Refreshed Kia Sorento gets the X-Pro treatment, because of course it does

A midsize crossover with all-terrain tires? Oh yeah, we love to see it. And by "we" I mean "you", and by "you" I mean "Americans who buy new cars". You guys seem to love these things, as evidenced by their proliferation across the auto industry.

The latest beefy glow-up comes from Kia and the Sorento X-Pro, which debuts at the Los Angeles auto show this week. BF Goodrich all-terrain tires wrapping 17-inch wheels are standard on this SUV, and Kia says the Sorento X-Pro can tow 4,000 pounds – a small bump over other models.

X-Pro not your jam? Maybe you'd prefer the Sorento X-Line. This one's just for show, with a unique grille, 20-inch wheels, roof rack, and all the requisite emblems. And, of course, non-X-rated versions of the Sorento will be offered, too, featuring a spiffy new face that's already debuted in Kia's home market of South Korea.

As for what's under the hood, the base Sorento LX and S trims come with a 2.5-liter inline-4 with 191hp and 181lb ft of torque, as well as an 8-speed automatic transmission. Every other Sorento gets a punchier 2.5-liter turbo I4 with 281hp, 311lb ft, and an 8-speed DCT gearbox. This is the same powertrain Hyundai/Kia uses in other models like the Santa Cruz pickup, and it's great.

Looking for hybrid power? Kia will continue to offer electrified Sorentos, just not right away. The Sorento Hybrid and Sorento Plug-In Hybrid "are anticipated to hit dealerships later next year as 2025 models", Kia said in a statement. Look for pricing and fuel economy data about the non-hybrid variants to be released in early 2024.