| Pros | Cons | What's New |
|---|---|---|
Good handling | Cramped third row | All-new for 2021 |
Multiple drivetrain options | No V-6 engine | Bigger and spacious than its predecessor |
Premium interior | Reduced tow capacity | More expensive than predecessor |
Bold exterior styling | ||
Good fuel economy |
$29,390
price191 hp @ 6100 rpm
horsepower181 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
torque8-Speed Automatic w/od
transmission2.4L 4cyl FWD 8A
engine-
basic warrantyThe Kia Sorento is a well-known name in the midsize SUV segment. The Sorento has always tried to offer more for less and that recipe seems to have worked for it well. The 2021 Sorento follows the same recipe and takes it a bit ahead with more capable powertrain options, digitalized interiors, and aggressive styling. It is based on the new platform and takes inspiration from its elder sibling, the Telluride.
We would recommend the EX trim as it comes with a more powerful and turbocharged engine. It also offers better amenities like leather simulated upholstery, heated front seats, simulated matt wood inlays, 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless charging, a smart power liftgate, smart cruise control, and many more. It also gets a Trailer Tow Package with 3500-lbs capacity. The price to feature ratio is quite good for the EX trim and we find it worth buying.
The 2021 Kia Sorento is available in five trims namely the LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige. The price for the LX trim starts at $29,390 and goes up to $42,590 for the SX-Prestige trim. In addition to all the trims, there is an additional X-Line AWD optional package for the SX-Prestige trim and will increase its price by $1800. The 2021 Sorento faces stiff competition from the likes of Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Highlander, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
The 2021 Sorento is available in five trims namely the LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige. You also get access to the X-Line AWD optional package with the SX-Prestige trim. All the trims come with FWD as standard and you can opt for an AWD configuration by paying about $1800 extra. From the EX trim, you get a more powerful engine that is turbocharged in nature. The SX-Prestige trim is more biased towards creature comforts than any other trim.
|
Trims |
LX |
S |
EX |
SX |
SX-Prestige |
SX-Prestige with X-Line AWD package |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$29,390 |
$31,890 |
$34,990 |
$37,990 |
$40,590 |
$42,590 |
|
Key features |
2.5L GDI 4-cylinder engine |
Adds to or upgrades to the LX trim |
Adds to or upgrades to the S trim |
Adds to or upgrades to the EX trim |
Adds to or upgrades to the SX trim |
Adds to or upgrades to the SX-Prestige trim |
|
8-speed Automatic Transmission |
18-inch alloy wheels |
2.5L Turbo GDI 4-cylinder engine |
20-inch alloy wheels |
Parking Collision Avoidance Assist — Reverse |
Adaptive all-wheel drive |
|
|
17-inch alloy wheels |
Roof rails |
8-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission |
Trailer package with a 3500-lb capacity |
Paddle shifters |
Drive Mode Select w/Snow Mode |
|
|
Drive Mode Select |
Push-button start with a smart key |
Simulated matte wood inlays |
LED combination tail lights |
Power-folding exterior mirrors |
20" Dark Hyper Silver wheels |
|
|
LED reflector headlights |
Dual-zone automatic climate control |
Forward CollisionAvoidance Assist |
Parking Distance Warning |
12.3" reconfigurable, color Supervision meter cluster |
Matte black exterior trim |
|
|
4.2" color Supervision meter cluster |
Safe exit assist |
Highway driving assist |
Bose7 12-speaker Centerpoint premium audio system |
Bridge-type roof rack |
||
|
Cloth seat trim |
SynTex seat trim |
8-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat |
Electrochromatic |
Optional rust leather color package |
Which trim should you buy?
We would recommend the EX trim as it comes with a more powerful and turbocharged engine. It also offers better amenities like leather simulated upholstery, heated front seats, simulated matt wood inlays, 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless charging, a smart power liftgate, smart cruise control, and many more. It also gets a Trailer Tow Package with 3500-lbs capacity. The price to feature ratio is quite good for the EX trim and we find it worth buying.
