History/Overview
For 2021, Kia has redesigned its Sorento mid-size crossover into an all-new fourth-generation design. While its overall shape is similar to that of the outgoing model, the styling details link it to the larger Telluride and smaller Seltos.
Available Trims
2021 Kia Sorento trim levels are LX+, LX Premium, X-Line, EX, EX+ and SX. The two LX models are powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD.
X-Line trim and all above it get a turbo 2.5L four-cylinder with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and AWD.
Standard Features
LX+ exterior kit includes 17-inch alloy wheels, auto on/off LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and heated/power side mirrors.
Inside, there is seven-passenger seating, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, tilt-and-telescopic steering, an 8.0-inch infotainment display, a six-speaker stereo, smartphone integration, and a 4.2-inch driver info display.
Among the LX+ trim’s safety features are automatic high beams, lane keep/follow assist, forward collision avoidance assist, and tire pressure monitoring.
LX Premium gains 18-inch wheels, sound-reducing front door glass, a power driver’s seat, a heated/leather-trimmed steering wheel, leather shifter trim, dual-zone automatic A/C, wireless smartphone charging, passive keyless entry/push-button start, blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and rear cross traffic alert.
X-Line gets 20-inch wheels, black door trim, a silver grille, roof rails, and six-passenger seating with second-row captains’ chairs.
EX gains black 20-inch wheels, sport bumpers, a black grille and roof rails, synthetic leather upholstery, a power front passenger seat, wood-finish interior trim, satellite radio, a hands-free power tailgate, connected car services, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an integrated garage door opener.
EX+ adds LED fog lights and taillights, a panoramic sunroof, power-folding side mirrors, heated rear seats, rear door sun shades, a 10.25-inch infotainment display with navigation, a 110-volt power outlet, advanced cruise control with highway drive assist, LED interior lighting, a safe exit system, rear occupant alert, advanced forward collision avoidance, and front parking sensors.
Finally, SX gains leather upholstery, four-way driver lumbar and two-way front passenger lumbar, a Bose stereo, a digital gauge cluster, head-up driver display, blind view monitor, reverse collision avoidance assist, and 360-degree camera views.
Fuel Economy
Kia’s fuel consumption estimates for the 2021 Sorento are 10.1/9.2 L/100 km (city/highway) for LX models with the base 2.5L engine, and 11.1/8.4 with the 2.5L turbo engine.
Competition
With the Sorento, Kia competes with a range of five- and seven-seat mid-size crossovers, like the Honda Passport and Pilot, Ford’s Edge and Explorer, the Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse, Subaru’s Outback and Ascent, Nissan’s Murano and Pathfinder, the Toyota Highlander, GMC’s Acadia, Mazda’s CX-9, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Palisade, VW’s Atlas, and the Dodge Durango. There is also some overlap with the larger Kia Telluride.
