Power to Choose

Four engines are offered on the 2021 Sorento, including two internal combustion powerplants and two electrified motors in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations:

• 2.5-liter GDI 4-cylinder
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • 191 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. torque
  • FWD or AWD
  • AWD system uses torque-vectoring with center-locking differential to provide extra power to rear wheels in slippery conditions⁴
  • Estimated combined (city and highway) 27 mpg (2 mpg increase over previous Sorento)
• 2.5-liter GDI 4-cylinder Turbo
  • Segment exclusive 8-speed wet dual clutch automatic transmission
  • 281 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. torque
  • FWD or AWD
  • 3,500 lbs. of towing capability⁵
  • Estimated combined 25 mpg (3 mpg increase over previous V6 Sorento)
• 1.6-liter GDI 4-cylinder Turbo Hybrid with 44 kW electric motor
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • 227 horsepower
  • 1.5 kWh battery
  • FWD
  • Estimated 39 MPG city / 35 highway / 37 combined
• 1.6-liter GDI 4-cylinder Turbo Plug-in Hybrid with 66.9 kW electric motor (available in 2021)
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • 261 horsepower
  • 13.8 kWh battery
  • Estimated 30-mile all-electric range
  • AWD

Let's Get Technical

Like all Kia vehicles, the new Sorento is loaded with an extensive list of popular technology, including:

• Available 12.3-in. full digital meter cluster, a first for any Kia SUV
• Surround View Monitor utilizes four cameras to provide a 360-degree perspective around the vehicle enhancing driver confidence in tight parking situations
• Blind View Monitor projects live video view of adjacent lanes in the instrument cluster and activated via the turn signal (a Sorento first)
• 8 USB charging ports (6 in LX)
• 8-inch or available 10.25-inch high-resolution color touchscreen display⁶
• Split-screen functionality
• Available SiriusXM satellite radio
• Available 10.25-inch inch touchscreen adds:
  • Haptic feedback buttons
  • New multi-connection Bluetooth7 wireless connectivity that allows connection of two phones simultaneously
• UVO link telematics offers an array of advanced connected vehicle features, such as:
  • Connected Routing⁸: A new cloud-based route calculation system that uses UVO cloud to calculate the optimal route using real-time maps, predicted upcoming traffic info based on historical information and AI to learn the preferred routes of users
  • Connected Weather⁷: Provides weather information for more than 25,000 cities
  • Enhanced UVO voice assist feature allows voice control of the vehicle's climate, seat and steering-wheel heating, audio system, and other functions
  • Connected User Profiles⁷: Allows customers to add an additional driver to their vehicle. The drivers can have their individual UVO accounts to the vehicle and access to the remote features using the Kia Access App. The profile stores some select settings on the UVO cloud and can be shared with other compatible Kia vehicles.
  • UVO & Smart Speaker Integration lets customers use Amazon-Alexa or Google-Assistant enabled smart speaker or device to remotely control some functions (such as remote start)
  • Advanced notifications:
    • Engine Idle Notification and Automatic Engine Shut Off notifies the driver via the UVO link app if the engine is left idling and, after a pre-selected time, turns off the engine
    • Rear Occupancy Alert can send push notification alerts via the UVO link app if movement is detected inside the vehicle
    • 911 Connect and Roadside Assistance will automatically attempt to call 911 via the built-in UVO modem if an airbag deploys. For non-emergencies, it can connect with 24/7 roadside assistance and share the vehicle's location
  • Also available within UVO, for the first time on any Kia, are two new features:
    • On-demand Find My Car with Surround View Monitor7 uses the vehicle cameras to capture images of the vehicle's surroundings and then share them via the Kia Access UVO app
    • Last Mile Navigation⁷ provides walking directions to the driver's final destination if the vehicle is parked between 0.1 and 1.2 miles away
  • Bose⁹ Premium sound system, available with 12 high-performance speakers
    • Bose Centerpoint technology converts stereo sources into a richer surround-sound experience
    • Dynamic Speed Compensation analyzes the sound source and automatically adjusts according to speed
  • Available wireless smartphone charging¹⁰ pad with increased charge rates
  • Standard Rear Occupant Alert11 uses ultrasonic sensors engineered to detect child or pet movement in the second and third rows after the doors have been locked and then can notify the driver and surrounding area by sounding the horn and illuminating the hazard lamps
  
  
  

  There are 16 "Kia Drive Wise" Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)¹² that are either standard or available:

