For the latest Kia Sorento pricing and information:
https://www.kbb.com/kia/sorento/
 
The fourth-gen Kia Sorento, oooooh, it’s here and looks good.
 
This midsize crossover competes in a category that is mega like the young people say these days. Or do they say fire? Who knows? Anyway, the likes of the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, VW Atlas, and Nissan Pathfinder are all trying to garner your three-row, seven-passenger duckets.
 
Well, with the Sorento, Kia’s got a real shot here for myriad reasons.
 
First, look at it. The fourth-generation redesign stands out as handsome. This SUV looks more expensive than it is and 100% not embarrassing when idling in the drop-off line at school. It’s got less of a blobby crossover tilt and leans more sporty and athletic.
 
The new chassis the Sorento rides on makes it 1.4-inches longer and its overall stance makes it look wider, more planted, and ready for some action.
 
Head inside and the Sorento looks just as strong in here as it does outside. The Sorento comes in configurations for 6 or 7 depending on if you opt for captain’s chairs in the second row. I say opt away. They look great.
 
Fit and finishes look upscale and expensive. Seats are comfortable, so are elbows.
 
There’s good cargo space behind the second row (38.4 cubic feet) though the third row if you’re toting around extra humans (12.6-cubic feet) isn’t much to write home about.
 
I fit comfortably in the front and in the rear seats. If you’re wanting a more spacious third-row maybe check out the Telluride. You’re just going to get more size there.
 
Four available powertrain options propel the Sorento. All are 4-cylinder models, so no more V6 with great towing capacity, unfortunately. The base model gets a 2.5-liter inline 4. It makes good power (191 hp/181 lb-ft torque) and is mated to a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission. A turbo-charged version of that 2.5 (281 hp/311 lb-ft torque) squeezes out some beaucoup juice.
 
A hybrid with a turbo 1.6-liter 4 and a 44kW electric motor (227 hp combined) as well as a PHEV (261 hp combined) that shows up this model year, round out the stable.
 
All these engines provide improved fuel economy numbers over the previous generation’s numbers. (2.5 I4: FWD 24 mpg city/29 mpg HWY; 2.5 Turbo: FWD 22 mpg city/29 HWY; 1.6 Hybrid: 39 mpg city/35 hwy; PHEV: 30-mile pure electric range)
 
The Sorento is an exceedingly drivable SUV. While this newer version gets lots of comparisons to the larger Telluride this one feels quicker and more responsive. Especially with this 2.5 L turbocharged 4-cyl engine.
 
the automatic transmission it mates to doles out power efficiently and judiciously. It really makes me appreciate a transmission that still cares about performance, not just fuel economy.
 
As for visibility, the Sorento is livable. Even though it gets a sporty look, the roof isn’t so sloped and the c-pillars aren’t so thick that it sacrifices your view.
 
Kia’s putting together great driving packages in all their new vehicles and the Sorento stays in lockstep nicely.
 
Dynamically this is one of the more fun small midsize SUVs to drive. Especially with the bigger engine. Though I will say the engine note sounds more like you’re revving an angry sewing machine than a supercar. Meh, Kia can’t have it all, guys.
 
It does have drive modes for sport and snow so you get lots of different capabilities especially if you opt for AWD.
 
Standard safety features abound with Kia’s Drive Wise suite of safety features. Automatic emergency braking, rear occupant alert, lane-keep assist, and lane-following assist come in that package. More advanced features including cyclist detection, highway-driving assist, surround view monitor and blind-spot monitoring will cost more on higher trim levels.
 
Pricing on the new Sorento starts at $29, 390, not including destination fees. The SX Prestiege starts at $40,590.
 
Add $2000 for the AWD X-Line package this one has. That’s a lot of car for a really good price.
 
Speaking of a tricked out Sorento will get you a 10.25-inch infotainment system with navigation, leather interior, heated and ventilated front seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and front and rear parking sensors.
 
By comparison, the base model isn’t chintzy with LED headlights, an 8-inch display, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included with Kia’s Drive Wise.
 
The Hybrid comes standard with heated front seats covered in Syntex fabric, Smart Key with push-button and remote start as well as dual-zone climate control. The PHEV gets an all-wheel drive standard.
 
Oh, this segment is chock full of options, and if you’re shopping for a family SUV you can either be grateful for the choices or overwhelmed by them. The Kia Sorento is a solid one with snazzy styling and great tech options. Happy hunting.

00:00 2021 Kia Sorento
0:20 Competitors
0:45 Exterior
1:13 Interior
2:24 Engine Options
3:00 Driving Impressions