The 2021 Kia Sorento lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average transmission and road noise issues reported. At $23,750 to $36,993, it’s a decent value for a midsize SUV that’s loaded with a lot of the latest safety technology.
Is the 2021 Kia Sorento a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Kia Sorento since it has some fantastic technology features and improved reliability. Owner reviews praise the low running costs, comfortable cabin, and the advanced safety tech.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are relatively high quality for an SUV, the seats offer great support, but there’s less cargo space than average.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2021 Sorento. Models from 2011–2016 have some engine issues, while 2017–2022 are more dependable.
- Performance 7/10 – The base engine is a little weak, while the optional turbocharged motor has decent power for a midsize SUV.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Sorento is safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control along with highway driving assist.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 26 MPG, giving 460 miles of range out of the 17.7 gallon tank. Gas costs are $38 cheaper than average at $152 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Kia Sorento is cheaper than many other midsize SUVs on the market, with reasonable ownership costs, making it a decent value.
What Do Critics Say About the Kia Sorento?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Kia Sorento offers more technology and stronger engines than before, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Kia Sorento at 3.4/5, enjoying the easy-to-use infotainment system, but doesn’t like that it’s more difficult to fit in parking spaces than before.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Sorento a 4.1/5, praising the advanced safety technology features, but owners don’t like the low towing capacity for an SUV.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Kia Sorento Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Kia Sorento include delayed gear changes, excessive road noise, along with some dead batteries. Overall, these problems are similar to other midsize SUVs on the market, leading to average repair costs as the Sorento ages.
Delayed gear changes are the most widespread complaint from 2021 Sorento owners, showing up within the first 5,000 miles. There are some updates available for the transmission control module, which improves the speed of the changes. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while others charge around $100.
Excessive road noise is another problem mentioned by some Sorento owners at around 1,000 miles. The most common source of the problem is improper factory alignment, which leads to a lot of noise. Fixing the alignment costs around $125, depending on local labor rates.
Dead batteries have also been reported on the 2021 Kia Sorento at around 2,500 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the Sorento, and some of them draw power while the vehicle is off. Diagnosing the source of the parasitic battery draw costs around $50, while fixing it costs $20 to $100.
There are three recalls on the 2021 Kia Sorento, which is a bit worse than other midsize SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall covers the towing hitch wire harness, which can cause a fire while parked. Kia will replace the harness on affected models for free. Other recalls cover a fuel pipe connection, along with a transmission issue, which Kia will reprogram for free.
How Long Will the 2021 Kia Sorento Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Kia Sorento can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than the long-lasting Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $503 per year.
As a used 2021 Sorento reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the brake master cylinder reservoir for $125, alternator voltage regulator costing $375, along with the timing belt, which costs $800.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is great, and includes an 8-inch touchscreen stereo system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a larger 10.25-inch screen, and a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety features are good for an SUV since it has:
- Rearview camera
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane-keep assist
- Driver attention monitoring
- Rear-seat alert
- Forward collision warning
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Traffic sign recognition
Optional upgrades include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear parking sensors
- Cyclist detection
- Highway driving assist
- Reverse automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Vehicle exit warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Front parking sensors
- Surround-view camera system
Is the 2021 Kia Sorento a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Kia Sorento is a decent value if you’re in the market for a midsize SUV with some of the latest technology features. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $23,750 to $36,993, making it less than a Honda Pilot or Jeep Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $29,390 to $42,500. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 8% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Kia Sorento?
There are five models of the 2021 Kia Sorento offered, from the entry-level LX through to the SX Prestige. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Kia Sorento LX is the entry-level model with:
- Cloth upholstery
- 8-inch touch screen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- 2-inch digital driver display
- Six-speaker stereo
- HD Radio, Bluetooth, USB ports
- Rearview camera
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning
- Driver-attention monitoring
- Traffic-sign recognition
- Rear-seat alert
Kia Sorento S is a step up, adding:
- 25-inch touch screen
- Wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Satellite radio, navigation
- Voice recognition
- Second-row USB ports
- Proximity keyless entry
- Push-button start, remote start
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Synthetic leather upholstery
- 10-way power driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear parking sensors
- Vehicle exit warning
- Optional panoramic sunroof
Kia Sorento EX has more features such as:
- Wireless device charging
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Second-row captain’s chairs
- Cyclist detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- Highway driving assist
- Fog lights
- Electronic parking brake
Kia Sorento SX offers some other upgrades with:
- Bluetooth audio streaming
- 8-way power passenger seat
- LED headlights
Kia Sorento SX Prestige is the flagship model, which has:
- 12-speaker Bose premium stereo
- 3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Genuine leather upholstery
- 14-way power driver’s seat
- Heated second-row seats
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Power-folding outside mirrors
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Paddle shifters
- Enhanced blind-spot monitoring
- Front parking sensors
- Reverse automatic emergency braking
- Surround-view camera system
What Engines Come In the Kia Sorento?