The 2021 Kia Sorento offers decent fuel economy for its segment. It can offer about 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg in combined driving conditions. With a fuel tank capacity of 17.7 gallons, it can travel up to 389 miles in the city, 513 miles on the highway, and 442 miles in mixed driving conditions. Some of its competitors offer a better range owing to a larger fuel tank capacity.
|
Models(2021) |
Kia Sorento EX |
Hyundai Santa Fe Limited |
Toyota Highlander L |
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) |
389/513/442 |
414/526/470 |
359/495/410 |
365/461/398 |
The Santa Fe is equipped with the largest fuel tank of the lot and offers good fuel efficiency as well. So, naturally, the highest range is offered by it in all driving conditions. The Sorento comes in second, followed by the Highlander and Tiguan. The Tiguan offers good efficiency as well but comes with the smallest fuel tank, losing out in the range battle. The Highlander offers a good economy despite being equipped with a larger engine.
The 2021 Sorento gets modern and elegant-looking interiors as compared to its predecessor. The interiors provide better space and a premium cabin experience. The dashboard laid out is efficient and most of the controls are within the easy reach of the driver. The rhombic vertical air vents add a youthful touch to the interiors. The base LX trim gets cloth upholstery but above that you get SynTex trimmed seats barring the SX-Prestige trim which comes with 3D-embossed leather upholstery. The 2021 Sorento can be had as a 6- seater or 7-seater SUV upon the seat configuration you opt for.
The second-row bench seat can be replaced with captain seats for a 6-seater setup. The 2021 Sorento is a midsize SUV and with a third row upright, you get just 12.6 cu-ft of cargo space. By folding them, you can get access to about 45 cu-ft of space. As you gradually climb up the trim ladder, features like power-adjustable and heated seats, interior with simulated matt wood or brushed metal inlays, cloth-wrapped A and B pillars, etc, become a common sight. Overall, the interior of the Sorento is a comfy and pleasant place to be in.
|
Models(2021) |
Kia Sorento EX |
Hyundai Santa Fe Limited |
Toyota Highlander L |
Volkswagen Tiguan SEL 2.0L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Seating Capacity |
7 |
5 |
7 |
7 |
|
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 |
N/A |
36.1/55.0/27.7 |
33.8/47.8/27.9 |
|
Cargo Capacity (cubic feet) |
12.6 |
36.4 |
16.0 |
12.0 |
The new Sorento offers better headroom and legroom across both the second and third rows. The Highlander comes second followed by Tiguan. The Santa Fe offers the maximum cargo capacity owing to the absence of a third row. The Highlander offers better cargo capacity with all seats up, followed by Sorento and Tiguan. However, the third-row seats can be folded in every SUV to extend the cargo capacity considerably. Some of the standout interior features of the Sorento are:
The 2021 Sorento is equipped with a responsive and intuitive infotainment system. It gets an 8-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity for the LX, S, and EX trim. The SX and SX-Prestige trim to get a bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation support as well. A 6-speaker audio system ensures a pleasant musical experience inside the cabin.
The SX-Prestige trim gets a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium audio system for enhanced output. From S trim onwards, you get access to SiriusXM satellite radio, UVO link interface, eight USB ports, and much more. For smartphone connectivity, you have access to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay from the base trim itself which is a good thing. Some of the standout infotainment features of the Sorento are:
The 2021 Kia Sorento comes with modern and distinctive styling and definitely looks better than the competition. The front fascia imbibes the signature tiger-nose grille and triple beam LED headlights to give it an instantly recognizable look. The side profile black cladding on the wheel arches and roof rails gives it a rugged appeal.
