My 2016 Kia Sorento seized on 8/16/19... stopped in the middle of the highway. No lights, no sounds, nothing. Did some investigating and it was out of oil. Just had it changed on 6/7/19. Dealership is refusing to honor the lifetime warranty. Again, no lights, no warning, no nothing. 5.5 quarts of oil went somewhere in two months. Or at least that's what was SUPPOSED to be in there. The
It is amazing how many people still look at KIA as it was. I have owned a 2014, 2016, and now a 2019 Sorento. They are excellent vehicles, especially if you get one of the upper models. I have friends with Toyotas and Hondas and when they ride in my 2019 EX V6 AWD, they all say it is better than their cars.
I agree..the sorento is top notch. The brand is blowing the competition out the water. The brand is also building premium SUVS and cars. They have the top people from Audi and Bmw which explains why the quality is top notch
1000% agree with you. Kia and Hyundai are taking the same strategy of what Samsung and LG took 20 yrs ago over their regional rivals, Sony and Panasonic. We are in the mid of transition of the new big two kids on the block and they are doing great.
I agree Hyundai and kia have been improving so much they make excellent vehicles now I wouldn't say theyre better than Toyota but they are far better than Honda, Honda has been sitting on there laurels quite recently and there quality and reliability is trash now
Please don't blame Toyota alongside honda Toyota didn't work hard just to be associated with lazy Honda which is sitting on there laurels and past reputation
Kia keeps hitting it out of the park. I am a proud owner of a 2020 Kia Telluride SX Prestige package. I love every time every drive until i open the door till i close the door. Awesome vehicle and no issues till date. Got a great deal 4k off MSRP as i was one of the early birds in 2019 :) I would not trade this for anything ...
Great review as always, but to clarify so their isn't any confusion the X-Line isn't really a trim per se. Rather it is a package you add on to a few different trims of the Sorento that give you a more "Rugged" look. The trims are still just the LX, S, EX, SX and SX Prestige.
Congrats on the new gig, Forrest. The excellent work on your own channel appears to have paid off. Keep it up. As far as the new Sorento is concerned KIA seems to have taken a lesson from Subaru. When the Ascent was introduced I wondered about the future of the Outback. Subaru responded by significantly updating the Outback with new engine options and improved improved interiors and sales have remained relatively strong. KIA faced a similar challenge with the Sorento. To remain relevant KIA needed to update the Sorento in a way that gave it a distinct personality and updated components and features without cannibalizing sales of the Telluride or elevate its MSRP to such a degree that customers opted for a Telluride (or another smaller but still midsize mainstream SUV.) At 189" long the Sorento retains its place among the large set of smaller midsize SUVs that range from 188" to 192" in length. No change there. It competes directly with the Ford Edge, the VERY closely related Hyundai Santa Fe, the Honda Passport, the recently introduced Toyota Venza, the Chevy Blazer, the Nissan Murano, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Outback among others. In fact, virtually every automaker except Mazda offers a smaller midsize SUV along with their larger midsize SUVs that range from about 195" to 203" long. The Sorento's unique feature is the standard third row of seats. That's not new. KIA hasn't offered a two row Sorento in the US since the 2017 model year. In 2018 KIA made the third row standard just as the nearly identical Santa Fe dropped its third row option. So what's really new for the new generation Sorento? Quite a bit. () New engines and transmission options. The 2.5 liter four cylinder engines are new. The naturally aspirated version replaces the 2.4L base engine with some slight improvements in HP and torque. But the more important change is the optional turbo version of the new engine. It replaces the long-in-the-tooth NA V6 and comes with a dual clutch automated manual rather than a traditional torque converter AT. That's almost certainly good news. It's the same engine offered in the Genesis GV70, the GV80, the G80, as well as the Hyundai Sonata N-Line and the KIA K5 GT. The 8 speed DCT is a new unit, too. Hyundai/KIA's earlier DCT didn't get great reviews but the new version appears to be a significantly better wet clutch unit. It's usually good advice to be skeptical about new engines and transmissions until possible kinks are worked out. But the fact that Genesis/Hyundai/KIA have the confidence to offer their well known 10 yr/100K drivetrain warranty with so many vehicles offers considerable reassurance. All in all, better performance combined with improved fuel economy (a traditional weakness of KIA and Hyundai ICE engines) means dropping the V6 were big reasons to replace it with the turbo 4 banger. Then there are the forthcoming hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Sorento. I'll wait to see some independent assessments of those versions but I suspect that Toyota and other automakers are looking over their shoulders nervously. () New interior designs. For those accustomed to the last generation Sorento, the 2021 version will