A couple of months ago we were handed the keys of the all-new 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid and discovered that Kia’s latest take on the mid-size SUV is its best yet. This time we spend some time with the non-hybrid model, namely the turbocharged Sorento SX S-Line AWD. Built to be the most off-road friendly of the lineup, the SX S-Line with all-wheel-drive adds a bit more all-purpose usability to Kia’s already wonderfully practical family-friendly machine.
The all-new Sorento SX S-Line includes a powerful drivetrain, seating for six, plenty of cargo space, tons of tech and it looks fantastic. Add in the all-weather all-wheel drive and the Sorento is ready for just about anything a daily-driving situation can throw at it and a bit more.
Kia’s incredible warranty takes away the reliability worry. As far as we are concerned, Kia’s Sorento is a nearly-perfect daily driver for a relative bargain with a starting price of less than $30k.
A Powerful Turbocharged Engine and Impressive Dual-Clutch Transmission
Kia’s X-Line Sorento is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to the 8-speed automated dual-clutch transmission, 0 to 60 takes place in a rather brief 6.3 seconds. That’s very respectable for a mid-size relatively affordable SUV. To be fair, mashing the throttle pedal from a green light is less than exhilarating, the engine seems to take a second to build power before unleashing all 311 lb-ft of torque. But once you’re moving the Sorento gets up and goes really well.
Fuel economy is also noteworthy. The Sorento’s 2.5 liter turbocharged 4-Cylinder and 8-speed dual-clutch transmission provide strong acceleration, but also use the latest technology to provide optimal fuel economy. Take it easy and the EPA-rated fuel economy is rated at 21/28/24 MPG (city/highway/combined). Given the utility, all-wheel-drive capabilities and power, 28 on the highway is a great number.
That said, if fuel economy is THE factor, the hybrid we previously reviewed is rated at an impressive 35/39/37 MPG (city/highway/combined).
An Interior for Families
Our mid-level SX trim offers one of the nicer non-premium interiors currently available. The materials are high quality and Kia’s attention to detail is apparent throughout. Seating is comfortable, the second row mimics the front rows great support and just enough padding. Like every mid-size SUV third row seating is limited in space, but Sorento does have a bit up on much of the competition when it comes to the ease of getting in and out.
Cargo space is 12.6 cubic feet with all the seats in place, that number jumps to 38.4 cubic feet when the second row is folded and 75.5 cubic feet when the back two rows are folded down.
Benchmark Technology and a Bigger Screen
While the Sorento’s performance and comfort have already won us over, the mid-size SUV’s incredibly long list of standard technology solidify zeal. The standard 8-inch touchscreen display is sharp, easy to read and intuitive. Infotainment features include satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and ireless Android Auto.
Our SX model featured an even bigger 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. The larger screen gives the entire interior a more premium feel. Perhaps the 8-inch screen has almost become “normal” at this point. Adding a considerable amount of real estate to the screen makes the entire experience feel upgraded. Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and 8 USB ports make connecting devices a straightforward process. The abundance of USB connections allows the whole family to charge smart phones between destinations.
Kia’s “Drive Wise Driver Assist Technology” includes blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross traffic collision avoidance, auto emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane keeping and following assist. While many other manufacturers will include one or two of these safety technologies as standard, Kia has decided to open the feature faucet wide.
Pricing that Agrees with (most) Wallets
It’s no surprise that Kia’s formula for success relies heavily on strong value. A warranty that provides worry-free repair costs (or lack thereof) doesn’t hurt either. Kia’s industry-leading warranty program consists of a 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty, a 5-year/100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty and a 5-year/60,000 mile roadside assistance plan.
Base LX trim Sorento has a starting price of $29,390, which represents excellent value for a new and well-equipped 2021 mid-size SUV. Our Sorento SX X-Line test vehicle, which is one trim below the top SX Prestige trim, costs $44,285 including the $1,170 freight and handling charge.