Not long after we had the opportunity to put the 2021 Kia Sorento through its paces in SX Prestige X-Line guise, the guys from TheStraightPipes have put a different Sorento variant to the test through the chilly winter conditions of Canada.
Much like the 2021 Sorento that we tested, the example featured in this review is outfitted with the available turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine developing 281 hp and 311 lb-ft (422 Nm) of torque. This engine provides enough grunt to send the Sorento SX to 62 mph (100 km/h) in an impressive 7.6 seconds when equipped with the available all-wheel drive system.
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Coupled to this engine is Kia’s new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. While this transmission isn’t the quickest dual-clutch system on the market, it is a marked improvement over the single-clutch eight-speed automatic used by older Kia models.
During their review, TheStraightPipes are particularly impressed with the handling characteristics of the Sorento. Not only does the all-wheel drive system work well on its own but it is complemented by a torque vectoring system and features a center-locking differential to provide extra grip to the rear wheels in slippery conditions. The result is an SUV that can take corners at impressive speeds, regardless of road conditions.