The 2021 Kia Sorento Lands In The USA With PHEV, 281 HP Turbo And More Rugged X-Line Models

The 2021 Kia Sorento has just been unveiled for the United States before sales commence later this year.

Underpinning the new Sorento is the company’s all-new, third-generation ‘N3’ platform that is lighter, stronger, and more flexible than previous platforms. The use of the N3 architecture has seen the wheelbase of the 2021 Sorento extended by 1.4 inches (35.5 mm) while the body-in-white weight has been reduced by 5.6 per cent and the overall weight reduced by 3.1 per cent or 119 lbs (53.9 kg).

Visually, the new SUV looks identical to how it does in other markets. Consequently, it includes the latest iteration of Kia’s ‘tiger nose’ grille and comes standard with LED headlights and optional LED daytime running lights. It will also be offered with six different alloy wheel designs ranging from 17- to 20-inches.

What powertrains does the USA get?

American buyers will have four powertrain options. Sitting at the base of the range is a 2.5-liter GDI four-cylinder producing 191 hp and 182 lb-ft (247 Nm) of torque. This engine is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission and can be ordered in either front- or all-wheel drive setups. The latter includes torque vectoring with a center-locking differential and has an estimated EPA combined fuel consumption of 27 mpg.

The second powertrain option is a 2.5-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder delivering 281 hp and 311 lb-ft (422 Nm) of torque and paired with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. This engine is also offered in front- and all-wheel drive forms and can tow up to 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg).

Elsewhere, the 2021 Kia Sorento can be ordered with a 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder and a 44kW electric motor, making for a combined 227 hp. This model has a six-speed automatic and is exclusively front-wheel drive. It returns an EPA estimated 39 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 37 mpg combined. Last but not least is a 1.6-liter turbo GDI four-cylinder plug-in hybrid with a 66.9 kW battery and a total of 261 hp called the HEV. This model also has a six-speed auto and a 13.8 kWh battery pack providing up to 30 miles (48 km) of electric range. It has all-wheel drive as standard. This plug-in will be introduced for the 2022 model year.

The available trim lines

Kia will sell the new Sorento in LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige forms. Sitting at the top of the range is the new X-Line SX-Prestige AWD variant that gains an additional inch of ground clearance, standard torque-on-demand AWD with a center locking differential and downhill descent control, as well as exclusive bumpers and exterior details, including 20-inch alloy wheels and a roof rack.

Inside, the new Sorento is loaded with technology, such as a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, Surround View Monitor, Blind View Monitor, 8 USB charging ports, available 8-inch or 10.25-inch infotainment screens, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SUV can also be optioned with a 12-speaker Bose Premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. A total of 16 advanced driver-assistance systems are also standard or offered as an option, including Standard Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Standard Forward Collision Warning, Standard FCA-Pedestrian, and Available Highway Driving Assist.

“Sorento has always been one of Kia’s premier products,” president and chief executive of Kia Motors North American & Kia Motors America, Sean Yoon said in a statement. “Its combination of style, utility, safety and comfort have made it a perennial customer favorite. This stunning new Sorento sets the bar in the compact SUV class even higher and represents the pinnacle of Kia design and engineering. We’re extremely proud to add it to our line-up of incredible automobiles.”

Pricing details will be announced at a later date.