2021 Kia Sorento SX Prestige X-Line AWD: An All New-Design

 

Highlight: The methodically well thought out interior layout was designed by Brian Peterson, a former car designer. Before making the move to entrepreneurship, Peterson, who is also a humanitarian, was once a member of an elite group of approximately 30 Black car designers around the globe.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $44,285 (Base LX Model: $30,565)

Seating Capacity: 6 or 7

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a tire pressure monitoring system; intelligent speed limit assist system; forward collision warning system; a forward collision warning assist system; a pedestrian automatic braking system; a driver attention warning system; heated outside mirrors; and a lane forward assist system

Standard Equipment (LX): 17-inch wheels; an 8-speed automatic transmission; a variety of driving modes; a front wheel drive layout; privacy rear windows and windshield; power adjustable outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals; tailgate glass heated with timer; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; cargo net hook; cloth seats; manual adjustable front seats; and third row seats

Standard Equipment (X-Line): 20-inch wheels; 2.5-liter turbo/281-horsepower engine; stop and go radar activated cruise control system; a highway driving assist system; rear occupant alert with ultrasonic sensors; a 10-inch touchscreen navigation system; a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines; SiriusXM; a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system; a wireless phone charger; power and heated front seats; one touch slide and fold second row seats; a push button ignition system with a remote start; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a panoramic sunroof with sunshade; LED projector headlights; a roof rail; leather seat trim; heated and ventilated seats; a 360-desgree camera; a blind spot electronic monitor; a heated steering wheel; parking collision avoidance- rear; parking distance forward; aluminum sports pedals; and automatic dimming rearview mirror

Options: X-line rust interior package; carpeted floor mats; and carpeted cargo mat with seat back protection

Other Trim Levels:

S

EX

SX

 

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6 speaker AM/FM audio system

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter GDI, 4-cylinder engine/227-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 21-city/28-hwy

What’s New: The third generation Kia Sorento is all new for the 2021 model year. Kia continues to push the brand and its models upscale, with premium materials, new safety features and more athletic design.

Pros:

·        Exterior design offers a bolder, athletic look

·        Available leather embossed quilt pattern seats

·        Longer wheelbase equates to more passenger space

·        Easy-to-use infotainment system

·        Haptic feel buttons for 10-inch infotainment system

·        A roomy five-seater

·        One of the best warranties in the segment

·        An affordable and well-equipped value package

·        Great road vehicle

·        Four engine choices

·        New turbo engine

·        Available as a plug-in hybrid, hybrid or all gasoline

·        Wireless in-vehicle charger

·        Front wheel drive or all-wheel drive

·        A number of driving safety advance systems

·        20-inch wheel availability

·        An African-American connection to the interior design

But: 

·        A 7-seater pushes the vehicle beyond being comfortable for third row occupants                           

·        Limited cargo space when third row in use

·        The Sorento no longer has a starting price under $30K

Verdict:  The highline Sorento we tested no longer gives the feel and look of being a mainstream cheap-like vehicle. The midsize crossover we reviewed, with its Aruba Green exterior, seemed more fitting with a Land Rover nameplate as opposed to a Kia. This shows how Kia has made great strides with the Sorento to push the vehicle upscale. Moreover, this Kia could have also fit into the Subaru portfolio with its emphasis on outdoor adventures.

This generation’s model not only offers a more premium look and design the vehicle is now available for the first time a plug-in hybrid too. The 2021 Sorento is available in a front wheel drive and an all-wheel drive configuration in a variety of trims.

Despite pushing the vehicle upscale, Kia has still managed to make this crossover, with its car-like driving characteristics, an affordable value. Our well-equipped X-Line AWD still managed to come in under $45,000.