be largely familiar. Nevertheless, lots of new shapes and materials along with some new features. It's not surprising to see KIA eliminate some features from the revamped Sorento in order to contain costs and avoid intruding on the MSRP's of the Telluride. And for the most part the deletions from the previous generation (and from the versions of the Sorento in international markets including Korea where the Telluride isn't offered) are relatively minor. Have to say, though, that the elimination driver's seat memory is a significant loss (imo.) We own a 2018 Sorento and have 3 drivers in the family. My wife and teenage daughter are close enough in size to share settings (or adjust them slightly) when each drives. But the two person memory settings are a huge convenience when I drive the Sorento. Perhaps not a deal breaker but close to it. Further, a less critical but sill annoying loss is the elimination of the driver's extended thigh support. I'd miss it on long drives. All in all, though, I find the looks and the bells and whistles of the new Sorento top trim is an upgrade compared to my 2018 version. One of the strengths of KIA's internal layout is its intuitive character. My wife says when she doesn't know how to accomplish some task she asks herself where it would logically be. More than 90% of the time she never has to consult the driver's manual even for unfamiliar tasks. () Re-jiggering interior space for more efficient packaging. KIA claims that the new generation Sorento offers more passenger and cargo space than the last generation. Technically that's true but the increases are small compared to the already extremely efficient packaging of the vehicle and some dimensions have actually shrunk. For example... The first row legroom measured 44.1" in the last generation. For those who moonlight as giants in a circus sideshow it was a real benefit. But for the vast majority of consumers it was overkill. I'm 5'10" tall and with the driver seat of my 2018 Sorento slid all the way to the rear I can barely reach the pedals. The 2021 Sorento reduces the legroom to 41.4". That's still generous. Equal to the Telluride and up to an inch or so more than other, mostly larger midsize SUVs. On the other hand, default legroom in the second row in the last generation was 39.4" compared to 41.7" in the 2021 version. A noticeable increase. Further, since both rows' legroom can be adjusted independently to allocate space as needed the important spec is the combined first and second row legroom. The last generation comes out at 83.5" versus 83.1" for 2021. A very small overall loss and in effect a case of sacrificing unused legroom in the first row for more default legroom in the second row. Third row default legroom in the previous generation Sorento was actually quite generous (31.7") especially considering the vehicle's overall length. For 2021, it's been reduced to 29.7". That appears to be the result of the roomier second row and an increase in cargo space behind the third row. But because the second row legroom can be adjusted, the total combined legroom in the second and third rows of the Sorento has actually increased a tiny bit from 71.1" to 71.4". Furthermore, the 2021 model offers a reclining third row that was missing on the previous generation. That's a benefit for passengers consigned to the "back of the bus." As far as cargo space is concerned the tiny 11.3 cubic ft of room behind the third row has been increased 12.6 cf. (For reference, that's about the volume of an additional carry-on bag.) Not generous, of course, but neither the last nor the new generation Sorento is meant to provide sufficient room for more than 4-5 passengers PLUS their luggage/gear for an extended road trip. It's a compromise or a "Goldilocks" vehicle depending on one's perspective. My family of four (2 adults, a teenage daughter, and a big dog) deploys the third row seats less than 10% of the time. With the third row folded into the cargo floor of our 2018 Sorento the 38 cubic feet of cargo space (vs 38.4 cf for 2021) is more than adequate for extended family road trips. Alternatively, when we need to transport six or seven passengers on a local outing the third row is a huge convenience when the alternative is taking two vehicles. () Sorento versus Santa Fe. Though the Sorento is often compared to other smaller midsize crossovers (e.g. Ford Edge, Honda Passport, Outback) , the Hyundai Santa Fe is almost NEVER even mentioned. The same blind spot exists when the Santa Fe is reviewed. No mention of the Sorento. Yet the two vehicles are almost as closely related as the Telluride and Palisade. Same size inside and out, same platform, same infotainment systems, same AWD system, and a host of minor features. For 2021 the similarities are even greater with the Santa Fe now sharing the same engines and transmissions as the Sorento. Other than external styling differences and some interior design features (e.g. gear selectors), the two vehicles differ only in the fact that the Santa Fe doesn't offer third row seating. With that in mind it's puzzling that KIA considers the 2021 version a new "generation" while Hyundai characterizes the 2021 Santa Fe as an "update." As noted above, I see the third row of the Sorento as an important (if seldom needed) benefit. But for those who disagree the 2021 Santa Fe shares nearly all the rest of the Sorento's strengths.
