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Kia has also said that the 2021 Sorento will be based on an all-new platform that will enable the manufacturer to make the Sorento big inside out. Efficient utilization of space! The powerplants will now see a greener twist with hybrids powering the combustion engines, with a plug-in hybrid to be launched soon!
The all-new 2021 Kia Sorento is a bolder mid-size SUV with potent powertrain options, and a digitalized interior setup unlike any other rival in the segment. The redesigned Sorento's biggest change for 2021 is the expanded variety of configurations that Kia now offers, now seen in the formidable and best-selling Telluride. Riding on a new platform, the price takes a plunge, as its MSRP now starts from $29,390 for the base LX and goes up to $40,590 for the SX Prestige trim.
At first glance, the mid-size SUV looks poised, thanks to bold new styling inside-out. There are four efficient engine options including a 2021 Sorento hybrid model. Apart from that, a well along with more welcome equipment in the standard safety suite. Though we will miss the V6 and its good max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, the Sorento's 4-cylinder engines are appreciated for better fuel efficiency. The new Kia Sorento with the best rating of 7.9 on 10, rivals the likes of Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Highlander, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
The 2021 Kia Sorento is one of the most popular cars in its segment when it comes to offering an extensive list of features for less price. It also offers a lot of variants which makes sure that there is a Sorento for every need. Amongst the five trims, we recommend the EX trim, as it gets a powerful engine and also adds a lot of features to the list. Also, its interiors feel more upmarket when compared to the lower trims. Hence, it offers the best balance between price and features when you talk about a mid-size seven-seater carrier.
S 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A)
S 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A)
S 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A)
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S 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)
S 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)
Kia has also said that the 2021 Sorento will be based on an all-new platform that will enable the manufacturer to make the Sorento big inside out. Efficient utilization of space! The powerplants will now see a greener twist with hybrids powering the combustion engines, with a plug-in hybrid to be launched soon!
The all-new 2021 Kia Sorento is a bolder mid-size SUV with potent powertrain options, and a digitalized interior setup unlike any other rival in the segment. The redesigned Sorento's biggest change for 2021 is the expanded variety of configurations that Kia now offers, now seen in the formidable and best-selling Telluride. Riding on a new platform, the price takes a plunge, as its MSRP now starts from $29,390 for the base LX and goes up to $40,590 for the SX Prestige trim.
At first glance, the mid-size SUV looks poised, thanks to bold new styling inside-out. There are four efficient engine options including a 2021 Sorento hybrid model. Apart from that, a well along with more welcome equipment in the standard safety suite. Though we will miss the V6 and its good max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, the Sorento's 4-cylinder engines are appreciated for better fuel efficiency. The new Kia Sorento with the best rating of 7.9 on 10, rivals the likes of Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Highlander, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
The 2021 Kia Sorento is available in 5 trims and its prices start at $29,390 for the 2021 Sorento LX and climbs from there to $42,390 for the fully-loaded AWD SX Prestige. If you want all-wheel-drive, add $1,800 to the base price. The five trim levels for the non-hybrid model include - LX 2.5, S 2.5, EX 2.5T, SX 2.5T, and the SX Prestige 2.5T.
For a more fuel-efficient choice, a new-for-2021 hybrid powertrain on the middle-tier model is available. The price of 2021 MY is almost $1,300 more than its entry-level predecessor, but additional standard equipment should help offset that price hike.
Trim |
LX |
S |
EX |
SX |
SX-Prestige |
SX-Prestige X-Line |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP (FWD) |
$29,390 |
$31,890 |
$34,990 |
$37,990 |
$40,590 |
$42,590 |
MSRP (AWD) |
$31,190 |
$33,690 |
$36,790 |
$39,790 |
$42,390 |
$44,390 |
Key Features |
17-inch alloy wheels |
Adds to/replaces features of the L |
Adds to/replaces features of the LX |
Adds to/replaces features of the S |
Adds to/replaces features of the EX |
Adds to/ replaces features of the SX-Prestige |
|
Rear-view camera |
Noise-reducing windshield |
Rear parking sensors |
18-inch wheels |
noise-reducing front door windows |
Advanced AWD system with snow mode |
|
Manually adjustable front seats |
Front seatback pockets |
Leather-wrapped steering wheel |
Leather upholstery |
LED DRLs |
Unique design for the 18-inch wheels |
|
Automatic headlights |
Additional USB ports |
Auto-dimming rearview mirror |
Power-adjustable front passenger seat |
Red brake calipers |
There are many available options with the 2021 Sorento as Kia offers various trim levels to satisfy varied customer desires. The most notable option on the LX base model is AWD, which includes an extra Snow setting. On the turbocharged Sorento EX 2.5T model, a panoramic roof with a retractable power sunshade is available while a cargo cover is considered a dealer-installed accessory on all 2021 Kia Sorento's.
