2021 Kia Sorento: All new for 2021, the Kia Sorento is a midsize crossover that seats up to seven passengers and is available with front- or all-wheel drive. Roughly the same size outside as the outgoing model, the 2021 Sorento boasts more interior room, additional safety and technology features, and, for the first time is offered with a hybrid powertrain. Competitors include GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent and Volkswagen Tiguan.
Trim levels include the LX, S, EX, SC, SC Prestige and SC Prestige X-Line. All gas models come standard with front-wheel drive save the SC Prestige X-Line. It comes standard with all-wheel-drive, which is an option on all but the SC Prestige. Hybrid models are only offered with front-wheel drive. Maximum towing capacity ranges between 1,654 and 3,500 pounds depending on model.
Gas-only LX and S get a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that makes 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Gas-only EX and above get a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that makes 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Both gas-only engines get an 8-speed automatic transmission. Hybrid trims include S and EX. Both utilize a turbocharged 1.6-liter four paired with an electric motor and 6-speed automatic that good for a combined output of 227 horsepower.
Prices start as low as $31,000 and climb to more than $45,000 for a fully-loaded Prestige. Standard safety features include forward-collision warning with brake intervention, lane-departure warning and mitigation and driver attention warning system. Blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors are standard on the S and above.