The rear looks very similar to the Telluride with vertical LED taillights and Sorento badging in chrome. The liftgate is powered and opens vertically. The new Sorento is also larger than its predecessor and offers better interior space as well. All alloy wheel designs are young and complement the overall design language of the car really well.
|
Models(2021) |
Kia Sorento EX |
Hyundai Santa Fe Limited |
Toyota Highlander L |
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 Sorento sits on a slightly longer wheelbase and that facilitates better legroom across all the rows. The Highlander is longer, wider, taller, and sits on a longer wheelbase. It is also the bulkiest of the lot. The 2021 Sorento comes with a lower ground clearance but that should not bother it as it's not meant to do hardcore off-roading and the clearance is adequate for most road surfaces. The Tiguan is the most compact vehicle in the competition and offers good ground clearance. Some of the standout exterior features of the Sorento are:
With redesigned exteriors and a new platform, the 2021 Kia Sorento is safe as well. It is equipped with many active and passive safety features to ensure the complete safety of the occupants. The NHTSA has given it an overall 4-star safety rating in various crash tests. The IIHS has given it the “Top Safety Pick” award for passing various safety tests with flying colors. Most of the safety features are available as standard and some are available for higher trims only. Some of the standout safety features of the Sorento are:
The 2021 Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe belong to the same parent company. As a result, both of them share a lot in common. Even the build quality, fit and finish, powertrain options, etc, are quite similar. However, the Santa Fe offers a better range than the Sorento owing to a marginally larger fuel tank. The Sorento is based on a new platform and offers better handling than the Santa Fe. It also looks more aggressive and distinctive in its new avatar.
The Toyota Highlander is equipped with a larger engine and offers decent fuel efficiency as well. It also offers better ground clearance and is more off-road capable than the Kia Sorento. However, the Sorento is lighter and handles better than the Highlander. It offers better performance and efficiency from its smaller engine. It would also appeal more to the younger masses owing to its more modern and aggressive styling.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is smaller than the Kia Sorento and offers less interior space than the Kia Sorento. The Kia Sorento is better with respect to features and styling. It also offers better cargo capacity than the Tiguan. However, the fit and finish of the Tiguan are equally good and it offers better ground clearance than the Kia Sorento. It is also very maneuverable in the city owing to its compact dimensions. The Tiguan is due for a design overhaul and will soon come with updated styling and better features.
The Sorento has always been a very good car in the midsize segment and with the 2021 model, things have just got better. The new platform is better in terms of handling and interior space. The new Kia Sorento scores are high in the safety department as well. The new Sorento draws inspiration from its elder sibling, the Telluride and it isn’t a bad thing. The whole package seems more appealing to us and we won’t refrain from recommending it to you.
Car Name | 0-60 MPH | Quarter Mile | Top Speed | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Kia Sorento Ranked #3 | 6.5 sec | 15.0 sec | 135 mph | |||
2021 Ford Explorer Ranked #1 | 5.9 sec | 14.4 sec | - | |||
2021 Honda Passport Ranked #2 | 6.1 sec | 14.7 sec | 112 mph | |||
2021 Honda Pilot Ranked #4 | 6.6 sec | 15.0 sec | 113 mph | |||
2021 Toyota Highlander Ranked #5 | 6.7 sec | 15.3 sec | 114 mph | |||
