The new fourth-generation Kia Sorento is a formidable competitor in the market for large seven-seat family SUVs, with a more angular and powerful appearance. In terms of sophistication, gear, and technology, especially in the top-of-the-line GT-Line diesel model we’re testing today, it can easily compete with any rival priced under $100,000. The Kia Sorento is a class leader by default due to its excellent blend of design, interior space, safety features, and performance. This honor was given to a South Korean brand for the first time. In retrospect, it appears that we should have anticipated this development as Hyundai and Kia have been nipping at the heels of the premium brands for a long.
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How do they do it for the money?
S, Sport, Sport+, and GT-Line are the four trim levels offered for the 2021 Kia Sorento. Each variation is available with either a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel with all-wheel drive or a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 with front-wheel drive.
Later this year, Kia hopes to add hybrid and plug-in hybrid models to the lineup, putting it farther ahead of competitors like the Mazda CX-9, departing Toyota Kluger, aging Nissan Pathfinder, and the Sorento’s sister vehicle beneath the skin, the freshly redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe.
The base model S in the Kia Sorento range costs $46,850 plus applicable taxes and fees. Sport prices start at $49,470 plus ORCs, Sport+ prices start at $53,850 plus ORCs, and the top-tier GT-Line prices start at $61,070 plus ORCs.
Our oil-burning GT-Line test vehicle can be purchased for $64,070 including ORCs with the only optional extra that needs to be checked being premium paint for an additional $695. The diesel, all-wheel drive powertrain is a $3000 premium across the range.
Given the extensive list of standard features it comes with, the price increase of a few thousand dollars over its predecessor may be a little higher than the previous-generation Sorento, but it still represents an incredible value that, in my opinion, makes some of its prestige SUV competitors green with envy.
A 12.3-inch instrument display panel that is quite “Mercedes-like” and a 10.25-inch infotainment touch-screen with a 12-speaker Bose music system, sat-nav, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto with both wireless and USB connections dominate the dash.
The intercom system, which connects the first to third rows via the front microphone and rear speakers, is a cool feature that my kids adored, and there are a ton of practical auxiliary charging outlets spread out over the first two rows.
All passengers are kept comfortable in the cabin thanks to heated and cooled front seats (my favorite), heated second row outer pews, and dual-zone temperature control with separate adjustment and vents available from the third row.
The Nappa leather upholstery has very elegant quilted stitching on all seven of the seats, giving the interior a highly premium appearance that is only heightened by the full-length glass sunroof.
It is equally elegant from the outside, towering tall on its 20-inch rims, while Kia’s fresh interpretation of its iconic tiger-nose front grille design and LED headlights with daytime running lights give it a futuristic air.
Safety for all
With the most modern accident avoidance systems and the highest five-star ANCAP safety rating, the 2021 Kia Sorento sets a new standard for family SUV safety.
The larger body is fundamentally lighter and stronger than its predecessor because more high-strength hot-stamped steel and aluminum were used in the frame.
In addition to the vehicle’s inherent strength, all three rows of the vehicle are equipped with seven airbags, including a unique front center airbag that deploys from the roof between the occupants in the front seats to shield them from harm in the case of a side hit.
Additionally, the driver is assisted with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), which Kia refers to as Junction Assist and can also identify oncoming traffic when making a turn at intersections. It also features clear head-up display with speed sign recognition and driver attention alert.
Additional features include blind spot collision avoidance, lane follow assist with lane change assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.
The parking collision avoidance aid system in our GT-Line additionally informs the driver by visual, audio, and tactile feedback through the steering wheel and will also apply the brakes if a collision is about to occur during the parking procedure. This simple but useful function eliminates blind spots.
The Sorento’s Safe Exit Assist will keep the rear doors locked if it senses an oncoming vehicle to prevent passengers in the back from escaping into traffic.
Nowadays, it goes without saying that there will be electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes. In the case of our GT-Line, the all-wheel drive powertrain offers additional security and traction in slick circumstances.
Smooth as silk
Our 2021 Kia Sorento GT-engine Line’s is a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder that is rather fuel-efficient and produces a respectable 148kW of power at 3800 rpm and a peak torque figure of 440Nm between 1750 and 2750 rpm. It delivers extremely manageable performance to the Sorento.
It’s interesting to note that the engine block is now constructed of high-strength aluminum, which results in a weight savings of 19.5 kg over the cast-iron one in the outgoing model and improves dynamics.
Kia claims the Sorento GT-Line has an average fuel consumption of just 6.1L/100km, which is astounding given the vehicle’s weight of 1909kg and ability to compete in an overtaking contest. This contributes to fuel efficiency as well.
I was unable to meet Kia’s claim, but I did get very near (at 6.9L/100km) compared to most other cars I’ve tested.
Modern engines have virtually eliminated turbo lag, but I would have assumed that a small-capacity four-cylinder diesel attempting to pull a huge SUV would be an excellent circumstance to encounter it once more.
But that wasn’t the case at all, as the engine pulls away smoothly and without issue when the load is high, and it keeps lofty gears without needlessly downshifting when the speed drops or while climbing hills.
