Kia Sorento trim comparison
2024 Kia Sorento SX vs X-Line EX
The Sorento SX and X-Line EX are both priced at $41,690 but differ in 2 specs.
The X-Line EX adds AWD instead of FWD. If you deal with winter roads or need traction off-pavement, that could be worth $0 by itself. If not, the SX saves you the money.
Because the MSRP is tied, this is a pure fit decision. The SX is the cleaner pick if two-wheel drive is enough for your climate and routine, while the X-Line EX makes more sense if extra traction matters for your weather, roads, or weekend use.
Price does not break the tie here. The Sorento SX and X-Line EX start at the same MSRP, so the real decision is which equipment mix fits your daily use better.
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 extra traction matters for your weather, roads, or weekend use.
When both feel the same
Both the SX and X-Line EX share the same 8-speed automated manual transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
Same MSRP. The choice is purely about which features matter to you.
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. 2 specification differences, 4 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | SX | X-Line EX |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $41,690 | $41,690 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 Turbo | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 281 hp | 281 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 20 | 20 |
| Highway MPG | 29 | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 23 | 23 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,074 lbs | 4,250 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 110.8" |
| Length | 189.6" | 189.8" |
| Width | 74.8" | 74.8" |
| Height | 66.9" | 70.3" |
| 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 SX vs X-Line 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.
Do the 2024 Sorento SX and X-Line EX cost the same?
Yes. Both start at $41,690. There is no MSRP gap between them, so this choice comes down to equipment, features, and configuration differences rather than price.
Do the 2024 Kia Sorento SX and X-Line EX have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 2.5L I4 Turbo producing 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Does the 2024 Sorento SX come with AWD?
No. The SX comes standard with FWD while the X-Line EX has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2024 Sorento SX or X-Line 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 SX and X-Line EX, come with Kia's standard warranty: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
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.
SX vs. X-Line EX: Day-to-Day
The X-Line EX includes AWD, which adds confidence in rain, snow, and light off-road conditions. It also increases curb weight and slightly reduces fuel economy.
What Both Trims Share
Despite the differences above, the SX and X-Line EX share engine, transmission, and fuel economy, keeping the core Sorento experience consistent across trims.
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 SX
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the SX best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Kia Sorento X-Line EX
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the X-Line 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.