2021 Mazda CX-9 Ranked #6 | 6.9 sec | 15.4 sec | - |
Car Name | MPG City | MPG Highway | MPG Combined | Fuel Tank Capacity | Range (C/H) | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Kia Sorento Ranked #4 | 24 mpg | 29 mpg | 26 mpg | 17.7 gal. | 424.80/513.30 mi. | |||
2021 Mazda CX-3 Ranked #1 | 29 mpg | 34 mpg | 31 mpg | 12.7 gal. | 368.3/431.8 mi. | |||
2021 Nissan Rogue Ranked #2 | 27 mpg | 35 mpg | 30 mpg | 14.5 gal. | 391.5/507.5 mi. | |||
2021 Subaru Outback Ranked #3 | 26 mpg | 33 mpg | 29 mpg | 18.5 gal. | 481/610.5 mi. | |||
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ranked #3 | 28 mpg | 31 mpg | 29 mpg | 13.2 gal. | 369.6/409.2 mi. | |||
2021 Ford Edge Ranked #5 | 21 mpg | 29 mpg | 24 mpg | 18.4 gal. | 388.5/536.5 mi. |
Car Name | Length | Width | Height | Ground Clearance | Wheelbase | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Kia Sorento Ranked #17 | 188.9 in. | 74.8 in. | 66.7 in. | 6.9 in. | 110.8 in. | |||
2021 Mazda CX-9 Ranked #1 | 199.4 in. | 77.5 in. | 69 in. | 8.8 in. | 115.3 in. | |||
2021 Ford Explorer Ranked #2 | 198.8 in. | 78.9 in. | 70.2 in. | 8.2 in. | 119.1 in. | |||
2021 Nissan Pathfinder Ranked #3 | 198.5 in. | 77.3 in. | 70.6 in. | 7 in. | 113.2 in. | |||
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Ranked #4 | 198.3 in. | 78.3 in. | 70 in. | 8 in. | 117.3 in. | |||
2021 Kia Telluride Ranked #5 | 196.9 in. | 78.3 in. | 68.9 in. | 8 in. | 114.2 in. |
Car Name | Trunk Capacity | Passenger Volume | Max Trunk Volume | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Kia Sorento Ranked #18 | 14.1 cu.ft. | 81.9 cu.ft. | 14.1 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Ranked #1 | 20.6 cu.ft. | 153.7 cu.ft. | 96.8 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Toyota 4Runner Ranked #2 | 47.2 cu.ft. | - | 89.7 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Subaru Ascent Ranked #3 | 17.8 cu.ft. | 153.5 cu.ft. | 86.5 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Hyundai Palisade Ranked #4 | 18 cu.ft. | 155.3 cu.ft. | 86.4 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Toyota Highlander Ranked #5 | 16 cu.ft. | 141.3 cu.ft. | 84.3 cu.ft. |
Car Name | Cargo Volume | Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area | Max Cargo Volume | Bed Length | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Kia Sorento Ranked #1 | 14.1 cu.ft. | 14.1 cu.ft. | 14.1 cu.ft. | - | |||
2021 Ford Edge Ranked #2 | 83.1 cu.ft. | 39.2 cu.ft. | 73.4 cu.ft. | - | |||
2021 Subaru Outback Ranked #3 | 75.7 cu.ft. | 32.5 cu.ft. | 75.7 cu.ft. | - | |||
2021 Chevrolet Blazer Ranked #4 | 49.9 cu.ft. | 30.5 cu.ft. | 64.2 cu.ft. | 74 ft. | |||
2021 Ford Bronco Ranked #5 | 46.2 cu.ft. | 22.4 cu.ft. | 52.3 cu.ft. | 82 ft. | |||
2021 Kia Telluride Ranked #6 | 10 cu.ft. | 21 cu.ft. | 87 cu.ft. | - |
Car Name | Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity | Weight | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Kia Sorento Ranked #5 | 2000 lbs. | 1521 lbs. | 3794 lbs. | |||
2021 Ford Explorer Ranked #1 | 5300 lbs. | 1425 lbs. | 4345 lbs. | |||
2021 Toyota 4Runner Ranked #2 | 5000 lbs. | 1700 lbs. | 4400 lbs. | |||
2021 Toyota Highlander Ranked #2 | 5000 lbs. | 1685 lbs. | 4145 lbs. | |||
2021 Kia Telluride Ranked #2 | 5000 lbs. | 1664 lbs. | 4112 lbs. | |||
2021 Hyundai Palisade Ranked #2 | 5000 lbs. | 1605 lbs. | 4127 lbs. |
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Posted On: July 17, 2024
I have always loved Kia, and when my 2012 Kia was in an accident, we knew it was time to step into the newer car, we had no idea if we would stay with Kia or return to our old safety net Chevy. We drove everything from a Dodge Journey, Chevy Traverse, Buick Enclave and we still loved the reliability of our Kia. I have never had mechanical issues or been stranded because of our Kia, which is impor...