This is made possible by the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission’s silky smoothness, which almost acts like a traditional torque-converter automatic without the typical clunky behavior you find in transmissions like that, even in cars like a Mercedes-Benz.
The price of a 2021 Kia Sorento.
Price of a 2021 Kia Sorento The base front-wheel-drive LX model of the new Sorento costs $29,390, and the top-of-the-line (all-wheel-drive) SX Prestige X-Line costs $42,590. The LX, S (beginning at $31,890), EX ($34,990), and SX ($37,990) versions cost an additional $1,800 when equipped with all-wheel drive.
Is it wise to purchase a 2021 Kia Sorento?
Three rows of comfortable seats, a ton of user-friendly electronic features, and a respectable maximum cargo space are all highlights of the Sorento’s upmarket cabin. We named the Sorento our Best 3-Row SUV for the Money for 2021 because to its exceptional blend of quality and affordability.
How much does a fully equipped 2021 Kia Sorento cost?
- Starting price for the new 2021 Kia Sorento is $30,560, which is a substantial increase over the previous model.
- The new hybrid variant, which is rated for 37 mpg, has a starting price of $34,760.
- At dealerships, the 2021 Sorento is currently for sale.
Now that the new Sorento from Kia has arrived, we know how much the revised mid-size SUV will cost. The base LX model of the 2021 Kia Sorento costs $30,560, which is $2450 more expensive than the base price of the 2020 model. However, costs for comparable models are more in line with last year’s because the L trim level, which was the least expensive in the previous Sorento lineup, is no longer offered. The top SX Prestige X-Line model with AWD and a more potent turbocharged engine costs $43,760, while the new Sorento hybrid starts at $34,760.
How long is the Kia Sorento waitlist?
The Kia Sorento, Kia Carnival, and Kia Sportage have the longest wait times for new Kia models, each at 245 days (199 days).
Are there any engine issues with the 2021 Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento for 2021 isn’t ideal, as you might expect. Despite receiving an overwhelmingly excellent assessment, the midsized SUV has a few important flaws. The first has to do with the dual-clutch transmission that is mated to the aforementioned 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. Consumer Reports stated that the powertrain isn’t silky smooth at low speeds despite having a ton of available torque. As a result, if you’re in stop-and-go traffic, you might hear some strange vibrations and jerky movements.
The hybrid powertrain of the 2021 Kia Sorento has several flaws as well. Consumer Reports claims that there is a delay when accelerating after coming to a complete stop. Consumer Reports discovered that the Sorento requires a lot of force to move forward because it starts off using electric power. But as soon as the accelerator is depressed and the 1.6-liter engine fires up, the extra power is delivered fairly suddenly.
The ride comfort of the 2021 Kia Sorento is arguably its biggest shortcoming. Consumer reviews claims that numerous testers found the Sorento to have a fairly stiff and uneven ride. The 2018 Sorento is reputedly not the most comfortable car in its class as a result.
Do Kia Sorentos sell for more than the MSRP?
Currently, the 2022 Kia Sorento is being sold for 19% more than the MSRP. Although the 2022 Kia Sorento has a price range of $29,490 to $47,890 depending on the trim options and packages you add on, customers are spending much more than that. The 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S FWD was utilized by Consumer Reports as an illustration of how much consumers are paying above MSRP. The cost of this 2022 Kia Sorento is $33,990. However, individuals typically spend $40,435 on the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S FWD. Thus, the average 2022 Kia Sorento is selling for $6,445 more than the MSRP.
Do brand-new Kias retain their value?
We’ll venture the bold assumption that you’ll want to sell your car for as much money as you can. You want to recover as much of the cost of the investment as you can because it was expensive. All cars lose value over time, but some do it more quickly than others.
IntelliChoice calculated the average retained values for a brand’s full model portfolio over a five-year period to find out. These estimates allow us to identify which manufacturers’ vehicles have better depreciation resistance. Let’s talk about the automobile brands that lose value more quickly now that we’ve determined which ones do so the best.
Mini: 50.4 Percent Retained Value
A fairly, well, small percentage of drivers are drawn to Mini automobiles because of its size, which lives up to its name. Models with charming aesthetics and nimble handling, like the retro Cooper, sporty Countryman crossover, or funky Clubman wagon, attract drivers with an eye for fashion and a sense of adventure but, more crucially, who can manage their diminutive dimensions. However, doubts about future worth may put buyers’ first enchantment to rest. The Countryman and Clubman receive a Poor five-year cost of ownership rating from IntelliChoice. Furthermore, we weren’t too impressed by the brand’s recent attempts at electrification. As joyful as Mini’s cars are to look at and drive, the brand’s market position is indicated by its value retention rate of 50.4%.