  • Available new Blind Spot Collision Avoidance (BCCA) - Parallel Exit: Uses the rear-corner radar to detect a collision risk with parallel traffic when leaving a parking spot. The system applies emergency braking and cautions the driver through the cluster and an audible alarm
  • Standard Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA): Automatically changes set speed of Smart Cruise Control by using the speed limit information detected through the front camera or GPS navigation information (when activated)
  • Standard Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Designed to detect a vehicle ahead in the lane and in certain conditions, calculates distance and closing speed to issue an alert to the driver if it senses a potential frontal collision
  • Standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): Builds on FCW by assisting the driver when braking to help prevent a collision or lessen the effects in certain conditions if a vehicle or object is detected in front
  • Standard FCA-Pedestrian: Builds upon FCW functionality and helps detect pedestrians in front of the vehicle and uses automatic braking to avoid or mitigate an impact
  • Available FCA-Cyclist: Builds on FCW functionality and helps detect cyclists in front of the vehicle and uses automatic braking to avoid or mitigate an impact
  • Standard Driver Attention Warning (DAW)¹³: Senses inattentive driving patterns and sends an audible/visual warning to alert the driver Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA): Alerts driver with a chime when the leading vehicle begins to move forward from a standing position
  • Standard Lane Following Assist (LFA): Follows lane markings that the system detects and provides steering inputs to help maintain the vehicle in the center of the lane
  • Available Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) - Junction Turning (FCA-JT): Assists the driver in braking to help prevent a collision or lessen the effects in certain conditions when turning left and an oncoming vehicle is approaching
  • Available Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA): Under certain conditions, can detect vehicles traveling in the next lane. When a vehicle is "seen" in the blind spot, the vehicle brakes the outer wheel under certain conditions to help return the vehicle to its lane
  • Available Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA): Helps detect most approaching cross traffic when in reverse. When approaching cross traffic is detected, the system alerts the driver and applies brakes
  • Available Parking Distance Warning-Reverse (PDW-R): Detects certain objects behind the vehicle, issuing an audible warning when an obstruction is detected. The warning tone chimes faster as the vehicle gets closer to the detected object
  • Available Parking Collision Avoidance Assist (PCA-R): Uses rear view camera and rear ultrasonic sensors to help detect most pedestrians or nearby obstacles when the vehicle backs out of a parking spot, warning drivers with a chime and can engage brakes to prevent a collision
  • Available Navigation Based Smart Cruise Control-Curve (NSCC-C): leverages the navigation system to lower the vehicle's speed proactively before upcoming curves
  • Available Highway Driving Assist (HDA)¹⁴: Uses federal highway speed limit information from the navigation system and, under certain conditions, will automatically adjust speed to be within the posted speed limit and maintain distance with the vehicle detected in front
  • Available Safe Exist Assist (SEA)¹⁵: Can alert the driver or passengers opening their door not to exit the vehicle when the system detects approaching traffic. When detected, a chime sounds. The system can intervene to lock the rear doors when the vehicle is equipped with available Power Child Lock
  
  
  1 Sorento superior HEV HP statement based on comparison of conventional HEV powertrains (not compared to PHEV or mild-hybrid systems)
  2 Based on research data from AutoSource, Inc.
  3 Based on fuel economy estimates for 2021MY Sorento Hybrid compared to other 2020 model compact SUVs equipped with 3-row seating, as of August 2020. Does not include PHEV or BEV vehicles.
  4 No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. Always drive safely.
  5 2,000-lb. towing capacity for normally aspirated 2.5-liter engine, HEV and PHEV.
  6 Distracted driving can result in a loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation.
  7 The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc., and any use of such marks by Kia is pursuant to license. A Bluetooth enabled device is required to use Bluetooth wireless technology.
  8 Available only with AVN 5.0 with Navigation. 1-year service included. Go to https://owners.kia.com/us/en/uvo-availability.html for more details on specific available features.
  9 Bose is a registered trademark of Bose Corporation.
  10 Charging system only works with select devices. Refer to the vehicle's Owner's Manual for warnings and instructions.
  11 Rear Occupant Alert is not a substitute for one’s attention and may not detect all movement within the vehicle. Always check the vehicle interior when exiting the vehicle.
  12 These features are not substitutes for safe driving, and may not detect all objects surrounding vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
  13 Driver Attention Warning is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all instances of driver fatigue or inattentive driving practices. Failure to pay attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation could result in loss of vehicle control. Always drive safely and use caution.
  14 Highway Driving Assist is not a substitute for safe driving, may not detect all objects around the vehicle, and only functions on certain federal highways. Always drive safely and use caution.
  15 Safe Exit Assist is not a substitute for one’s attention and may not detect all objects surrounding the vehicle. Always pay attention to traffic and to the area around your vehicle when exiting the vehicle.