ‘star map’ DRL stripes that form a T-shape. The radiator grille features a slightly different shape and new inserts, and unlike that of the outgoing model, doesn’t bear the brand logo. The slim additional opening right below the radiator grille is also missing on the new model, for a clean look.

The new bumper includes vertical side air inlets, although we’re yet to know if it’s functional or serves an aesthetic purpose. The skid plate is also revised, while the lower air intake carries a new, black horizontal panel up top. The hood has a smoother design, featuring the brand logo.

On the sides, Kia has changed the design of the Sorento’s alloy wheels with the mid-cycle refresh. At the rear, the split tail lights are connected with a ‘star map’ graphic, as a result of which they form an inverted U-shape. The bumper and skid plate are redesigned, but they don’t look very different. Thankfully, Kia has opted against the block-lettered model name inscription, which has become a cliché.

The U.S.-spec 2024 Kia Sorento, including its electrified variants, should look the same as the S.Korean vehicle for the most part. The differentiation could be via orange side markers on the front wheel arches and different alloy wheels. In fact, on September 11, 2023, The Korean Car Blog released alleged images of the U.S.-spec model with these changes. These pictures were reportedly snapped at Kia America’s National Dealer Meeting, so the official reveal could be imminent.

Interior

The 2024 Kia Sorento features a redesigned dashboard that looks sleeker and more modern. The vertical AC vents on the outer ends aren’t split like on the outgoing model, while the central AC vents are completely new, horizontal units. A new, slim panel finished in black features two rotary dials with integrated push-buttons and touch-control buttons for controlling the climate control and infotainment systems, which looks neat and modern.

Kia has paired the cockpit displays in a seamless curve. Wrapped around the driver, the new screens create a panoramic feeling and exude a minimalist vibe. Instead of the 10.25-inch central display, the new Sorento gets a bigger, 12.3-inch central display. It’s not just the touchscreen that is new, though. Kia says it has used the ‘ccNC’ next-generation infotainment system in the 2024 Sorento.

The center console is slightly different from the outgoing model. Instead of a gearshift lever, the new SUV has a rotary gearshift dial. A new ambient light system highlights the more premium interior. A thin light stripe stretches across the width of the dashboard, right below the AC vents. The artistic pattern on the door panels lights up in the same color.

Another tech upgrade is a larger, multi-color head-up display that projects an image equivalent to a 10-inch screen (outgoing model: 8.5 inches). Lastly, the new model could feature a digital key as well.

Kia manufactures the Sorento PHEV in 5-, 6-, and 7-seat versions, but it doesn’t offer the 5- and 7-seat layouts in the U.S. The second-row seats are individually adjustable captain’s chairs, giving passengers superior comfort. We expect no changes in this aspect in the 2024 model.

Specifications

The 2024 Kia Sorento has carried over the 1.6-liter T-GDi engine for the Hybrid variant and we expect the same for the Plug-in Hybrid variant. From the South Korean launch announcement, we can confirm that the Hybrid variant has upgraded to a torquier engine and a more powerful electric motor. The Plug-in Hybrid variant should have a similar revision, along with an increased electric driving range, but we’ll have to wait until its official reveal for confirmation.

The 2024 Sorento Hybrid’s engine develops 177 hp and 265 lb.-ft of torque and its electric motor generates 64 hp and 195 lb.-ft of torque. Kia hasn’t revealed the total power and total torque yet. Like in the outgoing model, a 6-speed automatic transmission is standard, and an AWD system is available as an option.

In the outgoing Sorento Hybrid, the engine produces 177 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque and the electric motor generates 59 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. The combined power and combined torque of the powertrain are 227 hp and 258 lb.-ft., respectively. The AWD-only Plug-in Hybrid variant generates 261 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, which should go up in the facelifted model.

In the outgoing SUV, the hybrid variant’s electric motor uses a 1.5 kWh battery, while the plug-in hybrid variant’s electric motor uses a 14 kWh battery. The rechargeable electrified variant can deliver an EPA-est. pure electric range of 32 miles. The outgoing Sorento Hybrid returns an EPA-est. combined fuel economy of 37 MPG (FWD)/34 MPG (AWD), while the outgoing Sorento Plug-in Hybrid‘s EPA-est. combined fuel economy is 79 MPGe. We’ll update the specs of the new model once we hear from Kia.

Release date

The 2024 Kia Sorento has been launched in South Korea in ICE (gasoline/diesel) and Hybrid variants. We expect the U.S. launch to follow in Fall 2023.

The Sorento enjoys good demand in the United States. In the first seven months of 2023, Kia sold 51,376 units of the mid-size SUV, 5.7% more than during the corresponding period in 2022 (48,518 units).

Price & Competitors

The 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid could start at around USD 38,000, while the 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid may cost around USD 51,000 onwards. The outgoing hybrid and plug-in hybrid SUVs retail at USD 36,690 and USD 49,990 in their respective base configurations. All prices exclude destination and handling charges (currently USD 1,325).

The smaller and cheaper Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV with its price tag of USD 39,845 (excl. destination and handling charges) would be an attractive option to Kia prospects, especially with its three-row seating. Other rivals include the Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

TopElectricSUV says

Kia is giving the Sorento a fresh lease on life with a bolder exterior, refreshed interior, and updated comfort, connectivity, and safety features. This product action should keep it competitive in the U.S. market until an all-new Sorento arrives later in the decade.

2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid/PHEV FAQs

Featured Image Source: Hyundai Motor Group