2021 Kia Sorento review
Kia Sorento highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Impressive assortment of standard features
- Spacious third row
- Intuitive infotainment
- Optional engine provides quick acceleration
Cons
- Wind and tire noise
- Jittery ride on models with larger wheels
Mileage (EPA estimate)
21 city, 25 highway, 24 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
2021 Kia Sorento is an SUV with lots of character
The 2021 Kia Sorento is a three-row SUV that's bigger than most compact crossovers but not quite as large as a midsize. The Sorento comes standard with many useful features, with upper trims adding items that are hard to find on rivals. Redesigned for 2021, this year's Sorento has a more spacious interior, upgraded materials, and a newly available hybrid powertrain.
All Kia Sorento years
What is new for the 2021 Kia Sorento?
- The Sorento is available in a variety of new trims, including the SX Prestige and SX Prestige X-Line.
- The L trim has been discontinued for 2021.
- Sorento trims have been upgraded with Heated Steering Wheel, Quad Seats, Leatherette Seats, Remote Start, 20 Inch Plus Wheels, and Turbo Charged Engine as standard equipment this year.
- The EX trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The S trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The LX trim now comes with Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
2021 Kia Sorento trims
LX:
Includes selectable drive modes, heated mirrors, height-adjustable driver's seat, eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, and more.
S:
Adds roof rails, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and more.
EX:
Adds wireless phone charger, second-row captain's chairs, adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation system, and more.
SX:
Adds high-speed lane-keeping system, power passenger seat, 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, and more.
SX Prestige:
Adds ventilated front seats, digital gauge cluster, front parking sensors, upgraded 12-speaker Bose audio system, and more.
SX Prestige X-Line:
Unlocks AWD, lumbar adjustment for the front passenger seat, a dark silver exterior trim, and more.
Kia Sorento photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Kia Sorento
1. Four powerful engine options
The 2021 Kia Sorento is available with four distinct engine options. For the gas-only side, choose the 2.5L four-cylinder engine (191 horsepower, 181 lb-ft) with eight-speed automatic transmission or the 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (281 hp, 311 lb-ft) with eight-speed dual-clutch auto transmission. If it's a hybrid that gets your motor going, shop for a model that pairs a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder engine with an electric motor (combined 227 hp), or opt for a plug-in hybrid that pairs the same 1.6L engine with a more powerful electric motor (261 total hp).
2. Roomy interior
The wheelbase of the 2021 Sorento is 1.4 inches longer than the 2020 model, extending more room to third-row occupants. For a compact SUV, the 2021 version of the Sorento feels wonderfully spacious and makes the best of its storage space. That means you can carry a family of five and all the associated luggage for a long trip. Or, a group of seven could comfortably pack up and get away for the weekend.
3. Generous standard features
Along with the capable 2.5L engine, the 2021 Kia Sorento comes standard with a host of tech features to keep everyone inside happy. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard, and up to eight USB ports are available (six for the base model and eight for the rest). In the base model through the SX trim, a six-speaker audio system is standard, while a stellar 12-speaker Bose® audio upgrade comes with the SX Prestige trim.
4. Available captain's chairs
Not all SUVs offer the option of individual chairs in the second row, but the Sorento does. This desirable feature comes in especially handy when you're trying to load up a bunch of kids and pets. For model year 2021, the EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims include captain's chairs.
5. Unique touchscreen interface
Touchscreens are a dime a dozen, right? Not in a Sorento. Kia uses a fun touchscreen interface featuring digital graphics that resemble old-fashioned radio tubes, adding a little whimsy to an otherwise staid feature. Your front-seat passenger will want to flip the channels just to see the graphics change.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Kia Sorento, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The 2017-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is well-suited for zipping the family around town, on long trips out of the city, or taking the grandkids to the campsite. A powerful 3.3L V6 has all the grunt for fun weekends away as well as more practical errands. In addition, an available AWD system improves grip by intelligently putting power to the wheel with the most grip. In corners, it gently applies the brakes to the inside wheels, improving turning performance.
Standard equipment in a 2017-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe include:
A five-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera
YES Essentials stain-resistant cloth seats
LED running lights and taillights
The 2017-2019 Nissan Murano offers lots of V6 power, a refined interior, and a smooth ride. Surround yourself with luxurious features like natural wood trim, semi-aniline leather seats, quilted leather inserts, and a panoramic sunroof in the 2017-2019 Murano Platinum trim. Even the entry-level Murano is well equipped, with in-demand features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Standard features on the 2017-2019 Nissan Murano include:
Eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Push-button start
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Looking for an upscale crossover? The 2018-2021 Lexus RX is loaded with luxury touches. From 2018, Lexus offers its sleek compact SUV as not only a five-passenger option, but also an RX L version to carry up to seven passengers, depending on whether the middle row is equipped with captain's chairs or a bench seat. You'll also appreciate the wide cargo bay, which makes it easier to load supplies from the back.
