2020 Kia Sorento Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

A rewarding list of standard equipment and great warranty coverage help make the 2020 Kia Sorento one of the top values in its class. A quiet, spacious interior also helps make the Sorento an appealing choice. It stacks up well against all of today’s other midsize crossovers.

For 2020, Kia didn’t make it serious updates to the Sorento. However, this SUV recently received a major overhaul last year. Not only did the Sorento benefit from a styling makeover, but it also welcomed a new eight-speed automatic transmission into the lineup.

With a total of seven feature-packed trims to pick from, the 2020 Kia Sorento seeks to satisfy a variety of different budgets. Let’s find out what each trim has to offer.

Compare the 2020 Kia Sorento L vs LX Trims. What is the difference?

The Sorento L is the lowest-priced trim in the lineup. However, it has many appealing qualities. Power comes from Kia’s popular 2.4-liter, DOHC four-cylinder engine. Kia rates it to kick out an adequate 185 ponies and 178 pound-feet of torque. Although this engine may sacrifice some performance, drivers can look forward to saving a little extra money at the pump. A six-speed automatic transmission sends the available power to the asphalt.

Unlike the other trims, the Sorento L is only available with front-wheel drive. This may pose an issue for folks who need to travel in the snow.

When it comes to exterior styling, the Sorento L doesn’t make many sacrifices. A decent-looking set of 17-inch alloy wheels come standard. Projector headlights also enhance the Sorento L’s attractiveness.

On the inside, the base L trim looks and feels more premium than its price may suggest. Cloth seats are standard, which are covered with YES Essentials fabric treatment. This beneficial feature helps you to quickly clean spills. Parents appreciate the extra convenience. A folding third-row seat now comes standard, which allows up to seven people to climb inside. Remember, you’ll have to manually adjust the Sorento L’s front seats.

The base Sorento L gives you a fulfilling amount of standard equipment for the money. If you regularly use mobile apps, you’ll especially enjoy the standard 7.0-inch touchscreen. It provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for simpler phone integration. Remote keyless entry is another must-have feature. Other popular goodies include Bluetooth audio streaming, a USB port, and a six-speaker stereo system with satellite radio.

In regard to safety equipment, the Sorento L comes equipped with the basics like traction control and antilock brakes. You won’t have access to accident-avoidance technologies like forward collision warning or lane departure notification.

For an additional $1,000, you can step up to the Sorento LX. While the same four-cylinder engine is standard, Kia allows you to opt for a stronger V6 engine. It muscles out 290 horsepower and more than 250 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission helps you to get the most performance out of the engine. Aside from promoting livelier acceleration, the bigger engine also raises the SUV’s maximum towing capacity to 5,000 pounds. As expected, fuel economy takes a small dip.

You can also take advantage of the Sorento LX’s optional Dynamax AWD system. It’s an absolute necessity for folks living in snow-prone regions of the country. All-wheel drive also makes the Sorento more suitable for light off-road use.

In terms of exterior styling, there are not any major differences between the Sorento L and the Sorento LX. However, roof rails do come standard. You will also have access to more paint options. Some of the additional colors include Passion Red, Imperial Blue, and Dragon Brown.

To give the Sorento LX a more upscale atmosphere on the inside, Kia equips it with a noise-reducing windshield. By limiting noise at highway speeds, this feature helps keep the cabin quieter. Meanwhile, a power driver’s seat makes it easier for you to adjust your sitting position. Two extra rapid-charge USB ports are also found on the Sorento LX.

Moving up to the LX trim will reward you with one of today’s most sought-after safety features. When preparing to change lanes, blind-spot monitoring helps you to better detect unnoticed vehicles. Rear cross-traffic alert is integrated into the system, which gives you more security in parking areas.

If you desire more niceties, spend the money on the LX trim’s optional Convenience package. Your family will appreciate the dual-zone automatic climate control system and heated front seats. Some of the other upgrades consist of a power passenger seat, satellite radio, and rear parking sensors.

Compare the 2020 Kia Sorento LX vs S Trims.  What is the Difference?

The Sorento S is a noticeable jump in price. Nevertheless, it does have some advantages over the Sorento LX. You’ll immediately notice its sportier appearance. Kia decks out the S trim with a larger set of 19-inch black wheels and black exterior accents. Buyers have access to the same paint options.

Kia’s more formidable V6 engine is standard on the Sorento S. The LX trim’s optional Convenience package also comes standard. However, all-wheel drive remains an option.

Compare the 2020 Sorento S vs EX Trims. What is the difference?

The Sorento EX doesn’t look quite as sporty as the Sorento S. It comes equipped with a smaller set of 18-inch alloy wheels. However, fog lights are standard on the EX trim.

Expect the Sorento EX to provide more luxurious accommodations on the inside. Noise-reducing front door windows help create an especially peaceful ride. Leather upholstery lines the cabin. Rear air-conditioner controls create a more comfortable atmosphere for passenger riding in the back. Families should greatly benefit from the Smart Power Liftgate, which is completely hands-free. You will have an easier time loading shopping bags and home improvement supplies.