Great review. Of course I like the car. I'm wondering if you can get the X-line in a slightly cheaper trim. For a couple or 1 child family this seems like a great choice.
Great review. I actually just bought the XLine model last week in Black. I just love the overall design both inside and out of this vehicle. The wheel color on the XLine is my fav. It’s a smoke chrome color. It looks So good in person. The feel inside this suv is wonderful. It Feels borderline luxury level inside and the panoramic sunroof is a must. But there are some flaws that prevent the Sorento from being just about perfect. I agree with the over use of the gloss black especially in the high touch areas. Fingerprints galore. But I keep a soft cloth in the console and wipe down when it gets to be too much. I love the black gloss look but just hate the smudges. Haha. I guess you need Some give and take with that. Okay I did want to share some of my minor ‘cons’ I found after the first week of ownership. I don’t think these are real deal breakers by any means but more so annoying missing features that should be included in this top trim level especially at this price point. Just my opinion. 1) No memory seats. This should be included in all top trims at least. It’s Such a simple convenience to include and I’m sure it’s not an expensive tech. 2) No ‘wireless’ Apple/Android CarPlay. I don’t understand why wireless car play is included in the smaller 8 inch infotainment system found in lower trims of the Sorento but the upgraded 10.25 infotainment doesn’t include wireless. This drives me bonkers. I want to use Apple car play but I’d also like to use the wireless charger at the same time. 3) No retractable sunshades in second row. It’s a bummer since I have a little ones in the second row. I had it in my last suv (‘17 Highlander mid trim level) 4) I just wish there was slightly more cargo room with 3rd rows up. It doesn’t have to be Telluride big but you lose room because 3 row reclining eats at the vertical space of the trunk.
i just bought the X Prestige with the rustic interior and I agree with your points. Especially the glossy black plastic trim - I had it in my Volvo XC40 and after just 2 years I noticed small cracks in it. Not visible from afar but up close it’s pretty annoying. But I loved this car so much I was willing to chance it. Also don’t understand those little vents on the bottom. Turned the air flow down to see if maybe they’re there to route air/heat into lower portions and felt nothing. i think they’re purely decoration at this point.
Yes! Will be getting one soon was on the lot just yesterday! Power that’s unbelievable for a 4 cylinder! Was getting he Telluride but that’s scratched....it’s the Sorento for me👍🏽
Just got my 2021 Kia Sorento EX+ black on black... Wow man what a car!!!! So powerful and all the interior bells and Whistles... Love it... Thank you for the review
I just bought one today! SX trim. Watching so many videos on 3 row passenger cars, this one impressed me the most! Can't wait to pick her up in a few days!
Kia got us the 90% solution. Kia had to cut some corners to make the Telluride it’s primary third row crossover and big seller. The Sorento is nearly, the perfect smaller third row crossover but they didn’t quite hit the mark. Most notably, no Wireless Android Auto or Wireless Apple CarPlay in the SX or X-Line, no heads up display, no memory seats, and no heated second row seats. For what it’s worth, I could forgo the: memory seats and second row heated seats but having a heads up display is a game changer and more importantly, a major safety system that can help keep drivers eyes on the road and therefore safer. When Kia announced the redesigned 2021 Sorento, I thought I might have “buyers regret” since I ordered the 2021 Telluride SX Prestige and it might have been a mistake, but after the reviews and specs came out. I’m happy the Telluride is the complete package and worth the extra money (for me). Having said that, the Sorento is great vehicle and after personally test driving it-this will sell and make a lot of people happy. Please, please, please, get the AWD if you plan to get the 281-hp 2.5L turbocharged engine. If you're at that price point and going all in with the more horsepower, it's 100% worth it. You'll be able to utilize that power without having your tires chirp or slip all over the road.
I just hate how every company is doing more and more piano black in the interiors. Sure, they look great brand new and cleaned with the right material but over time it scratches and swirls. 🥴
A little late to the party but I'd like to say that I have a lot of respect for Kia motors. I know that for awhile they were seen as a shitty brand, but my 2010 Kia Soul has 133k miles and climbing and the car still drives quite well. It's underpowered, to be sure, especially in Texas BUT the car flooded out during a tropical storm. It sat in three feet of water for the better part of twelve hours and started the next day. My other vehicle at the time, a Subaru Forester, was DOA and had to be junked. Got the Kia cleaned, changed all fluids, and since then I've had zero major issues. The radio no longer works, but I listen to most stuff on my phone anyway. I'll be on the market for a new car in about three years, and a used Sorento is definitely on my list.
