The 2021 Kia Sorento Has 1 Glaring Weakness
The 2021 Kia Sorento has a brand new look with some epic updates in terms of tech, comfort, and off-roading power. However, the Kia Sorento also has one major drawback that could be a dealbreaker.
One prominent 2021 Kia Sorento problem
The 2021 Kia Sorento provides an economical choice for families that need a three-row SUV. Unlike the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander, the Kia Sorento could start under $30,000, according to Edmunds.
Edmunds estimates that the 2021 Kia Sorento could start around $28,000, while the 2020 Kia Sorento currently begins around $26,990, so this would be a fair price increase. The Ford Explorer starts at about $32,225, and the Toyota Highlander begins around $34,810.
However, one problem with the Kia Sorento as a better-priced option for families is the fact that it lacks cargo space compared to rivals. The 2021 Kia Sorrento has 11.3 ft of cargo space behind the rear seats, and 38 cubic feet with the third row folded down. With the second and third-row seats folded down, you can access up to 73 cubic feet of cargo space.
There is about 16.3 cubic feet behind the third-row seats in the Toyota Highlander and up to 84.3 cubic feet total. The Ford Explorer has 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats with up to 87.8 cubic feet total.
This is an issue when it comes to taking family vacations. If you load up your Kia Sorento with kids, there isn’t much space left over for all their luggage. However, the lack of cargo space could provide more passenger comfort. According to AutoBlog, the Kia Sorento has more room in the third-row seats than the Toyota Highlander does.
What’s new for the 2021 Kia Sorento?
The 2021 Kia Sorento kicks off the fourth generation of this popular three-row option with brand new styling similar to the Kia Telluride. Only it’s a smaller SUV option. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder option with 191 hp and 182 lb-ft of torque.
You can upgrade to the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine for 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine can tow up to 3,500 lb. This is disappointing as the 2020 Kia Sorento can tow up to 5,000 lb with the V6 engine.
You can also go hybrid with the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 44-kW motor to create a combined 227 hp. However, this hybrid transmission can only be paired with front-wheel drive. However, all-wheel drive will be available with the plug-in hybrid Kia Sorento model that will come out later in 2021.
2021 Kia Sorento features
Inside of the 2021 Kia Sorento, you’ll find a luxurious interior with quilted leather, textured mental inlays, and open-pore wood trim. It provides a quality feel without the expensive luxury price like its bigger brother, the Kia Telluride.
There is also modern technology with an available 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 8-inch infotainment center that can be upgraded to 10.25-inches. There are up to 8 USB ports and a wireless charging pad.
