The Kia Sorento has been fashionable with shoppers because it combines reasonably priced pricing with three rows of practicality.

That’s a successful formulation, however the Sorento hasn’t been with out it faults. Apart from having a lower than stellar inside, it was overshadowed by the larger and more luxurious Telluride.

That put the Sorento in a precarious place, nevertheless it has been comprehensively redesigned for 2021. The modifications deal with the mannequin’s shortcomings, whereas additionally enhancing on what shoppers already liked.

An Edgier And Extra Rugged Look

The previous-generation Sorento was one of the good-looking three-row crossovers, however Kia’s designers have sharpened issues up for 2021. The modifications are instantly obvious up entrance because the mannequin adopts an edgier tiger nostril grille with a sporty mesh-like sample that’s flanked by LED headlights and elective “eyeline” daytime working lights.

Shifting down the edges, the crossover has a sweeping shoulder line and extra muscular bodywork. The greenhouse is fairly evolutionary, nevertheless it’s damaged up by a brand new wave-like accent on the base of the C-pillar.

Designers additionally give the rear finish a sportier makeover as there’s a closely stylized liftgate and distinctive taillights that use LEDs on SX and above grades.

Talking of trims, there are six, which vary from pretty fundamental to downright luxurious. Nevertheless, even the entry-level Sorento LX comes with LED headlights, an acoustic windshield and 17-inch alloy wheels. The bottom mannequin additionally sports activities satin chrome accents, privateness glass and body-color mirrors with built-in flip alerts.

We examined the range-topping Sorento SX Status X-Line which options upgrades similar to LED fog lights and 20-inch alloy wheels. This variant can also be notable for having the X-Line bundle that provides a beefier roof rack, darkish hyper silver accents and matte black physique cladding. The bundle additionally will increase the trip top by 1 inch (25 mm), whereas additionally including a extra superior all-wheel drive system with a snow mode.

Whereas new autos usually develop in measurement, the 2021 Sorento bucks the pattern because it nonetheless measures 189 inches (4,800 mm) lengthy. Nevertheless, it’s barely wider and taller as each dimensions have grown by 0.4 inches (10 mm). That brings us to the most important change, which is a wheelbase that, at 110.8 inches (2,814 mm), is 1.4 inches (36 mm) longer.

An All-New And Extra Luxurious Inside

Whereas the previous-generation Sorento had a good-looking exterior, its cabin was fairly lackluster and had an air of cheapness to it. That’s not longer the case because the redesigned mannequin has made vital strides when it comes to materials high quality, design and expertise.

The modifications are unmistakable, particularly within the range-topping trim which boasts a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a ten.25-inch infotainment system. The brand new tech is a welcome addition and the digital instrument cluster permits for a Blind View Monitor perform, which tasks a stay video feed of adjoining lanes into the gauges when a flip sign is activated. It’s a cool security function and it makes altering lanes on a busy freeway much less disturbing.

Apart from the high-tech gear, the Sorento SX Status X-Line boasts fashionable and supportive perforated leather-based seats with embossed bolsters. Each entrance seats come customary with 10-way energy adjustment, two-way energy lumbar assist in addition to heating and air flow, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, a dual-zone computerized local weather management system and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The mannequin additionally has a wi-fi smartphone charger and USB charging ports, that are hidden beneath a gloss black cowl that could be a fingerprint magnet. Patrons may even discover fake wooden trim, comfortable contact supplies and principally prime quality plastics.

The second row seats are snug and extra spacious than earlier than as there’s now 41.7 inches (1,059 mm) of legroom. That’s a rise of two.3 inches (58 mm) and it means backseat passengers even have extra legroom than these up entrance.

A split-folding bench comes customary, however second row captain’s chairs can be found on greater finish variants. The latter slide and have an adjustable backrest in addition to adjustable armrests. The captain’s chairs even have a button which mechanically slides and tilts them ahead to ease entry and egress from the third-row.

Regardless of this, entering into the third row might be troublesome for adults. Nevertheless, even this 6’ 2” reviewer managed to squeeze again there.

Sadly, it wasn’t a nice expertise as headroom is restricted and there’s solely 29.6 inches (752 mm) of legroom. Second row passengers can slide their seats ahead to provide third row occupants extra room, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a good match for adults. That being stated, the seats ought to be completely tremendous for youngsters and small teenagers.