Drove 2020 kia candeza and the driving comfort level and suspension scores 9.8 on a whatever machine they put it through just behind mercedes maybach scoring 9.9
Forrest, I promise I’ll talk about cars next video. But: OMG your hair is AMAZING. Been growing mine out for a year and don’t have a clue as to what to do with it. If you’ve got tips, please share!
Subscribed. Have a 4x4 Kia Sportage 2.0L diesel and still driving it 11 years later. Only thing I have changed is a fuel filter and oil, set of tires. Still is in great shape and only plastic degradation was the glove compartment box opening lever, replaced it. KIA’s have come a long way quality wise. In the market now for a new car, life cycle replacement, and definitely thinking KIA.
This vehicle is amazing. Just picked up an SX and it doesn't feel like your inside a Kia. Only thing we changed was the ugly Kia badge for an aftermarket one lol. Great review!
I really like how you are rockin' the natural hair -- looks good! Oh, and thanks also for the great info--much appreciated. I've relied on CarGurus info for the last 2 vehicles I've bought. One thing about the Sorento (or any vehicle), I really do NOT like the idea that it will unlock if I'm simply near it. Wonder if there is a way to disconnect or turn off that feature ??
I drove one like this before but it was a rental it was a white one great horse power to it good on gas ride good love how it tell you the temperature outside
What are the power, torque, of the various engines. Details of the gearbox/s? What is the 0 to 60mph time ? Does it have a full size spare? Yeah, great review.
Wish it had mew badge. Very very good review bro. Our first family car was the Rio then we bought the Niro which was quite good on gas and very comfortable ride and safety I must say it handled a head on collision very well, thanking God to be alive today! I am really loving the interior and exterior design of this model Sorento. I am thinking about the new Isuzu for a family vehicle but Kia hmm just might get my money again lol.
I bought a new 2016 Kia Sorento and it’s leaking oil. I brought it to the dealership when it was still under warranty and they basically told me I was SOL. Their service department was HORRIBLE to deal with. Although this 2021 Sorento looks good, I’ll have a hard time bringing myself to ever buy another one.
one thing i will say is if you get the upgraded engine you NEED awd. fwd just simply can’t handle the power and makes ur wheels spin like crazy when accelerating on turns.. which is what this engine is for!
Something about the way Kia utilizes black in the design of its vehicles. While the green looks good, silver and white always highlight the design features of their vehicles more effectively.
Love the new Sorento but Kia made a HUGE mistake by leaving out the Drivers Seat Memory feature. Its not available on any trim, including the SX Prestige. This feature is a MUST HAVE for anyone who shares driving with someone else. Kia....please fix this ASAP!
I hear yea Ken, it's kind of a shock to think as nice as this vehicle is and with all it's cool tech and safety features Kia felt they had to omit the memory seat function! Plus it was available in the previous Sorento. I'd take the memory seats over the "sounds of nature or driver talk" features any day! I wound't go as far as to call it a deal breaker but I would have expected it especially in the top trims!
My wife and I looked at the Sorento X-Line in the Aruba green. She was not a fan of the color. I was a big fan of the color. We even took a test drive in one. Dealer didn’t seem all that interested in working the numbers we wanted to be at. Moral of the story, we bought a 2021 VW ATLAS CROSS SPORT. The dealer was willing to work with us on $$$, and even found one in Tourmaline blue. COULDN’T BE HAPPIER. Sorry KIA, you needed to show more enthusiasm!!!! Volkswagen did, and they got the sale.
Sorry, you sound like ad for KIA. 3rd row is not very useful, it should have been optional. With 3rd row un-folded, there is very little cargo space. 2nd row higher trims (x-line and SX) standard captains chair means, this is a functional 4 seater.
Hey everyone! Thanks for all of the supportive comments! Glad to be doing some extra work with the CarGurus team! 🔥
Happy to have you Forrest!!
@@cargurus
The title of your video is misleading. It’s not the regular Sorento. It’s the Sorento X-line model. There I’ve fixed it. Hey, Forrest!
My 2016 Kia Sorento seized on 8/16/19... stopped in the middle of the highway. No lights, no sounds, nothing. Did some investigating and it was out of oil. Just had it changed on 6/7/19. Dealership is refusing to honor the lifetime warranty. Again, no lights, no warning, no nothing. 5.5 quarts of oil went somewhere in two months. Or at least that's what was SUPPOSED to be in there. The
I think you should review the rims and tires too, good review tho🤘🏽
It is amazing how many people still look at KIA as it was. I have owned a 2014, 2016, and now a 2019 Sorento. They are excellent vehicles, especially if you get one of the upper models. I have friends with Toyotas and Hondas and when they ride in my 2019 EX V6 AWD, they all say it is better than their cars.
