2021 Kia Sorento Test Drive Review: Putting The 'Sport' Back Into SUV

First introduced to the United States back in 2002, the Kia Sorento is now entering its fourth-generation with an all-new model for 2021. For the first time since the Borrego bowed out of the market, the Sorento now has another SUV model - the Telluride - positioned above it in size. With its place in Kia's lineup changed, the 2021 Sorento arrives sporting a different value proposition than before. Kia positions this new model as a smaller midsize SUV with a small third row for occasional use, making it a 7-seater in a segment dominated by mostly-two-row competitors such as the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, and the Hyundai Santa Fe with which it shares an engine and platform. The new Kia Sorento is offered with either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower or a turbocharged option with 281 hp. A hybrid and plug-in hybrid will be available too, giving the new Sorento a breadth of appeal few can match. Kia sent us two Sorento trims to review, the SX-Prestige with and without the X-Line Package.

What's the Price of the 2021 Kia Sorento?

The base LX version of the Sorento carries an MSRP of $29,390 before a $1,175 destination charge. Next up in the regular range is the S trim which carries a base price of $31,890, followed by the EX which starts at $34,990. The SX is three grand dearer while the top SX-Prestige model costs $40,590. There's not much to add to this trim, but with additions like the rear-seat entertainment system, you'll spend around $48,000 for a fully loaded version. On all models bar the top trim, AWD costs $1,800. On the SX-Prestige, it's two grand. The hybrid model, called HEV, costs $33,590 for the S version and $36,590 for the EX. Overall, the price of the Kia Sorento is appropriate for its segment and shows it's a high value-for-money proposition.

2021 Sorento Exterior

Dimensions

2021 Sorento Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

Based on Kia's latest successes with the K5, Seltos, and Telluride, we expected the new Sorento to offer stellar performance. It didn't disappoint, and overall, the Sorento behaves like a car. The steering feels tight, especially in Sport Mode, while the chassis delivers well-balanced body control and a compliant ride. Kia offers Comfort and Eco Modes, though Smart Mode is our favorite because it can swap profiles based on how the car is being driven. Opting for the all-wheel-drive X-Line adds a Snow Mode, but we didn't have a chance to use it as conditions were warm for the duration of our test drive. It's not the quietest vehicle in its segment, but the Sorento's excellent driving dynamics belong up there with much pricier offerings. The Sorento may be a mid-size vehicle, but excellent tuning helps it feel smaller out on the road, almost like a compact crossover.

If we had only one fault with the Sorento, it's the massive torque steer found on front-wheel-drive models with the turbocharged engine. 311 pound-feet is a lot of torque to send only towards the front wheels, and the Sorento's tires are simply not up to the task. Right through to third gear, aggressive acceleration will see the tires chirping. Adding AWD solves the problem, but the extra weight slows things down marginally.

2021 Sorento Interior

2021 Sorento Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is the 2021 Kia Sorento A Good SUV?

Learning from the success of the Telluride, Kia has built another stellar SUV. The 2021 Kia Sorento enters to fill a void in the market left by smaller mid-size SUVs that do not offer an optional third row. Though it's not as practical as the Telluride, we think buyers who prefer a smaller vehicle footprint will appreciate the Sorento and its third row that comes in handy in a pinch. Combined with sporty styling, a well-arranged interior, and stellar driving performance, and the Sorento shapes up as a compelling package.

The similarly-size Hyundai Santa Fe offers the same engines bundled in a differently-styled package, but without an option for a third row. Likewise, the Kia Telluride offers more available features and more passenger/cargo space, but it's more expensive and thirstier than the Sorento. Think of the Sorento as a Goldilocks vehicle positioned between the two-row compact crossovers and the three-row midsize SUVs, and it makes perfect sense.

What Kia Sorento Model Should I Buy?

The 2021 Kia Sorento is an affordable entry into the world of three-row SUVs, but we think it is best enjoyed with the turbocharged engine. The EX trim is the cheapest way to get the turbo starting at $34,990, but we'd add all-wheel-drive for $1,800 to eliminate the insane torque steer. We'd go ahead and add the panoramic roof for $1,300, bringing the price to a reasonable $38,535. If you are willing to go all-out, the fully-loaded SX-Prestige trim with the X-Line Package for $42,590 makes a compelling option against similarly-sized luxury vehicles that costs tens of thousands more.

2021 Kia Sorento Comparisons

2021 Kia Sorento vs Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe shares its underpinnings with the Kia Sorento, and like the Sorento, has been redesigned for 2021. However, this is a five-seater with plenty of space for all occupants, instead of a seven-seater with a cramped third row. Like the Sorento, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital driver display are new, and like the Sorento, a hybrid version is available too. The other engine offerings offered with the Sorento also do duty in the Santa Fe, and pricing is very similar, so which should you buy? We like the exciting and unique styling of the new Santa Fe and feel that this car looks and feels more premium. But ultimately, this is a simple choice: if you need seven seats, get the Sorento. If you don't, get the Santa Fe.

2021 Kia Sorento vs Kia Sportage

The Sportage is basically a smaller version of the Sorento, but you wouldn't say so by looking at it. It has styling that is reminiscent of Kia's past design language, but that doesn't make it a bad vehicle in any way. What does put it behind the Sorento is its towing capacity of only 2,000 lbs, while the Sorento can manage up to 3,500. This is because the Sportage comes with either an older 2.4-liter four-pot with 181 hp or a 2.0-liter turbo with a maximum of 240 horses. Still, you do get the option of AWD, but the six-speed auto is a little frantic when you have the weaker engine. Overall, the Sorento is a more capable car, but with a smaller footprint that makes parking easier and a base price that is more than $6k cheaper than that of the Sorento, the Sportage is still an attractive offering.