Overview
There are extra mid-size SUVs on the market in America than hen nuggets within the fry basket at your native KFC, however the Kia Sorento is an efficient selection, even amongst arguably higher rivals. The Sorento has three rows for seating as much as seven passengers and a calming quantity of area for adults within the second row. Entrance-wheel drive and a 191-hp four-cylinder are normal, however all-wheel drive and a extra aggressive 281-hp turbocharged four-cylinder can be found. An eight-speed automated transmission handles shifting for each powertrains, however a six-speed auto is used for the 227-hp Sorento Hybrid and the 261-hp plug-in hybrid. Barely smaller than its Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade kin, the Sorento’s huge providing of engines offers it the gasoline effectivity its bigger three-row siblings lack. Nonetheless, its third row is not as spacious and the Sorento’s 3500-pound max towing capability lags behind different mid-size SUVs, such because the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Honda Pilot.
What’s New for 2024?
After a flurry of minor gear adjustments final 12 months, the Kia Sorento arrives largely unchanged for 2024.
Pricing and Which One to Purchase
We just like the EX hybrid. It is pricier than the bottom Sorento, however it comes normal with the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that is extra highly effective than the bottom nonhybrid providing. It additionally has nicer facilities than the trims under it, together with leatherette upholstery, heated entrance seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, distant begin, and snazzier styling akin to 17-inch wheels and black exterior accents.
Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency
The Sorento has a big selection of engine choices and is obtainable with front- or all-wheel drive. A 191-hp 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine is normal and a 281-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder is obtainable too. Each pair with an eight-speed automated transmission, and the hybrid mannequin makes use of a six-speed automated. We drove a top-of-the-line SX trim with the turbo-four and appreciated its noticeable thrust, however we want the powertrain felt extra responsive off the road. The identical mannequin delivered poised dealing with, a properly remoted trip, and agency brake-pedal suggestions. The eco-friendly Sorento hybrid encompasses a turbo 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electrical motor that work collectively to generate 227 horsepower. The all-wheel-drive Sorento plug-in hybrid options the identical engine and transmission because the lesser hybrid, however on this utility, the powertrain makes a mixed 261 horsepower courtesy of a extra highly effective electrical motor.
Towing and Payload Capability
Though the Kia Sorento will not transfer mountains, its marginal towing capability may show useful in some conditions. The utmost towing capability for the Sorento is 3500 kilos when outfitted with the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and the optionally available towing package deal. Keep away from the towing package deal or go for the bottom naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and that determine falls to 2000 kilos. Although the Sorento cannot match the V-6-powered Kia Telluride‘s 5000-pound tow score, it nonetheless can haul a few jet skis or small livestock—relying in your way of life.
Gas Economic system and Actual-World MPG
The EPA estimates the Sorento returns as much as 24 mpg within the metropolis and 29 mpg on the freeway when outfitted with the bottom 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The extra highly effective turbocharged 2.5-liter 4 nets EPA scores of twenty-two mpg metropolis and 29 mpg freeway. The hybrid Sorento HEV is probably the most fuel-efficient with estimates of 39 mpg metropolis and 35 mpg freeway. The plug-in hybrid has a mixed score of 79 MPGe. Drive the Sorento PHEV in its Hybrid mode and the plug-in mannequin earns EPA-estimated gasoline financial system figures of 35 mpg metropolis and 33 mpg freeway. That mentioned, the PHEV can journey as much as a manufacturer-estimated 32 miles on electrical energy alone with a full cost of its battery. On our 75-mph freeway fuel-economy route, which is a part of our in depth testing routine, a Sorento EX Hybrid achieved 31 mpg—4 mpg wanting its EPA estimate. The Sorento PHEV returned 25 mpg whereas in Hybrid mode, 8 mpg off its EPA estimate. For extra details about the Sorento’s gasoline financial system, go to the EPA’s web site.