Mazda: 49.3 Percent Retained Value
Mazda doesn’t compare to other Japanese brands in terms of name recognition, lineup diversity, or value despite producing some of the best-looking and best-driving mainstream cars on the market. Even though the Mazda3 and Miata have sizable fan groups, those and other models may place a greater emphasis on driving characteristics than general utility. The Mazda6 lagged behind rival sedans until it was recently discontinued, while the CX-30 and CX-9 are less adaptable than rival crossovers. Although we usually love driving a Mazda, its value retention rate of 49.3 percent isn’t as high as that of its primary rivals. Possibly the brand’s next, higher-end vehicles will hold their value longer.
Kia: 47.7 Percent Retained Value
Kia has put a lot of effort into keeping up with its rivals in terms of quality, dynamics, and design. Want proof? The Sorento is back and even better than before, the Telluride won our competition for SUV of the Year, and the Optima’s makeover into the K5 gave this sedan new life. However, despite their appeal in other areas, Kia’s automobiles behind with an average value retention rate of 47.7% during a five-year period. Despite its extensive standard warranty and genuinely enticing options, that is the case. Even while we enjoy driving the Telluride and the sporty Stinger, Kia still needs to improve as evidenced by their respective Mediocre and Poor IntelliChoice scores.
Hyundai: 47.1 Percent Retained Value
Hyundai strives to match the reputation for quality and durability of Toyota and Honda, much like its corporate rival Kia. The long-term value proposition of Hyundai doesn’t appear to have been significantly impacted by a lengthy warranty or a group of very regarded experts. Models like the Sonata, Palisade, and Tucson serve as indicators of how far the brand’s products have come. However, Hyundai’s 47.1 retained value % suggests that it needs to do more to earn the trust of customers who value their money.
Volkswagen: 46.9 Percent Retained Value
Volkswagen’s image for quality suffered as a result of the Dieselgate incident, even though the company didn’t have a very strong one to begin with. Volkswagen lacks American and Asian rivals in mass-market appeal, even with more recent models like the Tiguan or Atlas, which only manage Average or Mediocre IntelliChoice value scores depending on trim. A shorter warranty is detrimental to its cause. Volkswagen is planning a number of electric vehicles, which might assist the company’s current 46.9% value retention percentage.
Nissan: 45.6 Percent Retained Value
Nissan has struggled to gain momentum and maintain its competitive position after a high-level organizational restructuring. It is currently working on refreshing its stale lineup. We were impressed by some of those efforts, like the Rogue and Sentra. Others, such as the legendary Z sports vehicle or the Pathfinder, stop at simply spiffing up antiquated platforms and engines. Despite the merits of Nissan’s engineering advancements, only a small percentage of its vehicles receive Good IntelliChoice value scores; the majority are ranked at Average, Mediocre, or Poor in terms of ownership costs. Nissan has a dismal 45.6 percent average value retention over a five-year period.
Buick: 42.3 Percent Retained Value
What does Buick mean today? Buick doesn’t seem to be confident in itself. Due to the brand’s current inventory consisting solely of SUVs, its tradition of opulent vintage sedans has come to an end. All of those models aren’t particularly terrible, but they don’t do much to change the outdated perception of Buick. Additionally, Buick’s uncertain positioning does not help. Does it aim for real luxury to compete with the best in the field, or does it aim for a premium experience at entry-level pricing? We believe Buick requires revival and a more focused course. If and when it occurs, it might improve the lineup’s average value retention, which is 42.3 percent.
Mitsubishi: 41.3 Percent Retained Value
Many of the Mitsubishi vehicles we’ve evaluated are affordable, but not just financially. We’ve encountered subpar engineering and craftsmanship in Mitsubishi cars, which leads to dull driving experiences. The Mirage and Eclipse Cross are among the least expensive options in their respective sectors, which is obvious from their flimsy construction and crude driving characteristics. The previous Outlander’s available electric driving range deserves praise, but the revised three-row SUV falls short of expectations. Mitsubishi’s value retention rate of 41.3% is significantly lower than that of other brands. Every other Mitsubishi has a Mediocre or Poor IntelliChoice ownership rating, leaving just the outdated Outlander Hybrid.
Chrysler: 40.2 Percent Retained Value
Any carmaker would find it challenging to maintain a two-model lineup, especially if those options are designed to compete in some of the least-wanted segments of the market. But Chrysler is going in that direction. Despite having advantages of its own, the 300 sedan and Pacifica minivan just do not appeal to the tastes of contemporary drivers. Only a layer of gradual improvements can hide the 300’s deterioration. Considering that it is a minivan, the Pacifica (and its fleet-only Voyager counterpart) is actually rather decent. Although Chrysler’s future is uncertain, introducing models that are contemporary in design could increase the lineup’s average value retention rate of 40.2%.
Fiat: 39.5 Percent Retained Value
Fiat’s tiny, quirky cars briefly appeared ready to inject some Italian panache into the compact car market. But that period has passed, and it is now clear that Fiats are less attractive than they once were. The 500X subcompact crossover is the only vehicle currently offered by the brand. Its cute design and standard AWD can’t make up for its sloppy driving manners and shoddy construction. Fiat’s abysmal 39.5 percent retention rate is the weakest among major brands because the 500X symbolizes the complete lineup.