Earlier this year, Kia gifted the car world the all-new Sorento. The Korean-made SUV intrigued with its new turbo hybrid powertrain—a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine working with a 44.2kW electric motor to make 227hp and 350Nm. That it looks drop-dead gorgeous helps, too.
Now, the brand is expanding on the all-new Sorento’s proposition by offering it in X-Line form for the US market. This version retains the same overall package but flaunts improvements meant to give the vehicle a little extra versatility off the beaten path.
The biggest upgrades in the Sorento X-Line SX-Prestige is its advanced all-wheel-drive management system, center locking differential, and downhill descent control. This version of the SUV also rides 211mm off the ground—a 25mm improvement over the standard version.
Kia has also thrown in a handful of aesthetic changes to go with the added capability, namely: revised bumpers, a bridge-type roof rack, as well as different 20-inch alloy wheels in a stealthy black finish. These build on the regular Sorento’s tough look, which features a macho profile and what might be the most solid face in the brand’s lineup.
Besides the aforementioned hybrid setup, the all-new Sorento is also available with a 2.5-liter gasoline capable of 191hp and 247Nm, and a 2.5-liter turbo with 281hp and 421Nm. A more potent 1.6-liter hybrid setup has also been announced, though this won’t be available at least until 2021. Features worth mentioning include the availability of a premium 12-speaker Bose sound setup, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a host of driver-assist tech.
Again, the X-Line doesn’t offer that much more over the regular Sorento. For those who often find themselves driving on less-than-stellar surfaces, though, the upgrades it offers may just change their minds. What do you think?
