The 2024 Kia Sorento has made its grand entrance at dealerships, establishing itself as a formidable contender in the SUV market. This model year showcases a blend of robust performance, sophisticated style, and a suite of comfort features, making it a compelling choice for discerning drivers. Available in both traditional gasoline and eco-conscious hybrid powertrains, the 2024 Sorento delivers versatility without compromising on power or efficiency.
Recognizing the competitive landscape of the crossover SUV segment, this article delves into a detailed comparison of the 2024 Kia Sorento and the Toyota Highlander, focusing on the specifications that truly matter to car buyers. A closer examination of the 2024 Kia Sorento Specifications reveals its distinct advantages and positions it as a leader in its class. Let’s explore what makes the 2024 Kia Sorento a standout SUV.
Design and Interior Specifications
The 2024 Kia Sorento exudes sophistication from every angle. Its exterior design is marked by a sleek profile, underscored by standard 17-inch alloy wheels, with options to upgrade to more imposing 20-inch alloy wheels. Heated power side view mirrors are standard, enhancing convenience and safety in colder climates. Privacy glass adds an element of exclusivity and comfort for passengers, while LED projector headlights and LED positioning headlights ensure optimal visibility. For those seeking premium features, higher trims offer a panoramic sunroof to bring the outside in, a smart power liftgate for effortless cargo access, stylish chrome-trimmed door handles, and practical roof rails.
When placed side-by-side with the Toyota Highlander, certain distinctions become apparent in terms of design specifications. The Highlander offers 18-inch or 20-inch wheels, and LED projector headlights are reserved for the premium configurations. While the Toyota Highlander also provides an available hands-free power liftgate and a panoramic glass roof on select trims, the standard and available features of the Sorento are strategically designed to offer a compelling package.
Stepping inside, the 2024 Kia Sorento interior specifications highlight passenger comfort and cargo versatility. Both the Sorento and Highlander offer seating configurations for six or seven passengers. The Sorento comes standard with comfortable cloth seats, with available leather seat upgrades for a touch of luxury. A notable feature in the Sorento is the second-row dual-level cargo floor, maximizing storage space and organization. Luxury is further amplified in the premium Sorento trims with features like a full display mirror for enhanced visibility, a heated steering wheel for cold weather comfort, second-row captain’s chairs for individual passenger space, and heated and ventilated front seats for ultimate climate control.
In contrast, the Toyota Highlander interior specifications include cloth and leather seat options and available heated and ventilated front seats. However, a key difference lies in the front passenger seat adjustability. The 2024 Kia Sorento offers an available 10-way power front passenger seat, providing superior customization compared to the Highlander’s available 8-way power front passenger seat.
Alt: Green 2024 Kia Sorento showcasing front side specifications and design elements.
Alt: Blue 2024 Kia Sorento displaying rear side specifications and sophisticated styling.
Performance and Powertrain Specifications
Performance specifications are a crucial aspect for SUV buyers, and the 2024 Kia Sorento offers a range of powertrain options to cater to different driving preferences. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. For drivers seeking more spirited performance, premium trims are equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that significantly boosts output to 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
For those prioritizing fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, the 2024 Kia Sorento hybrid specifications are particularly compelling. Hybrid options include a 227-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder full parallel hybrid system, or an even more powerful 261-horsepower hybrid powertrain, both utilizing a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for seamless power delivery. Both gasoline and hybrid Sorento models offer the choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, providing adaptability to various driving conditions.
The Toyota Highlander’s powertrain specifications present a different approach. Entry-level Highlander trims feature a 265-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid models of the 2024 Toyota Highlander utilize a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid system, delivering a combined 243 horsepower. When directly comparing horsepower figures, the 2024 Kia Sorento offers a more powerful turbocharged gasoline engine option and a more potent hybrid powertrain in its higher configurations.
Safety and Driver Assistance Specifications
Safety is paramount in the SUV segment, and the 2024 Kia Sorento specifications include a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems across all trims. Standard safety features encompass blind spot collision warnings, forward collision avoidance assist, rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist, and lane departure warnings with lane keeping assist. Smart cruise control (adaptive cruise control) and lane following assist are also standard, along with automatic emergency braking, enhancing both convenience and safety on every journey. Upgrades include evasive steering assist detection and a surround view monitor, further elevating the safety technology offered.
Comparing safety specifications, the Toyota Highlander comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ suite, which includes lane departure alerts with steering assist, blind spot monitoring, and full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control. However, a panoramic view monitor is only available on the highest Highlander trims, whereas the Sorento provides options for similar advanced safety technologies across a broader range of models.
Technology and Connectivity Specifications
Inside the cabin, the 2024 Kia Sorento interior technology specifications are designed to keep occupants connected and entertained. A 4-inch instrument display provides essential driving information, while a prominent 12.3-inch touchscreen display serves as the central hub for infotainment. Remote start, USB ports, Kia Connect services, and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android™ Auto smartphone integration are all standard features. Available technology upgrades include a navigation system, a sophisticated 12.3-inch curved instrument display, a Wi-Fi hotspot for on-the-go connectivity, and wireless phone charging for cable-free convenience. Select Sorento trims also come equipped with Highway Driving Assist 2 and a premium 12-speaker Bose® audio system, enhancing the overall driving and passenger experience.
In terms of interior technology specifications, the Toyota Highlander features a standard 8-inch touchscreen display, with an available upgrade to a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Wireless charging is offered as an optional feature, and premium Highlander trims include an 11-speaker JBL® premium audio system. The 2024 Kia Sorento stands out with its standard larger touchscreen, available curved instrument display and Bose audio system, offering a more technologically advanced and immersive in-cabin experience.
Conclusion: 2024 Kia Sorento – A Specification Leader
Upon a detailed examination of the 2024 Kia Sorento specifications, it’s clear that this SUV is engineered to excel in a competitive market. From its sophisticated design and versatile interior to its robust performance, comprehensive safety features, and advanced technology, the Sorento consistently outperforms in key areas. Drivers seeking a top-tier SUV that delivers on all fronts will find the 2024 Kia Sorento to be an exceptional choice. Visit a Kia dealership to explore the full specifications and experience the 2024 Kia Sorento firsthand.
