2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Hyundai Kona was designed with an electric vehicle focus, evident in its sleek, modern appearance. Its grille resembled the Ioniq 5, featuring a single-piece design typical of electric powertrains. The front end was dominated by a single skinny LED headlight, part of the “seamless horizon” styling seen in the new Sonata. Despite being nearly 6 inches longer than its predecessor, the Kona maintained a recognizable silhouette. The doors featured a new “parametric surface,” and the black body cladding on various trims was more substantial and angular. The Kona lineup came standard with LED lighting, and wheel sizes varied by trim, with 17-inch wheels standard and up to 19-inch for higher trims. Inside, the cabin was updated with a driver-oriented center stack, a relocated gear shift, and a curved display housing both driver-information and infotainment screens.

The 2024 Kia Sorento received its first major visual update since 2021, aligning more closely with its siblings like the Telluride. It featured a bold new front end with a large grille, vertically-stacked LED headlights, and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights, giving it a more imposing presence. The rear updates were subtle, with new bumpers and LED taillights on higher trims. The Sorento’s trims remained the same, but the rugged X-Line package was limited to EX and higher models, and the new X-Pro trim offered even more aggressive styling. Inside, the Sorento boasted a new dashboard with a clean, horizontal design, and higher trims featured twin 12.3-inch displays. The cabin materials were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on leather-wrapped elements, offering a more upscale feel.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained its previous engine lineup, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque for the SE and SEL trims. The N-Line and Limited trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission was replaced by an eight-speed automatic. Paddle shifters were available on the N-Line and Limited trims, and the SEL Convenience Package offered them for the CVT. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $1,500. The AWD option slightly reduced fuel economy estimates.

The 2024 Kia Sorento maintained its mechanical components, with a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The EX and higher models used a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic. The Sorento offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The X-Line setup included more aggressive styling and increased ground clearance. The Sorento handled confidently, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Pro trim featured 17-inch rims with all-terrain tires, enhancing off-road capability and ride comfort. The Sorento’s towing capacity varied by trim, with the X-Pro rated at 4,500 pounds.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona’s increased length improved rear-seat legroom to 38.2 inches and cargo capacity to 25.5 cubic feet with the seats up, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet with them folded. The cabin featured a handy shelf for storage and a guardrail on the wireless charging pad. The Kona offered cloth seats on lower trims and leather/suede combinations on higher trims. Ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard on the Limited trim.

The 2024 Kia Sorento’s cabin was comfortable in the first two rows, with 41.4 inches of front legroom and 41.7 inches in the second row. The third row offered 29.6 inches of legroom, suitable for children. The Sorento’s new dash was ergonomic, with ample storage space. Cargo capacity varied, with 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with all seats down. Higher trims featured a power liftgate.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona featured a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on lower trims. An OTA update was promised for higher trims. The Kona included wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a Bose audio system. Dual 12.3-inch screens were available on higher trims, and Hyundai’s Bluelink services were standard.

The 2024 Kia Sorento adopted a single-pane, twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch screen on all models. The new “Connected Car Navigation Cockpit” software prioritized popular features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the system supported OTA updates. The Sorento included USB-C outlets in all rows and a Bose 12-speaker audio system on higher trims. Digital Key 2.0 was available on SX and SX-Prestige models.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona included standard safety features like Safe Exit Warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. High-beam assist was standard, with adaptive cruise control on higher trims. The Limited trim featured Surround View Monitor and blind-spot view monitor.

The 2024 Kia Sorento’s Drivewise suite offered extensive safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Sorento received “Good” ratings in some IIHS tests, but the LATCH system was rated “Acceptable.”