2024 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse was available in three main trims in Canada: LT, Z71, and RS. The Z71 was a new addition, designed for those interested in moderate off-roading. Chevrolet emphasized that the Z71 was not intended to compete with hardcore off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, but it was capable of handling reasonably rugged terrain. The Traverse's pricing was competitive, with the LT starting at $50,833 and the RS reaching up to $65,733. The Z71 model, priced at $56,833, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint, with a Jet Black interior accented by "Torch Red" highlights. The standard cloth seats were comfortable, though synthetic leather was available for an additional cost.

The 2024 Kia Sorento received its first major visual update since its 2021 debut, aligning its design more closely with Kia's other SUVs like the Telluride and EV9. The Sorento featured a bold new front end with a large grille, vertically stacked LED headlights, and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights. The rear was subtly updated with new bumpers and LED taillights on higher trims. The Sorento's trims in Canada included LX, EX, X-Line, X-Line Limited, and the new X-Pro, with the latter two offering more aggressive styling. Inside, the Sorento boasted a new dashboard with a combined gauge cluster and infotainment display under a single pane of glass, with higher trims featuring twin 12.3-inch displays. The cabin materials were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on the optional leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower 3.6-litre V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine offered 18 more horsepower and 50 more lb-ft of torque than the V6. All-wheel drive was standard across all trims in Canada, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced dual-clutch system. The Traverse provided acceptable acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust growl during acceleration. The steering was adequate, and the ride quality was exemplary, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes were progressive, and the stop-and-start feature was seamless. Fuel economy was rated at 12.4 L/100 km in the city, 9.9 on the highway, and 11.3 combined.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained its base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, which was underpowered for the vehicle's size. Higher trims used a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged Sorento offered lively performance, with zero-to-100 times in the mid-seven-second range. All-wheel drive was standard, with ground clearance varying by trim. The Sorento handled confidently, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Pro trim excelled in off-road conditions, offering improved engine cooling and a higher towing capacity. Fuel economy for the turbocharged models was 10.3 L/100 km combined.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for eight in the LT and Z71 trims, while the RS trim featured second-row captain's chairs, reducing capacity to seven. The third row was suitable for average-sized adults, though taller passengers might need the second-row seats adjusted. The Smart Slide second-row seats were easy to use, and a power-folding third row was available. Cargo volume was 648 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second and third rows folded. The cabin featured numerous storage options, including a hidden storage area under the centre console. Visibility was generally good, though the third row had limited views. The Z71 model had a power-operated driver's seat, but the front passenger seat was manually adjustable.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was upscale and modern, with comfortable seating in the first two rows and a tighter third row. The Sorento offered more legroom in the front and second rows than many two-row SUVs, with 1,052 mm and 1,060 mm, respectively. The third row had 752 mm of legroom, suitable for children or short trips. The Sorento's new dash was ergonomic, with logical controls and ample storage space. Cargo capacity was 357 litres with the third row in use, expanding to 1,090 to 1,274 litres with it folded, and up to 2,139 litres with all seats down. Higher trims featured a power liftgate.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse featured a large 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, standard across all models, with rapid response times and simple menus. An 11-inch digital instrument display was configurable and useful for navigation. The infotainment system ran on Google-based software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless charging pad was included, and physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were retained. The Traverse also offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, which could be used on pre-mapped single-lane roadways.

The 2024 Kia Sorento adopted a single-pane, twin-screen setup for its gauge and infotainment displays. All models featured a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, with higher trims also receiving a 12.3-inch digital display. The new "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" software prioritized popular features and offered a simple interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the system supported over-the-air updates. The Sorento included USB-C outlets in all rows and a Bose 12-speaker audio system on top trims. Digital Key 2.0 was available on higher trims, allowing phone-based vehicle access.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review. However, it came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured an extensive array of standard and optional safety systems. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Sorento had not been fully evaluated by IIHS or NHTSA, but previous models received favourable ratings.