I agree..the sorento is top notch. The brand is blowing the competition out the water. The brand is also building premium SUVS and cars. They have the top people from Audi and Bmw which explains why the quality is top notch
Japan vs Korea
1000% agree with you.
Kia and Hyundai are taking the same strategy of what Samsung and LG took 20 yrs ago over their regional rivals, Sony and Panasonic. We are in the mid of transition of the new big two kids on the block and they are doing great.
I agree Hyundai and kia have been improving so much they make excellent vehicles now
I wouldn't say theyre better than Toyota but they are far better than Honda, Honda has been sitting on there laurels quite recently and there quality and reliability is trash now
Please don't blame Toyota alongside honda
Toyota didn't work hard just to be associated with lazy Honda which is sitting on there laurels and past reputation
I thought my UA-cam glitched for a sec. Good job Forrest
It's Forrest!!!! 💯🙌🏽 GREAT JOB!
Speaking from the natural hair community how do you keep your hair looking so hydrated!!! Because I am very jealous
This vehicle is gonna sell like hotcakes... Well done Kia..
Already, the Dealers can't get them in fast enough!
Just bought my model S and I'm in love!
@@bruschmidt9943 c look 804-2345 oy
This reviewer does a GREAT job of looking at this car & explaining things. Kept my attention & wanting to know more.
aint gonna lie that is the sexiest looking mid size SUV I've ever seen outside of a range rover velar
Forresttttttttttt! Love you buddy! Excellent review! You absolutely sold me. Thanks!
I have a 2017 Sorento I have 4895 miles on it I wouldn't trade it for nothing and it's paid for Calvin from Mobile Alabama
Originally had my mind set on the Telluride but walked out of the dealer with the Sorento. No regrets!
How is your experience?
Excellent, easy to watch review. It was something that was easy for me to absorb. Reivewer came off as natural and comfortable.
Kia keeps hitting it out of the park. I am a proud owner of a 2020 Kia Telluride SX Prestige package. I love every time every drive until i open the door till i close the door. Awesome vehicle and no issues till date. Got a great deal 4k off MSRP as i was one of the early birds in 2019 :) I would not trade this for anything ...
Excellent review Forrest. I'd get the Sorento over the Telluride.
I disagree bc the Telluride just came out last year and the Sorento has been out
Just got one! Great car.
Great review as always, but to clarify so their isn't any confusion the X-Line isn't really a trim per se. Rather it is a package you add on to a few different trims of the Sorento that give you a more "Rugged" look. The trims are still just the LX, S, EX, SX and SX Prestige.
Ok Forest we see you!!! Get that bag! You earned this.
This is going to sell like crazy
WOOHOO!!! I love Forrest’s reviews!!!
Really good review! I’m still a sedan guy but I think this new Sorento is the perfect sweet spot for me.
I feel the exact same way!
Congrats on the new gig, Forrest. The excellent work on your own channel appears to have paid off. Keep it up.
As far as the new Sorento is concerned KIA seems to have taken a lesson from Subaru. When the Ascent was introduced I wondered about the future of the Outback. Subaru responded by significantly updating the Outback with new engine options and improved improved interiors and sales have remained relatively strong. KIA faced a similar challenge with the Sorento. To remain relevant KIA needed to update the Sorento in a way that gave it a distinct personality and updated components and features without cannibalizing sales of the Telluride or elevate its MSRP to such a degree that customers opted for a Telluride (or another smaller but still midsize mainstream SUV.)
At 189" long the Sorento retains its place among the large set of smaller midsize SUVs that range from 188" to 192" in length. No change there. It competes directly with the Ford Edge, the VERY closely related Hyundai Santa Fe, the Honda Passport, the recently introduced Toyota Venza, the Chevy Blazer, the Nissan Murano, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Outback among others. In fact, virtually every automaker except Mazda offers a smaller midsize SUV along with their larger midsize SUVs that range from about 195" to 203" long.
The Sorento's unique feature is the standard third row of seats. That's not new. KIA hasn't offered a two row Sorento in the US since the 2017 model year. In 2018 KIA made the third row standard just as the nearly identical Santa Fe dropped its third row option. So what's really new for the new generation Sorento? Quite a bit.