View 2021 Kia Sorento Specs and Features >>
Of the new five 2021 Kia Sorento trims, we’d opt for the Sorento SX Prestige 2.5T with a starting MSRP of $40,590. It has turbo power from its potent 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, excellent fuel economy, an upscale interior, a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and many more value for money features that can only be found in a segment above the Sorento.
Check out the Warranty, Maintenance Costs, and Reliability Ratings of the 2021 Kia Sorento! >>
The Sorento's powertrain is a bit of a mixed bag, but the driving dynamics are solid - Road Show.
The 2021 Kia Sorento comes with a choice of four different powertrains including a base 2.5-litre four-cylinder, a new turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder, and two available hybrid powertrains. The base LX, in FWD or AWD form, has a 2.5L NA engine putting out 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft torque. It comes mated to a conventional 8-speed automatic gearbox. Next in line, is the 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that gives out 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Available in the Sorento 2.5T models with FWD or AWD, the power goes to the wheels via an 8-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The 2021 Kia Sorento hybrid costs $33,590 as an S, and $36,590 as an EX, which is available with a hybrid 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder and that which will be paired with a 44 kWh electric motor to produce a combined 227 horsepower. An all-new 1.6L Turbocharged Plug-in hybrid engine also debuts for the 2021 MY with an amazing power output of 261 hp. Both work in tandem with a 6-speed AT.
With a turbocharged 2.5L engine, the 2021 Sorento sprints from 0-60 mph in scant 7.2 seconds (estimated) and reaches a top speed of 124 MPH. Talking about stopping, the SUV is equipped with 12.8-inch front ventilated discs and a 12.0 inch rear solid disc brake as standard. With its 3931 lbs curb weight, the maximum towing capacity of the Sorento 2.5T is claimed to be at 3,500 pounds.
Models |
2021 Kia Sorento EX |
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited |
2021 Toyota Highlander L |
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL 2.0L |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$34,990 |
$38,750 |
$34,910 |
$33,740 |
Engine |
2.5L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
2.5L Turbo Inline-4 |
3.5L NA V6 |
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
Drivetrain |
Front-Wheel Drive |
Front-Wheel Drive |
Front-Wheel Drive |
Front-Wheel Drive |
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed DCT with SHIFTRONIC |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
Power |
281 hp @ 5,800 RPM |
281 hp @ 5800 RPM |
295 hp @ 6,600 RPM |
184 hp @ 4400 RPM |
Torque |
311 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM |
311 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM |
263 lb-ft @ 4,700 RPM |
221 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM |
0-60 mph |
7.2 sec |
6.2 sec |
7.2 sec |
10.0 sec |
Quarter mile |
15.6 sec |
15.5 sec |
15.3 sec |
17.0 sec |
Top Speed |
124 MPH |
127 MPH |
115 MPH |
122 MPH |
The 2021 Sorento's specs include Adaptive All-Wheel-Drive with Lock Mode and Torque Vectoring Cornering Control as standard. It also features more tech like Hill Start Assist Control and All-Weather Performance Driving modes, making its ride and handling definitely feel more poised and ready for action than its predecessors. The 2021 Sorento has a reasonable comparison to make with Kia’s Telluride SUV, as it offers Telluride's glimpse in a fraction of the price.
The base Sorento LX, in FWD form with a 191 hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine gets an EPA estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy of 24/29/26 MPG. The combined MPG of the 2021 Sorento sees a 2-MPG improvement over the previous MY. Opting for the AWD Sorento with a locking center differential drops the gas mileage to 23 MPG and 25 MPG in the city and highway respectively.
Models |
2021 Kia Sorento EX |
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited |
2021 Toyota Highlander L |
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL 2.0L |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
22 |
22 |
21 |
23 |
MPG (Highway) |
29 |
28 |
29 |
29 |
MPG (Combined) |
25 |
25 |
24 |
25 |
Fuel Capacity |
17.7 Gallons |
18.8 Gallons |
17.1 Gallons |
15.9 Gallons |
Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles) |
451/545/488 |
414/545/470 |
342/461/393 |
336/443/229 |
The turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that comes mated with an 8-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission gets EPA combined fuel economy of 25 MPG, almost 3 MPG better than the previous V6-powered Sorento. The 1.6L hybrid Kia Sorento gives an EPA-estimated 39 MPG in the city and 35 MPG out on the highway. The Hyundai Santa Fe wins the frugality test with the most range out of all the others.
The Telluride deserved praise for offering a premium interior at mainstream prices, and it looks the Sorento will do the same, and then some - Carbuzz.com
The 2021 Kia Sorento rides on a whole new platform, which allows the new Sorento's interiors to offer more space and an upscale cabin. With five trim levels offered, the 6 or 7-seat cabin offers distinct interior materials such as bright satin finishes, open-pore wood inlays, and embossed leather with the top-of-the-line Sorento SX Prestige model. The overall dashboard looks and feels very modern with the switches and buttons placed conveniently for the driver to reach out to while driving.
