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$30,565
Starting MSRP
$30,869
Starting Mkt Avg
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Owner Rating
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Pros

Good value for the dollar. Extensive safety and connectivity features. Available hybrid version.

Cons

Third-row seating cramped for adults. No in-vehicle Wi-Fi.

Verdict

The completely redesigned 2021 Kia Sorento is the seven-passenger midsize SUV that fits in most garages while offering a wide selection of trims and powertrains. Its long list of advanced connectivity, safety, and driver-assistive tech make it a top contender in the class.

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Pros

Good value for the dollar. Extensive safety and connectivity features. Available hybrid version.

Cons

Third-row seating cramped for adults. No in-vehicle Wi-Fi.

Verdict

The completely redesigned 2021 Kia Sorento is the seven-passenger midsize SUV that fits in most garages while offering a wide selection of trims and powertrains. Its long list of advanced connectivity, safety, and driver-assistive tech make it a top contender in the class.

Overview

The 2021 Kia Sorento straddles size categories, offering three-row seating in a vehicle not much larger than the compact Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V. It's still much trimmer and more maneuverable than midsize three-row SUVs, such as the Toyota Highlander, GMC Acadia, and Honda Pilot.

This year, Kia expanded the Sorento lineup to appeal to a wider range of buyers. A zippy four-cylinder turbo model provides nearly 300 horsepower, and an X-Line trim with added ground clearance and off-road-ready cues targets the Subaru Outback. Plus the model's first-ever hybrid challenges longstanding players (such as the Highlander Hybrid) for top fuel efficiency.

What's New for 2021

The Sorento is all-new for 2021. It features a more muscular exterior design bolstered by a well-appointed interior. A new off-road-oriented X-Line trim debuts with an extra inch of ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, a locking center differential, 20-inch alloy wheels, beefier-looking roof rails, and chunkier front and rear fascias. Also new this year is the Sorento's first hybrid model.