Talking of house, there’s a modest 12.6 cubic toes (357 liters) of room behind the third row. That isn’t a lot, however the seats are simple to fold and this will increase the cargo capability to between 38.5 – 45.0 cubic toes (1,090 – 1,274 liters). With each rows folded, that determine jumps to 75.5 cubic toes (2,138 liters), which is lower than the 84.3 cubic toes (2,387 liters) provided by the Toyota Highlander.

A Powertrain For Everybody

Whereas the earlier Sorento was provided with two totally different engines, the 2021 mannequin has 4. Beginning issues off is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 191 hp (142 kW / 194 PS) and 182 lb-ft (246 Nm) torque. It’s related to an eight-speed computerized transmission which might be paired to an elective all-wheel drive system.

This permits the SUV to speed up from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 9.5 seconds with front-wheel drive and 10 seconds flat with all-wheel drive. Whereas that’s not quick, the mannequin is fairly environment friendly because the front-wheel drive variant has an EPA-estimated gas financial system score of 24 mpg metropolis, 29 mpg freeway and 26 mpg mixed. With all-wheel drive, these numbers drop to 23 mpg metropolis, 25 mpg freeway and 24 mpg mixed.

Talking of gas financial system, there are two all-new hybrid variants for 2021. The normal hybrid has a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a 59 hp (44 kW / 60 PS) electrical motor, a 1.5 kWh battery pack and a six-speed computerized transmission. This setup permits the front-wheel drive mannequin to have a mixed output of 227 hp (169 kW / 230 PS).

Because of the eco-friendly powertrain, the Sorento Hybrid has an EPA-estimated gas financial system score of 39 mpg metropolis, 35 mpg freeway and 37 mpg mixed. That’s spectacular for a automobile, not to mention a seven-seat crossover. Kia was additionally fast to level out the Sorento Hybrid bests the Toyota Highlander Hybrid which returns as much as 36 mpg metropolis, 35 mpg freeway and 36 mpg mixed.

A plug-in hybrid variant will arrive early subsequent yr with a bigger 13.8 kWh battery, a 90 hp (67 kW / 91 PS) electrical motor and all-wheel drive. The powertrain has a mixed output of 261 hp (195 kW / 265 PS) and will allow the Sorento to journey 30 miles (48 km) on electrical energy alone.

Whereas the plug-in hybrid sounds promising, our tester was geared up with the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 281 hp (210 kW / 285 PS) and 311 lb-ft (422 Nm) torque. It’s an ideal match for the Sorento and permits it to run from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 7.6 seconds when geared up with all-wheel drive.

Because of the turbocharged engine, the Sorento is fast and sporty. Throttle tip-in isn’t probably the most linear factor on this planet, however a fast jab of the accelerator will definitely get you shifting.

Regardless of the spectacular efficiency, there’s not a lot of a penalty on the pump as front-wheel drive variant returns 22 mpg metropolis, 29 mpg freeway and 25 mpg mixed. Including all-wheel drive reduces these numbers to 21 mpg metropolis, 28 mpg freeway and 24 mpg mixed.

We fell a bit wanting these estimates as we averaged 20.6 mpg in principally metropolis driving. Nevertheless, homeowners ought to anticipate greater numbers as our tester was idled whereas capturing photographs and video.

So How Does It Drive?

In two phrases, remarkably properly. Engineers have executed an amazing job on the Sorento because it balances consolation and sportiness virtually completely. The Korean SUV is comparatively nimble, corners properly and barely displays physique roll. And all of this has been executed with out comprising trip high quality because the suspension soaks up small highway imperfections with ease. Bigger and steady impacts will make themselves recognized, however they don’t intrude sufficient to mar the expertise.

Numerous credit score goes to the Sorento’s third-generation N3 platform which is new for 2021. It’s lighter and stronger than earlier than, and engineers made updates to enhance driving dynamics in addition to trip and dealing with traits.  All of this work appears to have paid off because the Sorento is without doubt one of the higher crossovers to drive.

The steering is a bit on the heavy facet, nevertheless it’s predictable and provides to the sporty feeling.

When it comes time to cease, ventilated discs measuring 12.8 inches (325 mm) up entrance and 12.0 inches (305 mm) on the rear are known as into motion. We didn’t check them to extremes, however they appear pretty succesful though there’s a little bit of journey earlier than actually kick in.

