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Prestige Auto - Is the 2026 Kia Sorento X-Pro the Right Choice for Weekend Trails near Wausau, WI?
Shoppers who split time between weekday commuting and weekend adventures often ask whether the X-Pro configuration on the Sorento is the right fit. The short answer is that it adds meaningful hardware for light off-pavement use while keeping the on-road manners that make the Sorento so easy to live with. If your plans include gravel, fire roads, or snowy trailheads, it deserves a close look.
Start with the basics. The Sorento X-Pro builds on the SUV’s strong foundation by pairing the available 281 hp turbocharged engine with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive w/ Terrain Mode. This combination gives you the confident throttle response you want when climbing grades or merging with a trailer, and the traction tuning to maintain momentum when surfaces get slippery. The X-Pro’s 8.2 in. of ground clearance and all-terrain tires are designed with adventure in mind, and the 4,500-lb. towing capacity opens the door for small boats or a pair of trail machines. It is a thoughtful balance that feels robust without pushing you into a full-size footprint.
Equally important, the X-Pro remains family-friendly. Standard 3rd-row seating means you can bring up to seven, while available 2nd-row captain’s chairs offer a comfortable walk-through to the third row. When you are packing for a long weekend, fold the second and third rows to unlock up to 75.5 cu. ft. of cargo space. Loading is simplified by the available Smart Power Liftgate w/ Auto Close, and the cabin can be optioned with premium touches like a panoramic sunroof, available acoustic laminated glass for the 1st row, and available heated and ventilated front seats.
Technology rounds out the package. The available Dual Panoramic Display w/ Navigation offers approximately 24 in. of total combined display with standard Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Wireless Android Auto™. Helpful visibility tools like the available 360° Surround View Monitor and the available Full Display Digital Rearview Mirror reduce stress in tight trailhead parking lots and busy store lots alike. And on the road, driver assistance features such as standard Auto Emergency Braking w/ Pedestrian, Cyclist, Car, and Junction Turning Detection, plus available Highway Driving Assist 2, help support your drive within system limits.
For many drivers around central Wisconsin, this blend of traction, clearance, towing, and tech is exactly what makes the X-Pro such a compelling choice. It is not intended for rock crawling, but it is very much at home on rutted dirt, snowy byways, and gravel miles that lead to great views.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need the X-Pro for winter driving, or is AWD enough?
If your driving is primarily paved roads in winter, the available all-wheel drive w/ Terrain Mode and a quality set of winter tires may be all you need. Choose the X-Pro if you also value the added ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and enhanced towing capability for mixed-surface adventures. Many shoppers who frequently head to trailheads, lakes, and cabins prefer the extra buffer the X-Pro hardware provides.
To decide which setup fits best, think through your weekly routine and your favorite destinations. If most trips are in-town and on maintained highways, AWD will confidently handle slick conditions. If you often park in unplowed lots, climb steep gravel drives, or want to bring a small camper, the X-Pro’s upgrades are worth it for the added capability and peace of mind.
When you are ready to compare both configurations back to back, our team can set up a route with a mix of smooth highway, rougher side streets, and a gravel stretch so you can feel the differences in traction and ride quality. We are serving Menomonie, La Crosse, and Wausau with hands-on guidance, and we will walk you through towing setup, tire choices, and the tech that matters most for your family. Count on Prestige Auto for a clear, practical side-by-side that helps you select the right Sorento for your weekends and your weekdays.
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Kia Sorento