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2021 Kia Sorento
SUV · 2015–2026 · Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Trims and features
What changed for 2021
- Starting prices: −$2,100 to +$1,300 (4 trims; hover for each)
- New trim: SX Prestige
- Trim dropped: L
- Engine: 3.3L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) V6 → 2.5L Turbo GDI 4-cylinder (SX, EX)
- Horsepower: 290 hp → 281 hp (SX, EX)
- Torque: 252 lb-ft → 311 lb-ft (SX, EX)
- Fuel economy (combined): 20 mpg → 24 mpg (SX, EX, S)
- Seats: 7 → 6 (SX, EX)
- Max towing: 5,000 lb → 3,500 lb (SX, EX)
- Cargo behind last row: 11.3 cu ft → 12.6 cu ft (SX, EX, LX, S)
- Max cargo: 73 cu ft → 75.5 cu ft (SX, EX, LX, S)
- Third-row legroom: 31.7 in → 29.6 in (SX, EX, LX, S)
- Ground clearance: 7.3 in → 6.9 in (SX, EX, LX, S)
- Touchscreen: 8 in → 10.25 in (SX)
- Speakers: 10 → 6 (SX)
- Automatic emergency braking: AEB with Pedestrian Detection → AEB with Pedestrian + Cyclist Detection (SX, EX)
- Seats: Leather → Synthetic Leather (SX, EX)
- Second row: Split Bench → Captain's Chairs (SX, EX)
- Wheels: 19 in → 20 in (SX)
- Headlights: Halogen → Bi-LED Projector (SX)
- Touchscreen: 7 in → 8 in (EX, LX, S)
- Wheels: 19 in → 18 in (EX, S)
- Headlights: Halogen → LED Reflector (EX, LX, S)
- Apple CarPlay: Wired → Wireless (EX, LX, S)
- Android Auto: Wired → Wireless (EX, LX, S)
- Engine: 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 4-Cylinder → 2.5L GDI 4-cylinder (LX)
- Horsepower: 185 hp → 191 hp (LX)
- Torque: 178 lb-ft → 181 lb-ft (LX)
- Gears: 6 → 8 (LX)
- Fuel economy (combined): 23 mpg → 24 mpg (LX)
- Engine: 3.3L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) V6 → 2.5L GDI 4-cylinder (S)
- Horsepower: 290 hp → 191 hp (S)
- Torque: 252 lb-ft → 181 lb-ft (S)
- Max towing: 5,000 lb → 2,000 lb (S)
- Blind-spot monitoring: Blind Spot Alert → Blind Spot Intervention (S)
- Automatic emergency braking: Automatic Emergency Braking → AEB with Pedestrian Detection (S)
- Seats: Cloth → Synthetic Leather (S)
2021 Sorento trims
| EX | LX | S | SX | SX Prestige | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||||
| Starting MSRP | from $34,990 | from $29,390 | from $31,890 | from $37,990 | from $40,590 |
| Powertrain | |||||
| Engine | 2.5L Turbo GDI 4-cylinder | 2.5L GDI 4-cylinder | 2.5L GDI 4-cylinder | 2.5L Turbo GDI 4-cylinder | 2.5L Turbo GDI 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 281 hp | 191 hp | 191 hp | 281 hp | 281 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) | 8-Speed Automatic Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic Transmission | 8-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) | 8-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) |
| Gears | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Drivetrain | AWD / FWD | AWD / FWD | AWD / FWD | AWD / FWD | FWD / AWD |
| Fuel economy (combined) | AWD: 24 mpg FWD: 25 mpg | AWD: 24 mpg FWD: 26 mpg | AWD: 24 mpg FWD: 26 mpg | AWD: 24 mpg FWD: 25 mpg | FWD: 25 mpg AWD: 24 mpg |
| Size and capability | |||||
| Seats | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Max towing | 3,500 lb | 2,000 lb | 2,000 lb | 3,500 lb | 3,500 lb |
| Cargo behind last row | 12.6 cu ft | 12.6 cu ft | 12.6 cu ft | 12.6 cu ft | 12.6 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 75.5 cu ft | 75.5 cu ft | 75.5 cu ft | 75.5 cu ft | 75.5 cu ft |
| Third-row legroom | 29.6 in | 29.6 in | 29.6 in | 29.6 in | 29.6 in |
| Ground clearance | 6.9 in | 6.9 in | 6.9 in | 6.9 in | FWD: 6.9 in AWD: 8.2 in |
| Length | 189.5 in | 189 in | AWD: 189 in FWD: 189.5 in | 189.5 in | FWD: 189.5 in AWD: 189 in |
| Tech | |||||
| Touchscreen | 8 in + option | 8 in | 8 in | 10.25 in | 10.25 in |
| Apple CarPlay | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless | Wired | Wired |
| Android Auto | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless | Wired | Wired |
| Digital gauge cluster | 4.2 in | 4.2 in | 4.2 in | 4.2 in | 12.3 in |
| Audio | — | — | — | — | Bose |
| Speakers | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 12 |
| Wireless phone charging | Qi | — | — | Qi | Qi |
| Driver assistance | |||||
| Adaptive cruise control | Adaptive Cruise with Stop & Go | — | — | Adaptive Cruise with Stop & Go | Adaptive Cruise with Stop & Go |
| Lane keeping | Lane Centering | Lane Centering | Lane Centering | Lane Centering | Lane Centering |
| Blind-spot monitoring | Blind Spot Intervention | — | Blind Spot Intervention | Blind Spot Intervention | Blind Spot Intervention |
