Kia Sorento Hybrid 2021 Review

The Kia Sorento has always tried to go above and beyond as one of the few small crossover SUVs with a third row of seats — even if the back row was pretty cramped. As a result, the Sorento has long led a fairly compromised life straddling the two- and three-row SUV segments. But Kia is determined to make the small three-row SUV formula work. The redesigned 2021 Kia Sorento has more interior room and all-new powertrain choices, including a new hybrid.

The 2021 Sorento Hybrid pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce a combined 227 horsepower. The EPA estimates that it gets 37 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is a significant 11 mpg more than a regular Sorento (with front-wheel drive and the 2.5-liter engine). This is a bit less what the EPA estimates for a Honda CR-V Hybrid (38 mpg combined) or a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (40 mpg), but it's certainly competitive.

Kia will also offer a plug-in hybrid version later in the model year. It uses the same gasoline engine but adds a more powerful electric motor to churn out 261 horsepower. With the plug-in's 13.8 kWh of battery capacity, Kia estimates it can travel up to 30 miles on all-electric power before switching over to regular hybrid operation.

Overall, we're intrigued by the new Sorento Hybrid. It has a mix of luxury, space and high fuel economy that rival hybrid SUVs — such as Ford Escape Hybrid Honda CR-V Hybrid and Toyota Venza — can't quite match. Check back in the coming months for additional impressions once we are able to get a Sorento Hybrid in for a full evaluation.

Which Sorento Hybrid does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid is a small SUV with three rows of seating that can seat up to six people. (The second row's seating consists of captain's chairs.) It's available in two trim levels: S and EX. Both are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission. Combined output is 227 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard but, unlike most other hybrid crossover SUVs, the Sorento Hybrid is not available with all-wheel drive.

S As with most Kias, even the base level Sorento Hybrid S is well equipped. The only options are accessories such as mud flaps, wheel locks, a cargo net and a tow hitch. Standard features include:

• 17-inch wheels
• LED headlights
• Tinted rear windows
• Roof rails
• Keyless entry with push-button start
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Heated front seats
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 8-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Six-speaker audio system

Standard tech and driver aids include:

• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)

EX The Sorento Hybrid EX uses the same powertrain, so the only real differences are to features. Besides what's standard on the S trim, the EX adds:

• LED foglights
• Black exterior trim
• Panoramic sunroof
• Wireless phone charger
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Front parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of the vehicle when parking)
• Enhanced forward collision mitigation (better recognizes pedestrians and cyclists)