2019 Kia Sorento Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The Kia Sorento has always offered a great deal of value for consumers. However, it's not just a midsize SUV for families on a tight budget. Because of the Sorento's class-leading warranty protection and high-quality interior, some people are even choosing the Sorento over the likes of the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander.

For 2019, Kia has taken the Sorento's appeal to the next level by giving it some important updates. Not only does the 2019 Kia Sorento have a more eye-catching look, but it also comes loaded with even more standard features. Furthermore, you no longer have to pay extra for a third-row seat.

With a total of five available trims in its lineup, the 2019 Kia Sorento can accommodate a wide range of different budgets. While prices start at just less than $26,000 for the new Sorento, available upgrades cause its total price to climb past the $40,000 mark. Let's find out what each trim brings to the table.

Compare the 2019 Kia Sorento L vs LX Trims. What is the difference?

With an MSRP of $25,990, the L trim is your cheapest way into a new Sorento. Like every other new Sorento, it can seat up to seven people. Under the hood sits Kia's popular GDI four-cylinder engine, which pushes out 185 horsepower. Last year's six-speed automatic transmission comes standard as well. Remember, this base model does not offer all-wheel drive.

On the inside, the Sorento L does not provide an abundance of creature comforts. It comes equipped with manually adjustable front seats and cloth upholstery. Fortunately, Kia covers the seats with YES Essentials fabric treatment for easy cleaning.

You will get some rather nice technologies on the Sorento L. Kia's Uvo infotainment system is the biggest attraction, which provides a 7.0-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone support. Some of the other standard equipment includes a single USB port, Bluetooth streaming, and a six-speaker stereo system with satellite radio.

On the downside, no driver-assist safety technologies are found on the base L model.
Four-wheel disc brakes and a tire-pressure monitor do come standard. As expected, a backup camera is included as well.

In terms of exterior styling, the base Sorento L has a rather sharp appearance. LED turn signals on the mirrors give it a European feel. Halogen projector headlamps and 17-inch alloy wheels also come equipped on the Sorento L.

Aside from adding roof rails, the Sorento LX looks virtually the same on the outside. However, it does bolster safety by bringing blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Meanwhile, extra USB ports help your family to keep their tablets and smartphones charged.

All-wheel drive is optional on the Sorento LX. You can also step up to a stronger V6 engine, which enhances performance and upgrades the SUV's towing capabilities. It's rated to kick out a meaty 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission comes with the additional muscle. A couple of extra features are found inside the V6-powered Sorento LX: a power driver's seat and two-zone automatic climate control.

For $2000, you can add a Convenience package to the Sorento LX. The front-seat warmers promise to make life more comfortable during the winter months. Some of the package's other features include an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear proximity sensors for easier parking, and an upgraded infotainment system with navigation.

Compare the 2019 Sorento LX vs EX Trims. What is the difference?

From a standpoint of cost, the new Kia Sorento EX is nearly $8,000 more expensive than the Sorento LX. However, it rewards you with a lot of luxury for the money. You'll get the LX trim's optional V6 engine as a standard feature. A cooler-looking set of 18-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lights bolster the Sorento EX's exterior appearance.

Leather upholstery gives the EX trim a plush character on the inside. Noise-reducing front door windows also help ensure an even quieter ride. A power tailgate is another one of the Sorento's EX's nice conveniences. Rear air-conditioning controls, an electronic parking brake, and push-button start add to the EX trim's appeal.

Your family will especially appreciate the Sorento EX's standard advanced safety package. It provides smart cruise control, automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, and lane-keep assist.

If you have an extra $3,200 to spend, consider getting the Touring package. It transforms the Sorento EX into a more upscale SUV. Music lovers will be delighted by the powerful Harmon Kardon sound system. When warm weather comes to town, the panoramic sunroof will prove its worth. Meanwhile, front parking sensors help prevent costly damage to the exterior. Some of the other upgrades include ambient interior lighting, a larger 8.0-inch display with navigation, a 110-volt household outlet, and retractable sunshades.

Compare the Sorento EX vs SX Trims. What is the difference?

