The 2020 Kia Sorento is one of the year’s most popular SUVs. This Kia uniquely balances comfort and performance, so it’s easy to see why you’d want one. However, the 2021 Sorento will likely give you second thoughts. 

2020 Kia Sorento specs and features 

One of the best aspects of the 2020 Sorento is its comfortable ride quality. It comes standard with a 185-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. The base engine provides adequate power and has a solid EPA rating of 25 mpg overall. However, the available engine earns more praise. 

Reviewers, including Consumer Reports, say that the Sorento’s available 290-hp 3.3-liter V6 and eight-speed automatic offers a more refined driving experience. With the V6 and all-wheel-drive, the Sorento can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is on par for the class. CR ultimately recognizes the Sorento for its polished engine options, towing capacity, and quietness. The organization also appreciates this Kia for its secure handling but notes it has significant body lean when pushed.

 There’s much to like about the Sorento’s cabin. It’s well-insulated, spacious, and offers plenty of modern amenities. The Sorento can seat up to seven people across its three-rows. 

The 2020 Sorento comes with nice cloth upholstery and a fair amount of high-quality trimmings. Standard infotainment features include a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Although, you have to upgrade to get active safety features such as forward-collision warning and pedestrian detection. 

What does the 2021 Sorento have to offer? 

Now might be the right time to buy a 2020 Sorento, as CR highlighted recently. However, if you buy a Sorento now, you might regret it since this SUV is all-new for 2021. The 2021 Sorento sheds the outgoing model’s minivan-like looks for a sleeker shape. Additionally, the incoming Sorento boasts brand-new powertrains and a luxury-focused interior.

The base 2021 Sorento will have a 191-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder linked to an eight-speed automatic. Kia estimates that this engine will return 27 mpg overall, two points higher than the outgoing model. There’s also an available turbocharged four-cylinder that effectively replaces the current V6. 

Kia will better tackle other trends with its new Sorento SUV. The X-Line trim is designed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts. Furthermore, the new Sorento will be available as a traditional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid model. 

The 2021 Sorento also offers more pizzazz on the inside than the outgoing version. It offers more interior frills, including a larger touchscreen display and 3-D embossed genuine leather. Like the 2020 version, the Sorento provides standard connectivity apps. It will also come with advanced safety features such as forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

How much will the 2021 Kia Sorento cost?

The 2021 Sorento has a starting price of $29,390. You can currently score about 20 percent off the 2020 version, which is a pretty good deal. But with so many exciting changes for 2021, the incoming Sorento is worth waiting for if you can. The 2021 Sorento should hit dealerships by the end of the year.