() New engines and transmission options. The 2.5 liter four cylinder engines are new. The naturally aspirated version replaces the 2.4L base engine with some slight improvements in HP and torque. But the more important change is the optional turbo version of the new engine. It replaces the long-in-the-tooth NA V6 and comes with a dual clutch automated manual rather than a traditional torque converter AT. That's almost certainly good news. It's the same engine offered in the Genesis GV70, the GV80, the G80, as well as the Hyundai Sonata N-Line and the KIA K5 GT. The 8 speed DCT is a new unit, too. Hyundai/KIA's earlier DCT didn't get great reviews but the new version appears to be a significantly better wet clutch unit. It's usually good advice to be skeptical about new engines and transmissions until possible kinks are worked out. But the fact that Genesis/Hyundai/KIA have the confidence to offer their well known 10 yr/100K drivetrain warranty with so many vehicles offers considerable reassurance. All in all, better performance combined with improved fuel economy (a traditional weakness of KIA and Hyundai ICE engines) means dropping the V6 were big reasons to replace it with the turbo 4 banger. Then there are the forthcoming hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Sorento. I'll wait to see some independent assessments of those versions but I suspect that Toyota and other automakers are looking over their shoulders nervously.
() New interior designs. For those accustomed to the last generation Sorento, the 2021 version will be largely familiar. Nevertheless, lots of new shapes and materials along with some new features. It's not surprising to see KIA eliminate some features from the revamped Sorento in order to contain costs and avoid intruding on the MSRP's of the Telluride. And for the most part the deletions from the previous generation (and from the versions of the Sorento in international markets including Korea where the Telluride isn't offered) are relatively minor. Have to say, though, that the elimination driver's seat memory is a significant loss (imo.) We own a 2018 Sorento and have 3 drivers in the family. My wife and teenage daughter are close enough in size to share settings (or adjust them slightly) when each drives. But the two person memory settings are a huge convenience when I drive the Sorento. Perhaps not a deal breaker but close to it. Further, a less critical but sill annoying loss is the elimination of the driver's extended thigh support. I'd miss it on long drives.
All in all, though, I find the looks and the bells and whistles of the new Sorento top trim is an upgrade compared to my 2018 version. One of the strengths of KIA's internal layout is its intuitive character. My wife says when she doesn't know how to accomplish some task she asks herself where it would logically be. More than 90% of the time she never has to consult the driver's manual even for unfamiliar tasks.
() Re-jiggering interior space for more efficient packaging. KIA claims that the new generation Sorento offers more passenger and cargo space than the last generation. Technically that's true but the increases are small compared to the already extremely efficient packaging of the vehicle and some dimensions have actually shrunk. For example...
The first row legroom measured 44.1" in the last generation. For those who moonlight as giants in a circus sideshow it was a real benefit. But for the vast majority of consumers it was overkill. I'm 5'10" tall and with the driver seat of my 2018 Sorento slid all the way to the rear I can barely reach the pedals. The 2021 Sorento reduces the legroom to 41.4". That's still generous. Equal to the Telluride and up to an inch or so more than other, mostly larger midsize SUVs. On the other hand, default legroom in the second row in the last generation was 39.4" compared to 41.7" in the 2021 version. A noticeable increase. Further, since both rows' legroom can be adjusted independently to allocate space as needed the important spec is the combined first and second row legroom. The last generation comes out at 83.5" versus 83.1" for 2021. A very small overall loss and in effect a case of sacrificing unused legroom in the first row for more default legroom in the second row.
Third row default legroom in the previous generation Sorento was actually quite generous (31.7") especially considering the vehicle's overall length. For 2021, it's been reduced to 29.7". That appears to be the result of the roomier second row and an increase in cargo space behind the third row. But because the second row legroom can be adjusted, the total combined legroom in the second and third rows of the Sorento has actually increased a tiny bit from 71.1" to 71.4". Furthermore, the 2021 model offers a reclining third row that was missing on the previous generation. That's a benefit for passengers consigned to the "back of the bus."
As far as cargo space is concerned the tiny 11.3 cubic ft of room behind the third row has been increased 12.6 cf. (For reference, that's about the volume of an additional carry-on bag.) Not generous, of course, but neither the last nor the new generation Sorento is meant to provide sufficient room for more than 4-5 passengers PLUS their luggage/gear for an extended road trip. It's a compromise or a "Goldilocks" vehicle depending on one's perspective. My family of four (2 adults, a teenage daughter, and a big dog) deploys the third row seats less than 10% of the time. With the third row folded into the cargo floor of our 2018 Sorento the 38 cubic feet of cargo space (vs 38.4 cf for 2021) is more than adequate for extended family road trips. Alternatively, when we need to transport six or seven passengers on a local outing the third row is a huge convenience when the alternative is taking two vehicles.