The Kia Sorento SX has some race-inspired styling cues. It comes outfitted with a slick set of 19-inch alloy wheels and a dark metallic grille. Red brake calipers give the Sorento SX an even more powerful appearance. You'll also notice the LED running lights. Despite not offering a sports-tuned suspension for enhanced handling, the Sorento SX does benefit from an upgraded steering system. While a V6 engine comes standard, all-wheel drive remains an option.

Although the Sorento SX is more focused on exterior styling, it does add wireless smartphone charging and driver-seat memory settings. Optional EX features, such as the Harman Kardon premium sound system and navigation, come standard on the Sorento SX. Like the EX trim, the SX trim offers a Touring package. While the ventilated front seats provide a cool breeze on scorching hot days, a surround-view camera system helps you to scan the parking lot for hidden danger. Other goodies found in the Touring package include LED headlights, a heated steering wheel, and power-folding side mirrors.

Compare the Sorento SX vs SX Limited Trims. What is the difference?

Atop the lineup sits the Sorento SX Limited. It comes loaded with everything but the kitchen sink. Aside from ventilated front seats, your family and friends will also enjoy the SX Limited trim's heated rear seats. Premium Nappa leather upholstery also helps make the Sorento SX Limited worth its $44,690 starting price.

While the Sorento SX Limited has a striking resemblance to the Sorento SX, there are a few subtle differences. To further separate the Sorento SX Limited, Kia painted equipped it with black brake calipers. Chrome-clad wheels also help differentiate the Sorento SX Limited. LED headlights come standard.

Final Thoughts

Although the Sorento L may lack the availability of all-wheel drive and advanced safety technologies, it will more than satisfy most folks. You'll appreciate Kia's Uvo touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which links to your smartphone in seconds.

Aside from blind-spot monitoring and two extra USB ports, not many other upgrades are found on the Sorento LX. However, all-wheel drive and the more powerful V6 engine become optional.

Despite being far costlier than the lower trims, the Sorento EX does deliver an impressive level of luxury. You'll also enjoy the enhanced security of the standard advanced safety package, which provides driving aids like automatic emergency braking and smart cruise control. This trim may be the best bang for the buck. By spending more money, you can get the Touring package. Expect the Harman Kardon premium sound system to really bring the fun.

With a starting price of nearly $40,000, the Sorento SX will be too costly for some buyers. Nevertheless, it offers sporty looks and a lot of luxury. An upgraded steering system also makes the Sorento SX a bit more entertaining to drive. All of the available safety tech comes standard. Remember, an optional Touring package brings niciities like ventilated front seats and a surround-view parking camera.

Even before adding all-wheel drive, the range-topping Sorento SX Limited will approach nearly $45,000. You can save a lot of money by choosing the SX trim, which is almost as nice. However, only the SX Limited trim provides heated rear seats.

2019 Kia Sorento Key Features

When shopping for a new 2019 Kia Sorento, you'll have access to two different engines. The base four-cylinder's combined fuel economy of 25 mpg makes it great for everyday commuting. However, expect this engine to feel a bit underpowered when hauling around a full load of passengers. This is definitely not the best choice for towing a load.

Expect the 290-horsepower V6 to feel much stronger. While the V6-powered Sorento's new eight-speed automatic transmission has bumped fuel economy to a combined 22 mpg, it sacrifices some performance in comparison to last year's model. The previous V6-equipped Sorento with the old six-speed transmission delivered quicker acceleration.

Like most of its main competitors, the 2019 Kia Sorento comes standard with front-wheel drive. Aside from the base L model, all of the other trims can be equipped with Kia's Dynamax AWD system. While this advanced AWD system does not make the Sorento a very capable off-road machine, it does feature an electronic locking function for improved traction in deep snow.

The Sorento's six-speaker stereo system is what you'd expect from a base audio system. If you desire a more captivating music-listening experience, upgrade to the 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. It's designed with am enclosed subwoofer, which gives you plenty of deep pass. Meanwhile, Clari-Fi technology makes your music sound clearer by digitally enhancing the sound quality.