Kia's UVO eServices app is also featured on the Sorento EX. This app allows you to better connect with the vehicle using your smartphone. It can locate points of interest, contact emergency personnel, and keep track of teenage drivers.

Aside from the Sorento LX’s blind-spot monitor, the EX trim also benefits from several impressive accident-avoidance technologies. While automatic emergency braking helps prevent you from colliding into expected road hazards, smart cruise control adapts to changes in the speed of traffic. Other safety features include driver attention warning, pedestrian alert, and lane keeping assist.

An optional Touring package is available for the Sorento SX. It upgrades your music-listening experience with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. A powerful amplifier and a bass-pumping subwoofer allow you to get the party started. You will also enjoy an upgraded 8.0-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation, which makes traveling more enjoyable. Families will definitely grow to appreciate the panoramic sunroof. Some of the other perks include LED interior lighting, front parking sensors, and a heated steering wheel.

Compare the 2020 Kia Sorento EX vs SX Trims.  What is the Difference?

The Sorento SX is especially stylish and luxurious. Like the Sorento EX, it comes standard with a muscular V6 powertrain. All-wheel drive is an extra cost. While the Sorento doesn’t feature a sports-tuned suspension for sharping road handling, an exclusive motor-driven steering system makes it more entertaining to drive.

Before you even step inside the Sorento SX, expect its racier exterior styling to initially catch your attention. A sportier grille with chrome trim and a more striking set of 19-inch alloy wheels help the Sorento SX to make a serious statement. LED running lights come standard. Low-profile roof rails also give this trim a sleeker look. Other highlights include a stainless steel rear bumper and painted brake calipers.

The plush Sorento SX truly provides an elevated degree of passenger comfort. Its 14-way power driver’s seat with memory settings will help you to unwind on an everyday basis. You’ll also receive most of the features found in the EX trim’s optional Touring package, including the upgraded sound system and larger 8.0-inch touchscreen. A wireless phone charger is another upgrade featured on the Sorento SX.

For buyers who desire a greater number of high-end features, KIA offers the SX trim’s Touring package. It comes with creature comforts like ventilated front seats and rain-sensing wipers. Retractable rear sunshades enable children sleeping in the back to experience greater comfort. Meanwhile, a birds-eye view camera helps you to safely navigate around busy parking areas. The standard headlights are replaced with upgraded LED headlamps.

Compare the 2020 Kia Sorento SX vs SX Limited. What is the Difference?

Atop the trim ladder sits the extravagant Sorento SX Limited. It’s essentially a nicer version of the Sorento SX. To separate the SX Limited trim from the regular SX trim, Kia outfits it with a set of 19-inch chrome wheels. LED fog lights come standard. You’ll also notice the SX Limited’s black-painted brake calipers.

The Sorento SX Limited feels like a far more expensive SUV on the inside. It’s the only trim in the lineup that boasts Nappa leather upholstery. During the winter, your family will enjoy the Sorento SX Limited’s heated rear seats.

Which Trim to Choose?

It’s hard not to mention the 2020 Kia Sorento among today’s most appealing midsize crossovers. Not many competitors can match the Sorento’s affordability and 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

If you’re simply looking to limit your spending, make the base Sorento L your first option. While it’s not very powerful, it will deliver additional fuel savings. Fresh styling also makes the Sorento L look more appetizing than a typical base model. You don’t have to pay extra for big features like a touchscreen with advanced smartphone connectivity. Prices start at only $27,000.

On the downside, the Sorento L is only offered with front-wheel drive. If you need a vehicle for snowy weather, you should move past the base model. Remember, no modern accident-avoidance technologies are available for the Sorento L.

Aside from blind-spot monitoring and a couple of extra USB ports, the Sorento LX really isn’t a major upgrade over the base model. However, you can opt for a more satisfying V6 powertrain and all-wheel drive. Features, like heated front seats and satellite radio, are found in the LX trim’s optional Convenience package.

If you have an extra $5,000 to spend on a new vehicle, the Sorento S may prove to be worth it. Kia equips it with a standard V6. Some people may simply prefer the S trim’s sportier exterior styling.

In the eyes of some people, the Sorento EX is a better choice than the Sorento S. Although the EX trim may not look quite as striking on the outside, it does pack a more inspiring list of features. Drivers will be thankful for the EX trim’s standard Kia Drive Wise safety package, which gives you some of the most popular accident-avoidance features on the market. For roughly $3,400, you can add the EX trim’s luxurious Touring package.

At nearly $40,000, the Sorento SX is thousands of dollars more expensive than the base model. However, it competes on a higher level. While luxuries like massaging seats and night vision are not offered, you’ll enjoy virtually feature found on an expensive European model. Ventilated front seats and a surround-view parking camera are optional.

Car shoppers who simply want the best of the best will want the Sorento SX Limited, which demands an additional $4,300. Instead of purchasing the lower SX trim’s optional Touring package, the best approach is to upgrade to the Sorento SX Limited.