| Automatic emergency braking | AEB with Pedestrian + Cyclist Detection | AEB with Pedestrian Detection | AEB with Pedestrian Detection | AEB with Pedestrian + Cyclist Detection | AEB with Pedestrian + Cyclist Detection |
| Rear cross-traffic | Rear Cross-Traffic with Automatic Braking | — | Rear Cross-Traffic with Automatic Braking | Rear Cross-Traffic with Automatic Braking | Rear Cross-Traffic with Automatic Braking |
| 360-degree camera | — | — | — | — | Surround View Camera |
| Parking sensors | Rear | — | Rear | Front, Rear | Front, Rear |
| Comfort | |||||
| Seats | Synthetic Leather | Cloth | Synthetic Leather | Synthetic Leather | Leather |
| Heated seats | Front | — | Front | Front | Front |
| Ventilated seats | — | — | — | — | Front |
| Climate zones | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Remote start | App-Based Remote Start, Key Fob Remote Start | Optional | App-Based Remote Start, Key Fob Remote Start | App-Based Remote Start, Key Fob Remote Start | App-Based Remote Start, Key Fob Remote Start |
| Second row | Captain's Chairs | Split Bench | Split Bench | Captain's Chairs | Captain's Chairs |
| Exterior | |||||
| Sunroof | Optional | — | Optional | Panoramic Moonroof | Panoramic Moonroof |
| Power liftgate | Hands-Free Power Liftgate | — | — | Hands-Free Power Liftgate | Hands-Free Power Liftgate |
| Wheels | 18 in + option | 17 in | 18 in | 20 in | 20 in |
| Headlights | LED Reflector | LED Reflector | LED Reflector | Bi-LED Projector | Bi-LED Projector |
Packages and options (39)
| EX | LX | S | SX | SX Prestige | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EX AWD X-Line Package $2,100 | Optional | — | — | — | — |
| Panoramic Sunroof Package $1,300 | Optional | — | Optional | — | — |
| Cross Bars $360 | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cross Bars (Interim) $360 | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cross Bars (X-Line) $360 | Optional | — | — | — | Optional |
| Mud Guards $115 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Texturized Bumper Appliqué $75 | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Rear Bumper Protector $120 | Optional | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Side Step Bars $690 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Tow Hitch (2.5) $475 | — | Optional | Optional | — | — |
| Tow Hitch (2.5T) $475 | Optional | — | — | Optional | Optional |
| Wheel Locks $60 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Cover $190 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Net $50 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Tray (Folding) $115 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Carpeted Floor Mats $210 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Carpeted Cargo Mat with Seatback Protection $115 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror with HomeLink $350 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | — |
| Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror with HomeLink (PnP) $350 | — | — | — | — | Optional |
| Illuminated Hatch Sill Plate $350 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Illuminated Scuff Plates $310 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Interior Lighting Kit $450 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Rear Seat Entertainment $1,500 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Remote Start Key $425 | — | Optional | — | — | — |
| Aruba Green | — | — | — | — | Optional |
| Crystal Beige | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ebony Black | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Everlasting Silver | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Glacial White $445 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Gravity Gray | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Passion Red $445 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Sapphire Blue $445 | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Sparkling Silver | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Black Cloth | — | Optional | — | — | — |
| Black Leather | — | — | — | — | Optional |
| Black SynTex | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | — |
| Gray Leather | — | — | — | — | Optional |
| Gray SynTex | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | — |
| Rust Leather $200 | — | — | — | — | Optional |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem order guide, Oem brochure, Oem brochure, Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: model, trims, powertrain, fuel economy, chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, warranty, options, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Apple lists CarPlay for: Sorento 2017–2025 (Apple).
