2021 KIA SORENTO FIRST LOOK

2021 KIA SORENTO FIRST LOOK BY CAR CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

Kia’s smart approach to better differentiating their trim lines is the path to success. 

It started with the redesigned Soul, then the Seltos and now this all-new 2021 Sorento. 

 

 

 

 

It’s part of their “Kia For Everyone” philosophy and for the Sorento that means 4 distinct powertrains and an X-Line model that takes on the mantle of an off-road SUV.  A 3-row family vehicle, the Sorento is offered with optional 2^nd row captain’s chairs for either 6- or 7-passenger seating.  Kia says the redesigned model provides more interior flexibility with improved legroom and cargo room.  The platform it’s built upon is lighter and stronger, affording improved driving dynamics, including acceleration and ride and handling.  An available full digital gauge cluster, Connected Routing for real-time navigation that can predict upcoming traffic, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration, and enhanced voice controls highlight the tech improvements. 

A new feature called Last Mile Navigation even provides walking directions to the driver’s final destination if the vehicle is parked within a 1.2 mile radius and the Find My Car feature uses the Sorento’s cameras to capture pictures of the car and its surroundings which are then accessible via the UVO app.  All very cool stuff. And the depth of new driver assistance features is off the charts…if you get into an accident with this Sorento you’ll have no one to blame but the man in the mirror.

 

     

About the powertrain options; it starts with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder paired to a traditional 8-speed automatic making 191 horsepower, then a turbocharged version of that motor hooked up to a 8-speed dual clutch transmission producing 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.  Moving up, there’s a front-wheel drive only, gas-electric hybrid rated at 37mpg in mixed driving and finally an all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid with an estimated 30 mile all-electric range. Kia’s optional all-wheel drive system uses torque-vectoring and a center-locking differential to give added power to the rear wheels when needed.

 

The X-Line SX-Prestige gets the off-road look with exclusive bumpers, unique 20” wheels and bridge-type roof rack to complement its 1” increase in ride height, standard all-wheel drive and hill decent control.  Pricing will be announced closer to its on-sale date near the end of 2020.        

 

 

 

2021 KIA SORENTO FIRST LOOK BY CAR CRITIC STEVE HAMMES  |   TestDriveNow   2020