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2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Kia Sorento Hybrid highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Three rows of seating
  • Many standard features
  • Hybrid powertrain

Cons

  • Third-row legroom limited
  • Front-wheel-drive only
  • Only two trim levels are available

Mileage (EPA estimate)

39 city, 35 highway, 37 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year
Mileage

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Hybrid family hauler

The hybrid powertrain delivers the best of both worlds; you get the advantages of an electric motor with a gas engine, so you don't have to worry about range or charging as much. Kia redesigned the Sorento for 2021 and also introduced the new Hybrid version. Powered by a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, it produces a combined 227 horsepower. That is all connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel-drive is standard. There are two great trim levels to choose from, the S and the EX.

All Kia Sorento Hybrid years

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid trims

Curious how Kia Sorento Hybrid trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

S:

EX:

Kia Sorento Hybrid photos

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid

1. Standard features 

Even the base S trim is very well-equipped. It's got loads of standard features like simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED headlights, and roof rails. So, even if you come across a 2021 Sorento Hybrid S on our lots, you can rest assured that it will be pretty impressive.  

2. Hybrid powertrain 

All versions of the 2021 Sorento Hybrid are powered by a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce a combined 227 horsepower. That is good for an EPA-estimated 37 mpg combined city/highway.

That means fewer trips to the pump compared to the gas-powered Sorento.  

3. Great tech 

The base S trim gets a nicely sized eight-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto smartphone integration and a six-speaker audio system. It also had standard driver aids like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, a lane-keeping system, forward collision mitigation, and driver attention warning. Find the EX trim, and you'll get upgrades like a wireless phone charger, adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, and enhanced forward collision mitigation.  

4. Interior space 

With three rows of space, the Kia Sorento Hybrid is pretty practical. You'll get 12.6 cu-ft of space with all seats in place, which is suitable for a quick trip to the grocery store. The 2021 Sorento Hybrid has a sliding and reclining second row, which means with the third row folded, you have between 38.5 and 45 cu-ft of space. There's 75.5 cu-ft of space with the two rear rows folded.  

5. Upgraded EX trim 

If the S trim doesn't quite match your needs, you can check out the 2021 Sorento Hybrid EX. It gets great exterior upgrades like LED foglights and cool black exterior trim. On the inside, you'll find a panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charger, and driver aids like adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, and enhanced forward collision mitigation. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3.3 out of 5

3 customer reviews

Kia Sorento Hybrid features and specs

S 4D Sport Utility 2WD

Standard Features

  • Power Locks
  • Power Windows
  • Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • ABS Brakes
  • Third Row Seat
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Quad Seats
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • Parking Sensors
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Smart Key
  • Remote Start
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch
  • Rear Entertainment System

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.6L

Horsepower

177

Torque (ft-lbs)

195

Engine type

Turbo Hybrid

Fuel capacity

17.7

Wheelbase

110.8"

Overall length

189.4"

Width

74.8"

Height

66.7"

Leg room

F 41.4"/M 40.7"/R 29.6"

Head room

F 40.3"/M 39.1"/R 36.8"

Front tires

P235/65HR17

Rear tires

P235/65HR17

Seating capacity

6

Max towing capacity

200/2000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid FAQ

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid has a maximum towing capacity of 2000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid has received an average 3.5 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid Reviews.
Here are the pros and cons of the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid: Pros - Fuel Economy - Reliability - Interior Space Cons - Braking - Reliability
The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid offers the following fuel efficiency options: • Hybrid: 39 city / 35 highway MPG (S trim) • Hybrid: 39 city / 35 highway MPG (EX trim) Actual mileage may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle condition, and driving habits.

* Price excludes government fees and taxes, any finance charges, $85 CarMax document processing charge (not required by law), any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Price assumes that final purchase will be made in the State of CA, unless vehicle is non-transferable. Vehicle subject to prior sale. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions. Limited warranty is 30 days. See store for details. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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