Now starting its fourth generation, the Kia Sorento has been completely redesigned for 2021, with a new chassis that increases interior room. Also new is the option of second-row captain’s chairs, and there are also more standard safety features. The 2021 model range expands the numerous engine choices to include a 261-horsepower plug-in hybrid, which will go on sale later this year.
Most 2021 Kia Sorentos come in front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. It gets slightly different with the hybrids, with the base being front-wheel drive only and the plug-in hybrid being all-wheel drive only. With nine trim levels, there are also four engine choices, including the base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, a 2.5-liter turbocharged I4, a 1.6-liter turbocharged I4 hybrid, and a 1.6-liter turbocharged I4 plug-in hybrid. There is no longer a V6 offered, so the 5,000-maximum towing capacity is reduced to 3,500 pounds with the turbo, 1,999 pounds with the base engine, and 1,653 pounds for the hybrid. The base engine mates to an 8-speed automatic, while the turbo gets an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic. Both hybrids run through a 6-speed automatic.
Inside, the midsize 3-row SUV has the option of six or seven seats (second-row captain’s chairs or a bench) and bright satin finishes, wood touches, and a clean design. Cargo space behind the third row is 12.6 cubic feet, expanding to 38.4 cubic feet with the third row folded. Standard features include selectable driving modes, cloth seats, a 6-speaker audio system, and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All Sorentos come with Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Nine Trim Levels
One area where the 2021 Sorento earns props is definitely with its standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a rear-seat alert, lane-departure warning, and a driver attention monitor.
With nine trim levels, prices for the 2021 Sorento range from $29,390 for the base LX model up to $42,590 for the SX Prestige X-Line. All-wheel drive adds $1,800 to the price. The base hybrid starts at $33,590, and as the plug-in hybrid is not available until later this year, pricing is not yet available. All models add a $1,175 destination charge. It’s best to decide what options you want, as they are packaged with trim levels, with very few items available à la carte.
While normally we find Kia skimps on the base model and we usually suggest the next trim up, the LX is a solid choice and can be optioned with all-wheel drive as well. However, it’s worth looking at the S, with a larger touchscreen, and without fabric seats. If you want power, the turbo is downright quick.
Here’s the Complete Rundown on 2021 Kia Sorento Trims and Prices:
2021 Kia Sorento LX: $29,390-$31,190
- Front-wheel or all-wheel drive
- Cloth seat trim
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- 17-inch alloy wheels
2021 Kia Sorento S: $31,890-$33,690
- GT-Line bumpers with black accents
- SynTex seat trim
- 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and Uvo telematics
- Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic assist
2021 Kia Sorento EX 2.5T: $34,990-$36,790
- 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Second-row captain’s chairs
- Smart cruise control
2021 Kia Sorento SX 2.5T: $37,990-$39,790
- 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Panoramic sunroof
- 10.25-inch screen with navigation, XM satellite radio
- Highway Driving Assist
2021 Kia Sorento SX Prestige 2.5T: $40,590
- 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Front-wheel drive only
- Leather seating trim
- 12.3-inch infotainment screen
- Blind View Monitor
- Surround-View monitor
2021 Kia Sorento SX Prestige X-Line 2.5T: $42,590
- 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
- All-wheel drive only
- Drive Mode Select
- Black and chrome trim on wheel arches and lower doors
- Molded-in silver bumper skid plates
2021 Kia Sorento S 1.6T Hybrid: $33,590
- 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder + electric motor
- Front-wheel drive only
- SynTex seat trim
- Matte black exterior trim
- Second-row captain’s chairs
- Dual-zone climate control
2021 Kia Sorento EX 1.6T Hybrid: $36,590
- 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder + electric motor
- Front-wheel drive only
- SynTex seat trim
- Panoramic sunroof
- Gloss-black rear spoiler
2021 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (pricing not available)
- 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder + electric motor
- 6-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive only
- 30 miles of electric range
Ready to buy a 2021 Kia Sorento? Shop for one on sale now near you.
