All 2019 Kia Sorentos Get Third Row, Higher Prices

CARS.COM — Kia gave a light once-over for 2019 to its successful Sorento SUV, and we now know that the entry price has been bumped up $90 to $26,980, including destination. But that price for the base L trim level now includes a standard third row, a seven-seat configuration not available with the 2018 L version. Kia has slipped in some substantially higher price increases for midrange trim level SUVs, however, ranging up to $1,690 for Kia’s V-6 model of the next-higher Sorento LX, which already had a standard third-row passenger seating in 2018.

Related: 2019 Kia Sorento Gains Standard Third Row, Diesel Model

The third row rear seating was formerly an expensive special option on the Kia Sorento’s LX trim level, with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive; that model now is priced $290 higher. But it also was standard equipment on 2018 Sorento EX models with the 3.3-liter V-6, which is priced $1,390 higher for 2019, and on the V-6-only SX and SXL top Kia Sorento trim levels, which get more modest price increases ($790 and $190, respectively).

The 2019 Kia Sorento gets new front and rear bumpers, a tweaked interior and seats, some upgraded special tech options and a new eight-speed automatic transmission with the V-6. Also, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder offered on the 2018 Kia Sorento EX mid-level trim is axed from the powertrain lineup and the EX is V-6-only for 2019. Kia has said a diesel option Kia Sorento may be added down the road.

The 2019 Kia Sorento SUV otherwise carries over the formula that’s made it a popular Kia — unless, of course, you have no need for seven seats and would prefer underfloor storage in the cargo area. But, apparently, not many people want that, and few mid-size SUVs still offer a two-row seating version.

Torque-vectoring all-wheel drive with a 50-50 locking rear differential is optional on all of this new Kia’s trim levels except the base L. Among newly available tech for the Kia are a driver attention warning, lane-keeping assist, Harman Kardon premium audio and a 7-inch display for the base L.

Starting prices for this Kia include a $990 destination charge for front-wheel-drive Sorento models beyond the base trim level (with the change from 2018 prices; add $1,800 for an all-wheel drive Sorento SUV):

• 2019 Sorento LX with the 2.4-liter four and additional standard equipment features starts at $28,480 (up $290 and adding the standard third row seating); an LX with the 3.3-liter V-6 starts $32,280 (up $1,690).
• The Kia Sorento EX, now V-6-only, starts at $36,580 (up $1,390). It adds to the LX V-6 standard projection foglights, driver attention warning and lane keep assist. Special options include a forward parking warning, a driver navigation system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, and Harman Kardon audio.
• The Sorento SX starts $40,980 (up $790). Additional standard features are wireless phone charging, along with the forward parking warning, navigation system and premium audio. LED headlights with high-beam assist are optional.
• The Kia Sorento SXL starts at $45,680 (up $190). The fully loaded SXL builds on the SX with some fancier trim, makes the LED headlights standard equipment and adds LED foglights.

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