2021 Kia Sorento Trim Comparison

Standard
Optional
Unequipped

* Additional Options Available

Standard
Optional
Unequipped

* Additional Options Available

LX

Sorento LX

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S

Sorento S

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S Hybrid

Sorento S Hybrid

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EX

Sorento EX

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EX Hybrid

Sorento EX Hybrid

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SX

Sorento SX

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SX Prestige

Sorento SX Prestige

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SX Prestige X-Line

Sorento SX Prestige X-Line

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Starting MSRP

Starting Market Average

MPG

Engine

Blind Spot System

Lane Keep Assist

Moonroof

Front Heated Seats

Cruise Control

Climate Control

Proximity Keyless Entry

Bluetooth

Bluetooth Streaming Audio

Apple CarPlay

Android Auto

Wheel Size

Starting MSRP

$30,565*

Starting MSRP

$33,065*

Starting MSRP

$34,765

Starting MSRP

$36,165*

Starting MSRP

$37,765

Starting MSRP

$39,165*

Starting MSRP

$41,765

Starting MSRP

$43,765

Starting Market Average

$30,811

Starting Market Average

$33,509

Starting Market Average

$35,096

Starting Market Average

$36,444

Starting Market Average

$38,337

Starting Market Average

$39,331

Starting Market Average

$42,141

Starting Market Average

$44,080

MPG

24 city/29 hwy*

MPG

24 city/29 hwy*

MPG

39 city/35 hwy

MPG

22 city/29 hwy*

MPG

39 city/35 hwy

MPG

22 city/29 hwy*

MPG

22 city/29 hwy

MPG

21 city/28 hwy

Engine

2.5L I4

Engine

2.5L I4

Engine

Hybrid 1.6L I4 Turbo

Engine

2.5L I4 Turbo

Engine

Hybrid 1.6L I4 Turbo

Engine

2.5L I4 Turbo

Engine

2.5L I4 Turbo

Engine

2.5L I4 Turbo

Blind Spot System

Blind Spot System

Blind Spot System

Blind Spot System

Blind Spot System

Blind Spot System

Blind Spot System

Blind Spot System

Lane Keep Assist

Lane Keep Assist

Lane Keep Assist

Lane Keep Assist

Lane Keep Assist

Lane Keep Assist

Lane Keep Assist

Lane Keep Assist

Moonroof

Moonroof

Moonroof

Moonroof

Moonroof

Moonroof

Moonroof

Moonroof

Front Heated Seats

Front Heated Seats

Front Heated Seats

Front Heated Seats

Front Heated Seats

Front Heated Seats

Front Heated Seats

Front Heated Seats

Cruise Control

Cruise Control

Cruise Control

Cruise Control

Cruise Control

Cruise Control

Cruise Control

Cruise Control

Climate Control

Climate Control

Climate Control

Climate Control

Climate Control

Climate Control

Climate Control

Climate Control

Proximity Keyless Entry

Proximity Keyless Entry

Proximity Keyless Entry

Proximity Keyless Entry

Proximity Keyless Entry

Proximity Keyless Entry

Proximity Keyless Entry

Proximity Keyless Entry

Bluetooth

Bluetooth

Bluetooth

Bluetooth

Bluetooth

Bluetooth

Bluetooth

Bluetooth

Bluetooth Streaming Audio

Bluetooth Streaming Audio

Bluetooth Streaming Audio

Bluetooth Streaming Audio

Bluetooth Streaming Audio

Bluetooth Streaming Audio

Bluetooth Streaming Audio

Bluetooth Streaming Audio

Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlay

Android Auto

Android Auto

Android Auto

Android Auto

Android Auto

Android Auto

Android Auto

Android Auto

Wheel Size

17"

Wheel Size

18"

Wheel Size

17"

Wheel Size

18"

Wheel Size

17"

Wheel Size

20"

Wheel Size

20"

Wheel Size

20"

Trims and Pricing

The 2021 Sorento comes in a variety of trim levels. There are six gas-powered models: LX, S, EX, SX, SX Prestige, and SX Prestige X-Line. Two new hybrids, the S and EX, also join the lineup. All-wheel drive is standard with the SX Prestige X-Line, unavailable for the base LX and hybrid models, and is an $1,800 upcharge for other trims.

The LX starts off at $30,565 (including a $1,170 destination fee). Standard equipment includes a height-adjustable driver's seat, heated mirrors, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Moving up to the S model ($33,065) adds larger 18-inch wheels, keyless entry and push-button start, remote engine start, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and roof rails. A panoramic sunroof can be added as a stand-alone option.

Priced at $36,165, the EX is our pick for the best value. It includes the lively turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, faux-leather seating, heated power front seats, and most of the Sorento's advanced safety tech (such as adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking, and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance).

Choosing the SX ($39,165) trim unlocks 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, a navigation system, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a high-speed lane-keeping system.

The SX Prestige ($41,765) adds even more luxury features, such as a digital gauge cluster, heated and cooled leather seats, a heated steering wheel, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and front parking sensors.

The SX Prestige X-Line ($43,765) is essentially an all-wheel-drive version of the SX Prestige. However, it does add special dark silver trim, unique bumpers, and lumbar adjustment for the front passenger seat.

Sorento Hybrid models are built in two trims only: S Hybrid for $34,765 and EX Hybrid for $37,765.

This is what others paid nationwide for a 2021 Kia Sorento LX
How to Use the TrueCar Price Graph

The TrueCar Price Graph shows you new car sales data in a way that helps you easily recognize a fair price for a vehicle similar to the one you want. The vertical bars represent what people in your area recently paid for similar vehicles. These transactions don’t include dealer documentation, administrative, or similar processing fees.

How to Use the TrueCar Price Graph

The TrueCar Price Graph shows you new car sales data in a way that helps you easily recognize a fair price for a vehicle similar to the one you want. The vertical bars represent what people in your area recently paid for similar vehicles. These transactions don’t include dealer documentation, administrative, or similar processing fees.

  • What is MSRP?

    MSRP stands for Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, sometimes also known as the sticker price. Because this price is only a suggestion, a dealer can choose to sell a vehicle above—or, more often, below—MSRP.

  • What is Market Average?

    Based on actual recent transactions other buyers have made, the Market Average shows you the average price others paid for vehicles similar to the one you want, while taking into account that most of these vehicles have different option combinations from the ones you specified.

  • Statewide, Regional, and National Data

    If there are insufficient transactions in your area, we calculate your Market Average by gathering statewide, regional, or national data. Because this data can come from a large geographical area it may not be as representative of your local market.