NHTSA crash ratings, recalls and complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | KIA SORENTO HYBRID SUV HEV AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 1 | 1 |
| 2026 | KIA SORENTO HYBRID SUV HEV FWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 1 | 1 |
| 2026 | KIA SORENTO SUV N/A AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 2 | 5 |
| 2026 | KIA SORENTO SUV N/A FWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 2 | 5 |
| 2026 | KIA SORENTO PHEV SUV PHEV AWD | Not Rated | Standard & Optional | Standard | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | Kia Sorento SUV AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 3 | 75 |
| 2025 | Kia Sorento SUV FWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 3 | 75 |
| 2025 | Kia Sorento Hybrid SUV AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 2 | 43 |
| 2025 | Kia Sorento Hybrid SUV FWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 2 | 43 |
| 2025 | Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard & Optional | Standard | 3 | 12 |
| 2024 | Kia Sorento SUV AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 2 | 41 |
| 2024 | Kia Sorento SUV FWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 2 | 41 |
| 2024 | Kia Sorento Hybrid SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 6 |
| 2024 | Kia Sorento Hybrid SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 6 |
| 2024 | Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 2 |
| 2023 | Kia Sorento SUV AWD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 3 | 121 |
| 2023 | Kia Sorento SUV FWD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 3 | 121 |
| 2023 | Kia Sorento HEV SUV AWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 30 |
| 2023 | Kia Sorento HEV SUV FWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 30 |
| 2023 | Kia Sorento PHEV SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 2 | 8 |
| 2022 | Kia Sorento SUV AWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 6 | 189 |
| 2022 | Kia Sorento SUV FWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 6 | 189 |
| 2022 | Kia Sorento Hybrid SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 12 |
| 2022 | Kia Sorento Hybrid SUV FWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 4 | 12 |
| 2022 | Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 5 | 22 |
| 2021 | Kia Sorento SUV FWD Later Release | 4 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 20 |
| 2021 | Kia Sorento SUV AWD Later Release | 4 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 20 |
| 2021 | Kia Sorento SUV AWD Early Release | 4 | Standard | Standard | 4 | 250 |
| 2021 | Kia Sorento SUV FWD Early Release | 4 | Standard | Standard | 4 | 250 |
| 2021 | Kia Sorento Hybrid SUV FWD Later Release | 4 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | Kia Sorento Hybrid SUV FWD Early Release | 4 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 21 |
| 2020 | Kia Sorento SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 136 |
| 2020 | Kia Sorento SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 136 |
| 2019 | Kia Sorento SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 428 |
| 2019 | Kia Sorento SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 428 |
| 2018 | Kia Sorento SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 254 |
| 2018 | Kia Sorento SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 254 |
| 2017 | Kia Sorento SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 804 |
| 2017 | Kia Sorento SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 804 |
| 2016 | Kia Sorento SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 8 | 1252 |
| 2016 | Kia Sorento SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 8 | 1252 |
| 2015 | Kia Sorento SUV AWD | 5 | No | No | 3 | 750 |
| 2015 | Kia Sorento SUV FWD | 5 | No | No | 3 | 750 |
Source: NHTSA.
EPA fuel economy (combined mpg)
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sorento AWD | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
23–25 |
| 2026 | Sorento FWD | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
23–26 |
| 2026 | Sorento Hybrid AWD | Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo | 34 |
| 2026 | Sorento Hybrid FWD | Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo | 37 |
| 2026 | Sorento Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo | 33 |
| 2025 | Sorento AWD | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
23–25 |
| 2025 | Sorento FWD | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
23–26 |
| 2025 | Sorento Hybrid AWD | Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo | 34 |
| 2025 | Sorento Hybrid FWD | Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo | 36 |
| 2025 | Sorento Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo | 33 |
| 2024 | Sorento AWD | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
23–25 |
| 2024 | Sorento FWD | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
23–26 |
| 2024 | Sorento Hybrid AWD | Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo | 34 |
| 2024 | Sorento Hybrid FWD | Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo | 37 |
| 2024 | Sorento Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo | 34 |
| 2023 | Sorento AWD | Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
24 |
| 2023 | Sorento FWD | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
25–26 |
| 2023 | Sorento Hybrid AWD | Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo | 34 |
| 2023 | Sorento Hybrid FWD | Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo | 37 |
| 2023 | Sorento Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo | 34 |
| 2022 | Sorento AWD | Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
24 |
| 2022 | Sorento FWD | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
25–26 |
| 2022 | Sorento Hybrid AWD | Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo | 35 |
| 2022 | Sorento Hybrid FWD | Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo | 37 |
| 2022 | Sorento Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo | 34 |
| 2021 | Sorento AWD | Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
24 |
| 2021 | Sorento FWD | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
25–26 |
| 2021 | Sorento Hybrid | Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo | 37 |
| 2020 | Sorento AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.3 L |
20–23 |
| 2020 | Sorento FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.3 L |
22–25 |
| 2019 | Sorento AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.3 L |
21–23 |
| 2019 | Sorento FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.3 L |
22–25 |
| 2018 | Sorento AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L |
19–22 |
| 2018 | Sorento FE AWD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L | 21 |
| 2018 | Sorento FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L |
20–24 |
| 2017 | Sorento AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L |
19–22 |
| 2017 | Sorento FE AWD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L | 21 |
| 2017 | Sorento FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L |
20–24 |
| 2016 | Sorento AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L |
19–22 |
| 2016 | Sorento FE AWD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L | 21 |
| 2016 | Sorento FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L |
20–24 |
| 2015 | Sorento AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L |
20–21 |
| 2015 | Sorento FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L |
21–23 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.