2018-2021 Lexus RX models offer these features standard:
Rearview camera
Adaptive cruise control
Nine-speaker sound system
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Kia Sorento an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Kia Sorento 12th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Kia SorentoKia Sorento features and specs
EX 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Front Seat Heaters
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- 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
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Rear Entertainment System
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
281
Torque (ft-lbs)
311
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
18.8
Wheelbase
110.8"
Overall length
188.9"
Width
74.8"
Height
66.7"
Leg room
F 41.4"/M 41.7"/R 29.6"
Head room
F 40.3"/M 39.1"/R 36.8"
Front tires
P235/60HR18
Rear tires
P235/60HR18
Seating capacity
6
Max towing capacity
350/3500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Kia Sorento FAQ
All trim levels of the 2021 Kia Sorento seat up to seven.
All trim levels of the 2021 Kia Sorento have third-row seating.
The 2021 Kia Sorento is equipped with five modes, including Snow Mode, on AWD models.
The 2021 Kia Sorento is available with adaptive AWD.
Four-wheel drive is not available on Kia SUVs, although a similar all-wheel-drive system is equipped on some used models. Compared to traditional 4WD (which needs to be manually engaged by the driver), an all-wheel drive system automatically adjusts torque between the front and rear axle to optimize driving conditions.
Aside from the Kia Sorento (which is available with optional all-wheel drive on most trims), there are some other Kia SUV models that come with AWD on some trim levels.
The Kia Seltos, which made its crossover debut for the 2021 model year, comes with all-wheel drive on most trim levels (except for the S trim on its 2021 model, which comes with front-wheel drive instead). This compact crossover SUV offers seating for up to five passengers, so it could be a good option if you're looking for a smaller Kia SUV with all-wheel drive.
If you're looking for something a little larger, the Kia Sportage is also available with all-wheel drive; while front-wheel drive is standard on the Sportage from 2011 to present, look for all-wheel drive on any trims within the 2021 model year.
The even larger Kia Telluride is also offered with all-wheel drive. On the 2021 model, front-wheel drive is standard, but AWD is an optional upgrade for every trim.
The Kia SUV that is best suited for you will depend on how much space you need, which features you're looking for, and many other factors. However, Kia has several SUV models to choose from that may be worth your consideration.
Looking for a smaller Kia SUV? The Kia Soul boasts distinctive styling and offers seating for up to five passengers. If you need something with all-wheel drive, however, you may want to look at the new-for-2021 Kia Seltos. This compact SUV also offers five-passenger seating but comes standard with AWD on most trims.
The Niro is another popular SUV option from Kia, offering the same seating capacity as the Soul and Seltos—but with a little more space throughout. If you're looking for something slightly roomier still, the Kia Sportage is a popular compact crossover SUV option. Both models offer all-wheel drive on some trim levels, although front-wheel drive is standard.
When you need seating for up to seven people, the three-row Kia Sorento is a practical choice; models equipped with second-row bench seat can accommodate seven passengers, while models with second-row captain's chairs max out at six people.
Finally, the Kia Telluride is an even more spacious three-row SUV that can accommodate up to eight passengers with its standard second-row bench seating. As you can see, there is a Kia SUV to suit just about any sized family.
Yes, second-row captain's chairs are available on select Kia Sorento trims. These second-row captain's chairs take the place of the vehicle's standard split-folding bench seat.
For example, on the 2021 Sorento, second-row captain's chairs are standard on the EX trim and above. This reduces the Sorento's seating capacity from seven to six people but provides additional room and comfort for those seated in the second row.
More about the 2021 Kia Sorento
Exterior colors:
Aruba Green (SX Prestige and X-Line only)
Aurora Black (Hybrid models only)
Crystal Beige
Ebony Black
Everlasting Gray
Glacial White Pearl
Gravity Blue
Gravity Gray
Passion Red Tintcoat
Platinum Graphite (Hybrid models only)
Runway Red (Hybrid models only)
Sapphire Blue (Not available for LX)
Silky Silver (Hybrid models only)
Snow White Pearl (Hybrid models only)
Sparkling Silver
Steel Gray (Hybrid models only)
Interior colors:
Black
Gray
Rust
Interior details
The 2021 Kia Sorento can haul a lot of people—up to seven—with a small footprint. Kia has managed to fit a high level of people- and cargo-carrying ability into this midsize SUV, and it offers the best of both worlds: it's easy to park and its spacious inside. In the second row, you get a 60/40 split-folding bench seat or captain's chairs depending on the trim, and the third row has 50/50 split-folding seats. That comes in handy when you're packing for a ski weekend with a friend or transporting bulky items from the home improvement store.
Child seat details
For 2021, the Kia Sorento seats up to seven and can fit two car seats in the second row with captain's chairs or a bench; in the third row, two sets of anchors are available for car seats. This includes a combination of LATCH car seats, infant car seats, rear-facing convertible car seats, forward-facing convertible car seats, and booster car seats. Thanks to its easily accessible anchors and versatile seating options, the 2021 Kia Sorento can make it easier to buckle in infants and small children.
Performance
The 2021 Kia Sorento base model is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine that produces 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. An upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is available on EX and higher trims. Power comes from the eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Models with AWD and the 2.0L engine get an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined; with FWD the 2021 Sorento gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined, and the hybrid model gets an EPA-estimated 37 mpg.
Emissions
According to EPA estimates, the FWD/AWD 2021 Kia Sorento's tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 360/365 grams per mile (242 grams per mile for the hybrid model). These estimates are based on a brand-new model. Visit fueleconomy.gov for more details.
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