Sticking with the efficiency theme, the eight-speed twin clutch transmission is quick and easy. Sport mode quickens issues up a bit, however the gearbox appears to work finest in consolation mode. In the event you’re the do it your self kind, there are paddle shifters and handbook shift controls.

Regardless of being December, the climate didn’t cooperate and we didn’t get an opportunity to check out the all-wheel drive system within the snow. Nevertheless, it offers loads of grip in dry situations and options torque vectoring to enhance dynamics.

The all-wheel drive system is entrance biased, however encompasses a center-locking differential to offer additional energy to rear wheels in slippery situations. The break up varies on situations and the chosen drive mode, however Sport mode sends energy rearward extra readily.

Pricing Begins At $29,390

The 2021 Kia Sorento is now on sale and pricing begins at $29,390 which is $1,300 greater than its predecessor. Nevertheless, it comes higher geared up than the outgoing mannequin and options quite a few enhancements.

In base LX type, consumers will discover fabric upholstery, a second row break up folding bench and a regular third row. The mannequin additionally has air-con, a six-speaker audio system, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The entry-level Sorento comes with an assortment of driver help techniques together with Excessive Beam Help, Lane Preserve Help, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Following Help. Different security options embrace a rearview digicam, Clever Velocity Restrict Help, Rear Occupant Alert, and Ahead Collision Avoidance Help with pedestrian and automobile detection.

Shifting up the trim ladder is the Sorento S which begins at $31,890. Upgrading is a no brainer because it provides leatherette upholstery, heated entrance seats and a 10-way energy driver’s seat with lumbar assist. It additionally comes geared up with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a dual-zone computerized local weather management system, a extra superior infotainment system and a wise key with a push-button ignition.

If that wasn’t sufficient to persuade you to improve, the Sorento S additionally provides security options similar to Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Help, Rear Cross-Site visitors Collision Avoidance Help, Reverse Parking Distance Warning and Secure Exit Help.

The $34,990 Sorento EX comes customary with the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine and encompasses a handful of different upgrades together with a wi-fi smartphone charger and second row captain’s chairs. The mannequin additionally has Good Cruise Management with Cease and Go and a Ahead Collision Avoidance Help system which might detect cyclists.

One step up is the Sorento SX which begins at $37,990. It encompasses a host of exterior upgrades together with LED daytime working lights, LED taillights and 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, consumers will discover an 8-way energy passenger seat and a bigger 10.25-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation. The mannequin additionally comes with a panoramic sunroof, LED inside lights and Freeway Driving Help.

The latter is fairly noteworthy because it controls the automobile’s steering, acceleration and braking on the freeway. Throughout our testing, it did a very good job of retaining the Sorento centered in its lane and didn’t have any issues steering on lengthy sweeping curves.

Subsequent up is the Sorento SX Status which begins at $40,590 and is on the market solely with front-wheel drive. To get all-wheel drive, you must improve to the Sorento SX Status X-Line – like our tester – which begins at $42,590. Each fashions are largely equivalent, apart from the off-road impressed styling tweaks, and include the gear we’ve talked about earlier within the evaluation.

Prospects in search of one thing extra eco-friendly can go for the Sorento Hybrid. It begins at $33,590 for the S trim and $36,590 for the EX variant.

Pricing for the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid can be introduced nearer to launch, however Kia officers prompt it will likely be positioned as a premium entry. That isn’t a lot to go on, however it will likely be attention-grabbing to see the way it compares to the smaller Toyota RAV4 Prime which begins at $38,100.

Fairly A lot Every part You Might Need In A Crossover

Kia’s been on a roll currently with fashions such because the Telluride and Stinger. That pattern continues with the Sorento because it checks all of the bins and manages to be greater than the sum of its components.

It’s snug and sporty with the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine and, on high of that, there are two eco-friendly hybrid choices. Value-conscious consumers haven’t been forgotten both and the bottom engine is extra highly effective and fuel-efficient than earlier than.

Kia didn’t cease there because the Sorento encompasses a vastly improved inside with greater high quality supplies and trendy expertise. Additionally it is comparatively spacious and encompasses a third row that may accommodate adults in a pinch.

All in all, the Sorento appears to be like like one other winner for Kia and it ought to enchantment to prospects who don’t want the additional room provided by the Telluride.

Image credit: Michael Gauthier for Carscoops