MSRP
$30,565
Market Average
$30,869
Compared to MSRP
1% above
Customize Yours
Excellent Price
Great Price

3% off - 1% above MSRP

$29,611 - $31,009

Fair Price
High Price
25
sales
109
sales
52
sales
21
sales
Select Style
Nationwide Data

This graph helps you recognize a fair price for the Kia Sorento by displaying national new car sales transactions from the past 30 days. This data can come from a large geographical area, so may not be as representative of your local market. The prices have been normalized to account for transactions involving different configurations of this model.

Engine and Performance

The 2021 Sorento has one of the broadest powertrain lineups among midsize SUVs. The LX and S trims' all-new 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder is economy-minded and paired with an eight-speed automatic: reaching 60 mph from rest in just over 9 seconds. The hybrid models are fitted with a turbocharged 1.6-liter gas engine and an electric motor with a combined output of 227 hp, making them slightly quicker than the standard gas models. The EX and SX trims get a new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque. The new 2.5 turbo is hooked to a slick-shifting eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and can go 0-60 mph in just over 7 seconds. Both the 2.5-liter turbo and 1.6-liter turbo hybrid deliver ample power over a wide range of engine speeds, making the Sorento feel responsive around town and on the highway.

Although the Sorento offers many midsize SUV features (such as three-row seating), it's sized closer to the compact Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape. Unlike some other midsize SUVs, it's easier to park and maneuver. Riding on a new platform that's stiffer and stronger, the 2021 Sorento is quieter inside and offers crisper responses to driver inputs than before.

Fuel Economy

All 2021 Sorento powertrains offer improved fuel economy over their 2020 counterparts. In combined city/highway driving, the Environmental Protection Agency rates the 191-horsepower 2.5-liter at 24-26 mpg. The turbocharged 281-hp 2.5-liter has a nearly identical 24-25 mpg, while the new 1.6-liter turbo hybrid Sorento at 37 mpg: one of the highest numbers you'll find for an SUV of its size.

2021 Kia Sorento Exterior Photos

Interior

Like its exterior, the Sorento's cabin has a sturdy, functional look. There's plenty of storage for small items in the center console, door pockets, and dash. The front bucket seats are supportive and comfortable: cloth-covered in the LX; faux leather in the S, EX, and SX; and quilted-pattern soft leather in the SX Prestige trims.

Middle-row seats are either a three-passenger 60/40-split bench in the LX and S trims or a pair of captain's chairs in higher-trim models. Both middle-row seats slide forward and backward to provide easier access to the 50/50-split third-row seats. With no passengers seated in the third row, slide the middle row back to net a spacious 41.7 inches of second-row legroom.

The Sorento has what Kia calls "5 plus 2" seating, which means the third row is primarily suitable for kids and teenagers but tight for most adults. However, it does offer more third-row legroom than the Toyota Highlander.

At 12.6 cubic feet, the Sorento has far less cargo space behind the rearmost seat than the Kia Telluride. However, folding down the third-row seat nearly quadruples capacity to 45 cubic feet. Folding the second-row chairs expands space to 75.5 cubic feet.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2021 Sorento offers two new multimedia systems. The LX, S, and EX trims come standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto cellphone mirroring. The SX and higher trims upgrade to a 10.25-inch-wide touchscreen with embedded navigation, which requires a wired USB connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to function. Both screens offer good resolution and respond quickly to inputs. Handy analog knobs below either screen make volume and tuning adjustments easy.

The base LX trim gets a simple six-speaker AM/FM stereo while the S and EX models come equipped with SiriusXM satellite radio. Moving up to the SX Prestige trims adds an immersive 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system.

2021 Kia Sorento Interior Photos

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet published its crash-test results for the 2021 Sorento, but the outgoing 2020 Sorento earned the top five-star award. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the 2021 Sorento a Top Safety Pick with "Good" ratings in all crashworthiness categories.

As with other new Kia models, the Sorento is packed with the latest safety and driver-assistive tech. Every Sorento gets standard forward-collision avoidance with automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, high-beam assist, driver attention warning, and rear-occupant alert. All but the base LX also receive blind-spot and rear cross-traffic avoidance assist. Turbocharged models add adaptive cruise control as well.

