Kia Sorento trim comparison
2024 Kia Sorento S vs EX
The Sorento S starts at $34,390 while the EX is $37,990. That $3,600 gap buys 6 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 2.5L I4 to 2.5L I4 Turbo. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
If you would notice the 2.5L I4 Turbo every week, the EX makes sense. If not, the S is the cleaner stop because this jump matters for the powertrain first and the trim badge second.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The EX adds about $63/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $3,780 more overall with interest. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
The S and EX are mechanically identical where it counts: the same identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $3,600 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $720 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 6 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | S | EX |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $34,390 | $37,990 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 281 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 23 | 20 |
| Highway MPG | 31 | 29 |
| Combined MPG | 26 | 23 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,975 lbs | 4,074 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 110.8" |
| Length | 189.6" | 189.6" |
| Width | 74.8" | 74.8" |
| Height | 66.9" | 66.9" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/100k | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Kia Sorento S vs EX Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Kia Sorento lineup, the Kia brand hub, the Midsize SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 Sorento EX cost than the S?
The EX starts at $37,990 compared to $34,390 for the S. That is a $3,600 difference, or approximately $63/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Kia Sorento S and EX have the same engine?
No. The S uses a 2.5L I4 (191 hp, 181 lb-ft), while the EX has the 2.5L I4 Turbo (281 hp, 311 lb-ft). That is 90 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 8-speed automatic.
Do both the 2024 Sorento S and EX come in AWD?
Both trims start with FWD as standard. AWD is typically available as a factory option on both. Check with your dealer for current AWD pricing. This comparison uses the base FWD configuration.
Is the 2024 Sorento S or EX safer?
Both share the same Kia Sorento platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating and an IIHS TSP+ designation. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 Kia Sorento come with?
All 2024 Kia Sorento trims, including both the S and EX, come with Kia's standard warranty: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 Kia Sorento EX worth $3,600 more than the S?
The $3,600 buys the 2.5L I4 Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the S does the same job for less.
Which 2024 Kia Sorento trim gets better fuel economy, the S or the EX?
The S is the more efficient of the two at 26 combined MPG, versus 23 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Breaking Down the $3,600 Gap
The EX earns its premium. For $3,600 more, you get the 2.5L I4 Turbo engine (+90 hp), making this one of the more straightforward upgrade decisions in the Sorento lineup.
How the S and EX Feel Different
Moving from the S to the EX means a different engine entirely. That means 90 more horsepower and 130 more lb-ft of torque. You will notice it most when merging, passing, or climbing at speed. In return, expect about 3 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Sorento S gets 3 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $211 per year or $1,055 over five years of ownership.
The Short Version
The Sorento EX costs $3,600 more than the S (about $63/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 5 meaningful changes at $720 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Kia Sorento S
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the S best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Kia Sorento EX
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the EX when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Kia or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.