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2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Kia Sorento Hybrid highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Three rows of seating
  • Many standard features
  • Hybrid powertrain

Cons

  • Third-row legroom limited
  • Front-wheel-drive only
  • Only two trim levels are available

Mileage (EPA estimate)

39 city, 35 highway, 37 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

Hybrid family hauler

The hybrid powertrain delivers the best of both worlds; you get the advantages of an electric motor with a gas engine, so you don't have to worry about range or charging as much. Kia redesigned the Sorento for 2021 and also introduced the new Hybrid version. Powered by a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, it produces a combined 227 horsepower. That is all connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel-drive is standard. There are two great trim levels to choose from, the S and the EX.

All Kia Sorento Hybrid years

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid trims

Curious how Kia Sorento Hybrid trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

S:

EX:

Kia Sorento Hybrid photos

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid

1. Standard features 

Even the base S trim is very well-equipped. It's got loads of standard features like simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED headlights, and roof rails. So, even if you come across a 2021 Sorento Hybrid S on our lots, you can rest assured that it will be pretty impressive.  

2. Hybrid powertrain 

All versions of the 2021 Sorento Hybrid are powered by a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce a combined 227 horsepower. That is good for an EPA-estimated 37 mpg combined city/highway.

That means fewer trips to the pump compared to the gas-powered Sorento.  

3. Great tech 

The base S trim gets a nicely sized eight-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto smartphone integration and a six-speaker audio system. It also had standard driver aids like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, a lane-keeping system, forward collision mitigation, and driver attention warning. Find the EX trim, and you'll get upgrades like a wireless phone charger, adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, and enhanced forward collision mitigation.  

4. Interior space 

With three rows of space, the Kia Sorento Hybrid is pretty practical. You'll get 12.6 cu-ft of space with all seats in place, which is suitable for a quick trip to the grocery store. The 2021 Sorento Hybrid has a sliding and reclining second row, which means with the third row folded, you have between 38.5 and 45 cu-ft of space. There's 75.5 cu-ft of space with the two rear rows folded.  

5. Upgraded EX trim 

If the S trim doesn't quite match your needs, you can check out the 2021 Sorento Hybrid EX. It gets great exterior upgrades like LED foglights and cool black exterior trim. On the inside, you'll find a panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charger, and driver aids like adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, and enhanced forward collision mitigation. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

Kia Sorento Hybrid features and specs

S 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Quad Seats
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Third Row Seat
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.6L

Horsepower

177

Torque (ft-lbs)

195

Engine type

Turbo Hybrid

Fuel capacity

17.7

Wheelbase

110.8"

Overall length

189.4"

Width

74.8"

Height

66.7"

Leg room

F 41.4"/M 40.7"/R 29.6"

Head room

F 40.3"/M 39.1"/R 36.8"

Front tires

P235/65HR17

Rear tires

P235/65HR17

Seating capacity

6

Max towing capacity

200/2000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid FAQ

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