Although the mid-size SUV’s specifications for international markets have already been made public, we’ll learn them all next week.
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The Kia Sorento 2021 is it on the market?
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.
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 an 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 Kia Sorento has been updated for 2021.
The 2021 Kia Sorento has had a thorough redesign and undergone numerous improvements. A 281-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder replaces the previous available V6 while the regular four-cylinder engine gains 6 horsepower.
What will the Kia Sorento cost in 2021?
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 the Kia Sorento 2021 pricey?
The Kia Sorento: A Reliable SUV The Kia Sorento is a solid midsize SUV, that much is true. The interior of this crossover has undergone a complete makeover for the 2021 model year, and it now features plush seats and a simple-to-use infotainment system.
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.
What distinguishes the 2021 Kia Sorento SX and EX?
Forward collision avoidance assist with automobile, pedestrian, and bike recognition and forward collision avoidance assist with junction assist are features available on Kia Sorento EX and higher model levels starting in 2021. Parking distance warning (reverse), parking collision avoidance (rear), and a surround view monitor are available on trims SX Prestige and higher.
The Kia Sorento is akin to what SUV?
With its three rows of seating and available hybrid, the Sorento nips out a separate niche.
When we consider the Sorento, we also consider the Lexus RX: Its appearance is intriguing, and hybrid variations are available, although both could benefit from a solid round of aesthetic cleanup and refinement work.
Although the Ford Explorer, which is available in gas-electric and gas models and has three rows of seats, may be its major opponent, the five-seat Hyundai Santa Fe, which also has a plug-in hybrid model, shares a platform with the Sorento.
While the Nissan Murano’s attractive appearance is long overdue for an update, the VW Tiguan offers a third row seat on some variants and a Spartan charm.
The finest Kia Sorento model?
Customers have experienced a number of issues with the Kia Sorento since it has been advertised and sold by Kia. These models share costly issues with one another. The following model years should be avoided: 2004, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016.
Common difficulties include those with the engine, the electrical system, the airbags, the seat belts, the lights, and the body or paint.
Engine failure is the most serious problem that these Kia Sorento models have. When most consumers have traveled an average of 62,000 miles, something happens. They could end up costing you more money in repairs, so we advise avoiding them.
Which Year Models of Kia Sorento Are Safe to Buy Used?
Production of the Kia Sorento has been going on for approximately 20 years. Not all of the models that are released, like many other cars in its market class, are flawless right out of the factory. Some people have flaws. Despite this, you have a selection of others. This is particularly true if you want to stay away from those already listed.
The following list of reliable Kia Sorento model years includes:
- Kia Sorento 2003
- Kia Sorento from 2005
- 2007 Sorento Kia
- Kia Sorento 2008
- Kia Sorento from 2009
- Kia Sorento 2010
- Kia Sorento 2015
- Kia Sorento 2017
- Kia Sorento from 2018
- Kia Sorento for 2019
- Kia Sorento 2020
- Kia Sorento 2021
The years 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 are among the safest Kia Sorento model years to purchase. Compared to the earlier mentioned model years, these have minimal complaints.
The worst issues with many of them were engine issues, a broken air conditioner compressor, electrical issues, light issues, and AC/heater issues. Most of them are also inexpensive to fix minor problems. However, they are among the minority of car owners.
The worst car troubles in early generations include crankshaft problems, frequent lighting system failures, and broken parts. It’s important to remember that these issues only occur in cars with more than 90,000 miles on the odometer.
A few owners are also affected by the problems. They are less likely to happen in a Sorento with little mileage and good maintenance. The models from 2007 to 2010 and 2015 to 2021 are the least problematic. The year 2016 is an outlier; it is less dependable than the other years in the following years.
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Which Kia Sorento Years to Avoid
The aforementioned Kia Sorento model years should easily accommodate your family’s needs and daily driving requirements. You need a dependable automobile in addition to one with excellent handling, a luxurious interior, and lots of attractive amenities. Here, we go into greater detail regarding the model years that weren’t chosen.
Steer clear of the following Kia Sorento model years:
- Kia Sorento from 2004
- Kia Sorento from 2006
- Kia Sorento from 2011
- Kia Sorento 2012
- Kia Sorento 2013
- Kia Sorento 2014
- Kia Sorento 2016
These model years frequently experience issues with their engines, electrical systems, lighting, seat belts and airbags, and body and paint. These affect everyone, and numerous users have noted concerns that are essentially the same.
You should steer clear of the 2011 Kia Sorento the most. It tops the list for having the most owner complaints. It is most likely to experience brakes issues, drivetrain issues, airbag and seat belt issues, and engine issues.
An engine failure at 77,000 miles cost the most money of all issues reported for the 2011 model year. Fixing this issue will cost $4,600. Other serious issues include an airbag problem that cost $2,000 to fix at 92,000 miles and a door issue that cost $400 to fix at 94,000 miles.
You might not be particularly knowledgeable about your car’s brakes unless you’re a mechanic or a super-committed auto enthusiast. How much time do they usually last? How frequently should brakes be replaced? We have solutions.
The 2016 Kia Sorento is another vehicle you should completely avoid. In comparison to other models with lower mileage, it has more issues and costs more to repair. The most common issues are with the engine, then the steering, body/paint, and lights.
The engine has experienced the worst reported failure at 62,000 kilometers. Repairing this cost $6,100. Other owners reported having to pay up to $600 to fix wiring that rodents had gnawed. At 22,000 miles, one user’s car stalled while accelerating.
Common Kia Sorento Problems
One of the greatest warranties for cars is offered by Kia. But that doesn’t mean you should be any less critical, especially when it comes to reliability concerns. The most typical Kia Sorento issues, spanning all model years, are listed below:
- Engine issues – The Sorento’s engine frequently fails, which is a common dependability problem. The engine failure, which was primarily reported in 2011, 2016, and 2017 models, was caused by a leaky head gasket, which mixed engine oil and coolant. These liquids when combined can seriously harm engines.
- Frustrated owners reported that the Sorento’s doors won’t open when reached from the outside, which is more unpleasant than dangerous. Additionally, defective door handles made users of the child-lock feature even more irate. Owners of 2011 Sorentos make up the majority of the complaints.
- Burning out of headlight bulbs: Numerous customers noted that the headlight bulbs on Sorento models from 2002 to 2009 were particularly prone to premature failure. Additionally, several stories claimed that additional headlamp component parts were also melted. There should have been a recall for this dependability problem, but there wasn’t one. Owners were required to purchase replacement bulbs for between $100 and $600.
Kia Sorento Problem Counts by Year
Young and experienced drivers equally are impacted by winter driving. To help you get from A to B as securely as possible, we’ve put together a list of the best automobiles for snow.
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