- The 2021 Kia Sorento offers a range of engines, each designed to meet different performance and efficiency needs. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, delivering 191 horsepower. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and achieves a combined fuel economy of 26 MPG. It can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in about 9 seconds, providing a balance of efficiency and responsiveness.
- For those seeking more power, there’s a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder option. This engine ramps up performance with 281 horsepower. It’s also coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, enhancing the driving experience with smoother and quicker shifts. The combined fuel economy for this turbocharged engine is around 24 MPG, and it boasts a quicker 0-60 MPH time of just under 7 seconds, making it a more performance-oriented choice.
What Colors Does the Kia Sorento Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Kia Sorento?
The 2021 Kia Sorento is widely recognized for its comfortable and refined interior, which plays a significant role in its appeal to a broad range of drivers. The vehicle’s cabin is thoughtfully designed, offering a harmonious blend of comfort and style that enhances the driving experience. The seats in the Sorento are particularly noteworthy, as they are crafted with high-quality materials that provide excellent support and comfort, even during long journeys. The front seats are ergonomically designed and come with options for heating and ventilation, a feature that adds an extra layer of comfort in varying weather conditions. Moreover, the driver’s seat offers ample adjustability, providing a comfortable driving position for people of different heights and preferences.
In terms of ride quality, the 2021 Sorento stands out with its smooth and composed handling. The suspension system is finely tuned to absorb bumps and irregularities on the road, providing a ride that is both comfortable and stable. This makes the Sorento an ideal choice for both city driving and long-distance travel. The cabin’s sound insulation is another highlight, effectively minimizing road and wind noise, which contributes to a serene and relaxing driving environment.
Additionally, the Sorento’s interior space is efficiently used, offering ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. This spaciousness guarantees that passengers can enjoy long trips without feeling cramped. The climate control system is also efficient, maintaining a consistent and pleasant temperature throughout the cabin. Overall, the 2021 Kia Sorento excels in delivering a comfortable driving and riding experience, making it a strong contender in its class for those who prioritize comfort in their vehicle selection.
How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Sorento Have?
The 2021 Kia Sorento offers a versatile and spacious interior, designed to accommodate both passengers and cargo comfortably. It features an impressive amount of storage space, with a total of 75.5 cubic feet available when the second and third-row seats are folded down. This expansive area allows for the transportation of various large items, such as furniture pieces, a sizable number of camping gear, or multiple large suitcases. Even with all seats in use, the Sorento still provides a decent 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which is more than adequate for grocery shopping, small luggage, or everyday items.
Apart from the main cargo area, the 2021 Sorento is equipped with numerous smaller storage solutions throughout the cabin. The center console offers a deep storage bin, ideal for keeping personal items like wallets, phones, or small handbags. Door pockets in the front and rear are conveniently sized to hold water bottles, maps, or small umbrellas. Additionally, there are seat-back pockets that provide extra space for magazines or tablets, making sure that passengers can keep their essentials within easy reach. The glove compartment and additional cubbies around the cabin further enhance the Sorento’s practicality, making it an excellent choice for families and individuals who value both space and organization in their vehicle.
Overall, the 2021 Kia Sorento stands out as a highly functional SUV, balancing the need for passenger comfort with the demand for cargo space. Its thoughtful interior design, combined with generous room for both passengers and cargo, makes it a versatile option for a wide range of activities, from daily commuting to adventurous road trips.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Kia Sorento was introduced for the 2021 model year.
2015: No significant changes from earlier years.
2016: Fully redesigned for the third generation with an upgraded cabin, new styling, and more powerful engines.
2017: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered, and a new emergency braking system is available.
2018: No major updates from earlier years.
2019: Standard third-row seating on all models, turbocharged motor removed from the lineup, and an 8-speed transmission is offered.
2020: Small exterior changes, EX and SX Limited models have been discontinued.
2021: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new engines, technology, and a more spacious interior.
2022: Minor changes to the standard features, and the X-Line appearance package is now offered on the S and EX models.
How Does the Kia Sorento Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Kia Sorento is a decent midsize SUV since it has a lot of technology features and a long warranty, which helps it earn our recommendation for shoppers.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is another midsize SUV, which costs about $1,500 more. Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento are built on the same platform, but the Hyundai Santa Fe offers a higher-quality interior. We recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe since the extra features are worth the money, but it’s worth testing both to see which fits you better.
The Kia Telluride is a larger SUV, which costs about $4,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Kia Telluride, while the Kia Sorento offers a smoother suspension at highway speeds. We recommend the Kia Telluride since it’s a more capable midsize SUV, making it worth the extra money.