() Sorento versus Santa Fe. Though the Sorento is often compared to other smaller midsize crossovers (e.g. Ford Edge, Honda Passport, Outback) , the Hyundai Santa Fe is almost NEVER even mentioned. The same blind spot exists when the Santa Fe is reviewed. No mention of the Sorento. Yet the two vehicles are almost as closely related as the Telluride and Palisade. Same size inside and out, same platform, same infotainment systems, same AWD system, and a host of minor features. For 2021 the similarities are even greater with the Santa Fe now sharing the same engines and transmissions as the Sorento. Other than external styling differences and some interior design features (e.g. gear selectors), the two vehicles differ only in the fact that the Santa Fe doesn't offer third row seating. With that in mind it's puzzling that KIA considers the 2021 version a new "generation" while Hyundai characterizes the 2021 Santa Fe as an "update." As noted above, I see the third row of the Sorento as an important (if seldom needed) benefit. But for those who disagree the 2021 Santa Fe shares nearly all the rest of the Sorento's strengths.
Watching this from Brunei. Great review. Here, we have the diesel. Kia is getting better and better. Price is going up as well.
Say hi to Sultan!!
I was gunning on the 2021 Santa Fe but after seeing this new sorento...i change my mind lol
Great review. Of course I like the car. I'm wondering if you can get the X-line in a slightly cheaper trim. For a couple or 1 child family this seems like a great choice.
What's up Forrest...awesome review!!!
Great review. I actually just bought the XLine model last week in Black. I just love the overall design both inside and out of this vehicle. The wheel color on the XLine is my fav. It’s a smoke chrome color. It looks So good in person. The feel inside this suv is wonderful. It Feels borderline luxury level inside and the panoramic sunroof is a must.
But there are some flaws that prevent the Sorento from being just about perfect. I agree with the over use of the gloss black especially in the high touch areas. Fingerprints galore. But I keep a soft cloth in the console and wipe down when it gets to be too much. I love the black gloss look but just hate the smudges. Haha. I guess you need Some give and take with that.
Okay I did want to share some of my minor ‘cons’ I found after the first week of ownership. I don’t think these are real deal breakers by any means but more so annoying missing features that should be included in this top trim level especially at this price point. Just my opinion.
1) No memory seats. This should be included in all top trims at least. It’s Such a simple convenience to include and I’m sure it’s not an expensive tech.
2) No ‘wireless’ Apple/Android CarPlay. I don’t understand why wireless car play is included in the smaller 8 inch infotainment system found in lower trims of the Sorento but the upgraded 10.25 infotainment doesn’t include wireless. This drives me bonkers. I want to use Apple car play but I’d also like to use the wireless charger at the same time.
3) No retractable sunshades in second row. It’s a bummer since I have a little ones in the second row. I had it in my last suv (‘17 Highlander mid trim level)
4) I just wish there was slightly more cargo room with 3rd rows up. It doesn’t have to be Telluride big but you lose room because 3 row reclining eats at the vertical space of the trunk.
i just bought the X Prestige with the rustic interior and I agree with your points. Especially the glossy black plastic trim - I had it in my Volvo XC40 and after just 2 years I noticed small cracks in it. Not visible from afar but up close it’s pretty annoying. But I loved this car so much I was willing to chance it.
Also don’t understand those little vents on the bottom. Turned the air flow down to see if maybe they’re there to route air/heat into lower portions and felt nothing. i think they’re purely decoration at this point.
Yes! Will be getting one soon was on the lot just yesterday! Power that’s unbelievable for a 4 cylinder! Was getting he Telluride but that’s scratched....it’s the Sorento for me👍🏽
The Sorento was very surprising to me. And there's not a 12 month wait list to get one like a Telluride. The roof was amazing.
Just got my 2021 Kia Sorento EX+ black on black... Wow man what a car!!!! So powerful and all the interior bells and Whistles... Love it... Thank you for the review
its been over a year since i got my Sorento and i love it!! one of the best suv i ever driven and purchased
I just bought one today! SX trim. Watching so many videos on 3 row passenger cars, this one impressed me the most! Can't wait to pick her up in a few days!
Kia got us the 90% solution.
Kia had to cut some corners to make the Telluride it’s primary third row crossover and big seller. The Sorento is nearly, the perfect smaller third row crossover but they didn’t quite hit the mark. Most notably, no Wireless Android Auto or Wireless Apple CarPlay in the SX or X-Line, no heads up display, no memory seats, and no heated second row seats. For what it’s worth, I could forgo the: memory seats and second row heated seats but having a heads up display is a game changer and more importantly, a major safety system that can help keep drivers eyes on the road and therefore safer.