Best Midsize SUVs for 2021

The Kia Sorento Ranked 2nd in TrueCar's Best Midsize SUVs

Kia Sorento vs. the Competition

Along with the compact Sportage and smash-hit Telluride, the Sorento has been one of the top-selling Kia SUVs. Its formula is simple: offer a third-row seat for kids and teenagers in a midsize SUV not much larger than the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. It's considerably easier to park and maneuver, and it's more fuel-efficient than much-larger three-row offerings, such as the Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and Subaru Ascent.

Kia Sorento Owner Reviews

Based on 295 Reviews
Overall Satisfaction
4.8
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Fuel Efficiency
4.0
Safety Technology
5.0
Features
5.0
All Reviews
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Fuel Efficiency
5.0
Safety Technology
5.0
Features
5.0
pros
Safety features, fuel efficiency, comfort and cargo space, and handling. Also, the interior styling.
cons
Android Auto interface in the Info-Entertainment console and road noise in the cabin especially when on the highway.
Submitted by Sean B on May 14, 2021|2021 Kia Sorento EX Hybrid FWD|Purchased on Apr 2021
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Fuel Efficiency
5.0
Safety Technology
5.0
Features
5.0
pros
I absolutely love this Car!!! So far I’ve owned it for 3 weeks already went on a 6 hr. Drive. It was very Comfortable love the sunroof, the sunroof is a plus.
cons
The only thing I dislike is the fact that it doesn’t have an armrest in the middle of the seats in the front it has the consul but I wish it had an armrest that’s it otherwise this car is perfect
Submitted by Lisa C on May 03, 2021|2021 Kia Sorento SX AWD|Purchased on Apr 2021
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Fuel Efficiency
5.0
Safety Technology
5.0
Features
5.0
pros
Safety features
cons
Cargo/trunk space. Not enough space. But I’ll sacrifice space for the safety features.
Submitted by Jeri J on Apr 26, 2021|2021 Kia Sorento EX FWD|Purchased on Apr 2021
View All 295 Reviews

2021 Kia Sorento FAQs

With its sporty styling and practical standard features, the Kia Sorento is a great option for active families. For under $30,000, it comes with seating for seven people along with a range of safety tech. Like other modern SUVs, it is available with a gas-saving hybrid powertrain. All-wheel drive is available for extra peace of mind in bad weather, and the Sorento is backed by Kia’s best-in-class 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2021 Kia Sorento can tow up to 3.500 lbs with its available 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. Models equipped with either the non-turbo base engine or the 1.6-liter turbo hybrid have a 2,000-lb towing capacity.

Starting at $29,390, the Kia Sorento in its base LX trim comes standard with seating for seven passengers, automatic LED headlights, cloth upholstery, folding rear seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. All new Sorento models come with advanced driver safety features to help avoid collisions while out on the road. There are a total of eight trims, including fuel-efficient hybrid variants. At the top of the lineup is the SX Prestige X-Line ($42,590 MSRP), which includes a surround-view camera, a hands-free liftgate, leather seats, Bose audio, and more.

Unlike some midsize SUVs, the Kia Sorento includes a third-row seat on every trim level. Base trims hold seven people, while the midrange EX trim and above come standard with second-row captain’s chairs, lowering the seating to six. No matter which version one chooses, there are 29.6 inches of third-row legroom. That’s about average for the class, though top rivals offer more room. Kia provides 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rearmost row. Folding down the third-row seat expands the Sorento’s cargo capacity to 38.4 cubic feet.

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The Starting Market Average is a proprietary mathematical calculation based on actual recent transactions. It provides a statistically accurate understanding of what other buyers are paying for the least expensive configuration of this vehicle. Adjustments to the calculation beyond make, model, and trim are normalized based on detailed, anonymized transaction information. This accounts for the fact that most or all recently-sold vehicles included different option combinations. The data underlying the Starting Market Average calculation are filtered for extreme outliers and subjected to a weighted averaging process that considers factors such as the recency of transactions and the timing of data lags. In certain instances, the calculated result is adjusted to take account of abrupt changes in the market that may not yet be fully reflected by recent transaction prices. In all cases where the Starting Market Average is shown there is sufficient sample size and transaction detail to be statistically reliable.