Take Two: 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid

Taking Out of the New Kid on the Block

[Ed. note—This is our second quick look at the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid, which is just arriving in dealerships. Steve’s review is here.]

Sometimes testing a car is like a blind date. You may have heard something about your “date” ahead of time. You may even have some data or a friend’s opinion, but you have to make your own decision—is this a keeper? Which leads us to the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid, which was presented to media for a short 48-hour stint–the automotive equivalent of a speed date.

First impressions are pretty much all you get, which for the brand-new Sorento is all good. The Runway Red paint job may cost an extra $445, but it does the job. This crossover has the looks, which is what first impressions are all about. The all-new, fourth generation Sorento has picked up some styling tips from its big brother (sister?) Telluride, and it pulls off a new look quite successfully. Details of brushed aluminum inside and finally chiseled lines on the exterior signal an upscale move for this petite midsize (or is it a large compact) crossover. If it were a true blindfold date where you suddenly found yourself inside the Sorento, looking around and staring out the panoramic sunroof, you would be forgiven for thinking you’ve slipped into a new Audi.

You can fall back on data, like the EPA’s fuel economy measurement of 39 mpg city/35 highway/37 combined, a 10-15 mpg boost compared to the non-hybrid model. Two days is not enough time to validate those numbers, but everything thing we saw in our short time indicated that the numbers were achievable with some prudent driving. For reference, the Kia’s EPA mpg is one mpg better than the Toyota Highlander, it’s only real three-row hybrid competition.

What Size Is It?

The Sorento does present some challenges for someone only having such a limited amount of time. Back to the first impression. Is this a oversize compact or a downscale midsize crossover? Kia calls it a “tweener,” which was exactly the impression I came away with. It’s got some heft, but in a good way. The interior is spacious and carries a third row of seats prized by growing families. Open up the tailgate and you can see it’s no midsize like the Highlander. The space behind the third row seats would challenge that growing family on a typical Costco trip. In that case, leave some kids at home and fold down a row or two of seats to open up some sizeable storage space.

It rides on tires an inch or two shorter than the Highlander as well (depending on the trim level), so the seating position is slightly lower. The view is still classic SUV/crossover, though, so it should score well on that front.

There are different levels of “three-row-ness,” and the Sorento falls into the category of a three-row with that back row fit primarily for kids or small adults. With almost 37 inches of headroom back there, the design magicians at Kia managed to squeeze out almost an inch more of head space than the Highlander.

For consumers not planning on loading up with six or seven passengers, the Sorento may get cross-shopped with the smaller Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, both of which have their own hybrids (and the RAV4 has its plug-in hybrid version just launched) that squeeze out a few more mpg and also offer all-wheel drive (AWD) models.

A Kia spokesperson said the company has no current plans for a hybrid AWD Sorento (they’re “studying it”), but the plug-in hybrid Sorento “coming soon” will be AWD only. The ride in the Sorento echoes the tweener theme, as it’s not as smooth as the bigger Highlander or its own sibling, the Telluride, but a notch above the smaller compact crossovers. Following the current trend, the Sorento’s road feel tends to be more carlike than SUV-like. It’s quiet, delivering good road feel and handled some mountain roads without missing a beat.

Dollars and Sense

Kia did its homework while pricing the new Sorento, zeroing in on the market leading Toyota’s. The RAV4 Hybrid has six models with starting prices ranging from $28,500 to $37,000. The Highlander’s three models start at a tick more than $40,000. The Sorento sits squarely between with two models, the S that starts at $33,590 and the well-equipped EX that I drove that was $38,205 delivered. The EX is loaded; the only significant options are a rear seat entertainment system and a variety of things like cargo nets, lighting kits and a tow hitch. All of the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are included.

Even the base models packs most of the goodies you might find essential for a crossover, but a power tailgate, some upgraded advanced safety technology, a panoramic sunroof and a few other enhancements make the $3,000 bump to the EX model appear to be a pretty good deal. Layered on top of this is Kia’s 100,000-mile warranty.

The choices in this competitive segment keep getting better all the time. The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid lays down a marker that its competitors—both larger and smaller—will need to respond to if they hope to hold market share. For us, we can’t wait to spend some more time with this contender to see if she’s the “real thing” for a long-term relationship.      

Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.

Story by Michael Coates. Photos from Kia.

Related Stories You Might Enjoy—The Midsize Crossover Competition

Flash Drive: 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid (Steve’s view)

Flash Drive: 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Road Test: 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Road Test: 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Road Test: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV

Flash Drive: 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid

Road Test: 2017 Nissan Pathfinder

Road Test: 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid

Road Test: 2019 Subaru Ascent

Road Test: 2020 Volkswagen Atlas

Road Test: 2019 Mazda CX-9

Event: Three-Row SUV Comparison (Chevrolet Traverse vs. Subaru Ascent vs. Volkswagen Atlas)

Road Test: 2019 Buick Enclave

Road Test: 2019 Ford Edge

Road Test: 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

Road Test: 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Road Test: 2019 Chevrolet Blazer

Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.