Inside, Consolation, and Cargo
Inside, the Sorento has a horny format, good supplies, and stable construct high quality. The dashboard might be outfitted with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a ten.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The remainder of the design blends rhombus-shaped air vents built-in ambient lighting and intricately stitched surfaces on the door panels and seat inserts. Quite a lot of cubby storage spots and cupholders additionally fill out the console. Together with a regular third row, its second-row bench might be swapped for a pair of captain’s chairs. In contrast with the bigger Telluride, the Sorento’s far-back seats aren’t comfy for adults, and we solely managed to suit two carry-on suitcases within the cargo space—two fewer than the Telluride.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Sorento comes normal with an 8.0-inch touchscreen or an optionally available 10.3-inch touchscreen. A wi-fi charging pad is optionally available, as is a 12-speaker Bose sound system. A rear-seat leisure system with a touchscreen mounted on the again of every entrance seat can also be optionally available.
Security and Driver-Help Options
The Sorento enjoys a roster of normal and optionally available driver-assistance know-how. For extra details about the Kia’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embody:
- Customary forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Customary lane-departure warning and lane-keeping help
- Obtainable blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Guarantee and Upkeep Protection
Kia has one of the crucial spectacular guarantee plans within the business. Nonetheless, it does not supply the complimentary upkeep that its company counterpart, Hyundai, does.
- Restricted guarantee covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain guarantee covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled upkeep
Specs
Specs
2021 Kia Sorento EX Hybrid
Car Kind: front-engine, front-motor, front-wheel-drive, 6-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Examined: $37,765/$38,210
Choices: Runway Crimson paint, $445
POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter inline-4, 177 hp, 195 lb-ft + AC motor, 59 hp, 195 lb-ft (mixed output: 227 hp, 258 lb-ft); 1.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
Transmission: 6-speed automated
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.8-in vented disc/12.8-in vented disc
Tires: Nexen Roadian GTX SUV
235/65R-17 104h M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 110.8 in
Size: 189.4 in
Width: 74.8 in
Top: 66.7 in
Passenger Quantity: 143 ft3
Cargo Quantity: 13 ft3
Curb Weight: 4095 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.2 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.6 sec @ 92 mph
100 mph: 19.0 sec
120 mph: 30.9 sec
Outcomes above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.4 sec.
Rolling Begin, 5–60 mph: 7.9 sec
Prime Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.1 sec
Prime Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.1 sec
Prime Pace (gov ltd): 122 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 181 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.81 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Noticed: 33 mpg
75-mph Freeway Driving: 31 mpg
Freeway Vary: 540 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Mixed/Metropolis/Freeway: 37/39/35 mpg
2022 Kia Sorento PHEV SX Status
Car Kind: front-engine, front-motor, all-wheel-drive, 6-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Examined: $46,405/$49,960
POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter inline-4, 177 hp, 195 lb-ft + AC motor, 90 hp, 224 lb-ft (mixed output: 261 hp, 258 lb-ft; 11.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack; 3.8-kW onboard charger)
Transmission: 6-speed automated
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.8-in vented disc/12.8-in vented disc
Tires: Continental CrossContact LX Sport
235/55R-19 101H M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 110.8 in
Size: 189.4 in
Width: 74.8 in
Top: 66.7 in
Passenger Quantity: 142 ft3
Cargo Quantity: 13 ft3
Curb Weight: 4490 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.8 sec @ 89 mph
100 mph: 21.5 sec
Outcomes above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Begin, 5–60 mph: 7.8 sec
Prime Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec
Prime Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.0 sec
Prime Pace (gov ltd): 127 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 162 ft
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Noticed: 26 MPGe
75-mph Freeway Driving, Hybrid mode: 25 mpg
Freeway Vary, Hybrid mode: 310 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Mixed/Metropolis/Freeway: 34/35/33 mpg
Mixed Gasoline + Electrical energy: 79 MPGe
EV Vary: 32 mi