The Sorento's higher trims are limited to six passengers with their second-row captain's chairs. Behind the third row is a relatively small 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the Sorento's third row expands the cargo room to 45.0 cubic feet while folding down the captain's chairs opens the cabin up to an impressive 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
Models |
2021 Kia Sorento EX |
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited |
2021 Toyota Highlander L |
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL 2.0L |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
7 |
5 |
7 |
5 |
1st Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches) |
40.3/59.0/41.4 |
39.5/59.1/44.1 |
41.2/59.0/42.0 |
39.6/57/40.2 |
2nd Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches) |
39.1/58.0/41.7 |
37.8/58.3/41.7 |
39.4/58.7/41.0 |
39.1/55.9/36.6 |
3rd Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches) |
36.8/53.0/29.6 |
- |
36.1/55.0/27.7 |
33.8/47.8/27.9 |
Cargo Capacity (cubic feet) |
12.6 |
36.4 |
16.0 |
12.0 |
In terms of technology, the 2021 Sorento features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with Blind View Monitor, surround-view camera, up to eight USB ports, an 8.0-inch or 10.25-inch infotainment display with connectivity for up to two smartphones, and a Bose premium sound system with 12 speakers. You can also opt for packages like the EX Sport package and the EX Touring package which add to the list a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and a 110V power socket. For those counting, you'll find six charging USB ports on the entry-level LX and the SX Prestige offers eight as well as a wireless charging pad.Â
That being said, the following are the major interior features available-
The 2021 Sorento gets a makeover that breaks free of the bulbous minivan mold of its predecessor - The Car Connection.
Starting at an MSRP of $29,390, the 2021 Sorento costs less than the larger best-selling Telluride but nevertheless gives it a run for its money. The 2021 MY now houses the brand's signature “tiger nose” grille. Joined by triple-beam LED headlights, and a sleek daytime running light, the Sorento’s exterior looks largely the same as the outgoing version except for a fin-like tab near the rear window.
The 2021 Sorento's chiseled appearance and the new platform facilitate increased dimensions that in turn offer more cabin space. The Sorento’s wheelbase stretches 1.4 inches, and six different wheel designs ranging in size from 17 inches to 20 inches add to the profile. The color palette now includes a respectable 9 unique shades.
Models |
2021 Kia Sorento EX |
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited |
2021 Toyota Highlander L |
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL 2.0L |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight |
3931 lbs |
3907 lbs |
4145 lbs |
3735 lbs |
Length |
189.4" |
188.4" |
194.9" |
185.1" |
Width |
74.8" |
74.8" |
76.0" |
72.4" |
Height |
66.7" |
67.3" |
68.1" |
66.3" |
Ground Clearance |
6.9" |
7.3" |
8.0" |
7.9" |
Wheelbase |
110.8" |
108.9" |
112.2" |
109.8" |
The new SX-Prestige trim is more stylish, assertive and is available with an exclusive Aruba Green paint. The Sorento Prestige model is raised 1.0 inches over the standard Sorento for better approach and departure angles off-road.
The notable exterior features included are:
Check out the latest Images and Videos of the 2021 Kia Sorento>>
Kia has enhanced the technology and features with the standard safety suite of the 2021 Sorento. The 2021 Kia Sorento has been crash-tested by both the NHTSA and the IIHS, with the IIHS giving it a Top Safety Pick rating, whereas the NHTSA gives it a 4-star rating, which is more than assuring. The Sorento SX Prestige offers plenty more out-of-the-box features.
Some of those standard safety features are-
Check out the latest NHTSA and IIHS safety scores for the 2021 Kia Sorento>>
Both the Santa Fe and the Sorento have been cousins and share a lot in common. Everything down to the T is similar to both the cars starting from the luxury offered to the build, fit, and finish of the cars. But the Santa Fe provides more interior space than the Sorento while the Sorento is a better car to drive than Santa Fe.
The Sorento is based on a new platform that will drastically improve the dynamics of the car which might mean an all-around package for the owners.
2021 Kia Sorento vs 2021 Hyundai Santa-Fe: Specs Comparison>>
The Volkswagen Tiguan is also a very close match to the Kia Sorento in terms of everything but the Kia manages to outpace the VW in everything for the current generation. The Tiguan is meant relatively for some spirited drives and the power delivery is very linear.
The steering is responsive and the body roll is controlled very well by the suspension. The newer Sorento is expected to outshine the VW in every way possible! However, the Tiguan is expected to receive a major update as well to rival its competitors.
2021 Kia Sorento vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan: Specs Comparison>>
One issue with the 2021 Sorento, though, is that while it does cost slightly less than the Telluride ($29,390 versus $31,990), but the smaller three-row enters the domain of its sibling at this price point, which means the rivals are much more seasoned. Nevertheless, with all that is going on with the 2021 Kia Sorento, in terms of a new platform, a modern interior layout, new powertrain options, and a consumer-friendly price tag, it is definitely a serious contender, and it should be at the top of your list if you're shopping in the midsize SUV segment.