Kia has spent the last couple of years adding and remaking models.
The Kia Sorento is the latest to go under the knife. The 2021 version has a new look and it gains more space inside. It pays off for second-row riders with more legroom and the Sorento offers comfortable captain’s chairs that standout in this size class. Not many of the other compact crossovers have a third row. This Sorento does and is equipped to carry two children or small adults on short trips nicely.
It has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration too, which is unusual at this price point.
Frequently driving a hybrid means limited power for better MPG, but the new Sorento Hybrid changes it up a bit. With a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and 227hp, this is no slouch when you hit the gas. I did not use much either, running in stop-and-go traffic on battery power for some of the time with light throttle use. A regular automatic transmission is a nice surprise to the usual CVT type transmission you find in a hybrid. The ride will please most drivers with its nice on-road behavior with a mostly hushed cabin and the ability to soak up bumps nicely.
The Sorento has a new more muscular look than before. It is a squared-off look with flared fenders and expressive LED lighting and large grill borrowed from Kia’s Telluride. The body has several crease lines to break up the blocky square lines and the back end is stylish with dual vertical lights on each side flanking the power rear lift gate.
Cost: $36,590; as tested $38,205
MPG: 39 MPG City; and 35 MPG Highway. I managed 38.2 in 306 miles of mixed driving.
Options: $445 Runway Red paint
Safety: Blind spot collision avoidance assist-pedestrian; rear cross traffic collision-avoidance assist; enhanced forward collision avoidance-assist, cyclist & junction turning; vehicle stability management; safe exit assist with power child lock; smart cruise with stop-go; parking collision avoidance-rear, parking distance warning
Things to know: The Kia Sorento Hybrid offers a good value for your buying dollar. The fresh new look packed with technology and the good MPG means less time at the pump.
Pros:
- Impressive interior space and high-quality materials
- Handsome looks make high dollar statement without costing big money
- Peppy for a hybrid while turning in the MPG of a subcompact sedan
Cons:
- Not much cargo space with all three rows in use
- No AWD for hybrid models
- Could save some money and choose the base trim when compared to the loaded EX model