When Kia announced the redesigned 2021 Sorento, I thought I might have “buyers regret” since I ordered the 2021 Telluride SX Prestige and it might have been a mistake, but after the reviews and specs came out. I’m happy the Telluride is the complete package and worth the extra money (for me). Having said that, the Sorento is great vehicle and after personally test driving it-this will sell and make a lot of people happy.
Please, please, please, get the AWD if you plan to get the 281-hp 2.5L turbocharged engine. If you're at that price point and going all in with the more horsepower, it's 100% worth it. You'll be able to utilize that power without having your tires chirp or slip all over the road.
You left out a cool feature of the real windshield wiper being hidden on top!! Good review👍
Hey Forrest! Another great review. Nice to see you with Car Gurus. 👍
I just bought one! I love it!
I just hate how every company is doing more and more piano black in the interiors. Sure, they look great brand new and cleaned with the right material but over time it scratches and swirls. 🥴
2:34 "... as you move to the rear, this is hands down my favorite part"
Me too bud, me too
Lmao damn
Can’t wait to see the sportage redesign 🤯
That exterior colour is amazing!
A little late to the party but I'd like to say that I have a lot of respect for Kia motors. I know that for awhile they were seen as a shitty brand, but my 2010 Kia Soul has 133k miles and climbing and the car still drives quite well. It's underpowered, to be sure, especially in Texas BUT the car flooded out during a tropical storm. It sat in three feet of water for the better part of twelve hours and started the next day. My other vehicle at the time, a Subaru Forester, was DOA and had to be junked. Got the Kia cleaned, changed all fluids, and since then I've had zero major issues. The radio no longer works, but I listen to most stuff on my phone anyway. I'll be on the market for a new car in about three years, and a used Sorento is definitely on my list.
Perfect review, You are very talented, Sir 👌🏻🏄🏻♂️
This guy has Barbary Lion's 🦁 mane!!! Great review!!!
Drove 2020 kia candeza and the driving comfort level and suspension scores 9.8 on a whatever machine they put it through just behind mercedes maybach scoring 9.9
This is a good review and forrest looks like a cool dude 😊
Dude when did you get here?! Glad to see you.
He’s back! Good review
Thank you for this review. I believe this is indeed the goldilocks for me.
I thought this was Forrest auto. Don't lose your edge while working with CarGurus man..hope u will still make your own channel grow
Wow. Let me find out Forrest is with Car Gurus now. Congrats Bro. You will definitely bring some pop to Car Gurus.
Reviewer is AWESOME!! New Sorento is phenomenal. Great video. Good job CG!
Awesome it's Forrest!!!
Great review man👍
Forrest, I promise I’ll talk about cars next video. But: OMG your hair is AMAZING. Been growing mine out for a year and don’t have a clue as to what to do with it. If you’ve got tips, please share!
Oh hey Forrest!
Subscribed. Have a 4x4 Kia Sportage 2.0L diesel and still driving it 11 years later. Only thing I have changed is a fuel filter and oil, set of tires. Still is in great shape and only plastic degradation was the glove compartment box opening lever, replaced it. KIA’s have come a long way quality wise. In the market now for a new car, life cycle replacement, and definitely thinking KIA.
a full review in just over 15-mins (about 10 mins would be much better) I can dig that. Other vehicle reviewers take over 30-mins of blah blah blah
I like your hair! Subscribed!
This vehicle is amazing. Just picked up an SX and it doesn't feel like your inside a Kia. Only thing we changed was the ugly Kia badge for an aftermarket one lol. Great review!
I seriously love the hair. If I could do it I would. Great review on the Sorento.
Love his hair!😍
Best review I have seen of this car!!!
Hows the AWD? Hows it off road? Snow? If you arw going to Do a review on a SUV you should do a full review.
I absolutely love this car. Bought an Xline 7 months ago …
This was an awesome review.
I really like how you are rockin' the natural hair -- looks good! Oh, and thanks also for the great info--much appreciated. I've relied on CarGurus info for the last 2 vehicles I've bought. One thing about the Sorento (or any vehicle), I really do NOT like the idea that it will unlock if I'm simply near it. Wonder if there is a way to disconnect or turn off that feature ??
Im interested in this car and I was really hoping you had a review in this car. Here from the TikTok lol. Good reviews! Very entertaining
9:43 “i can ‘comfortably’ sit back here for 30 minutes”
*30 seconds later* “i’m getting claustrophobic”
Congrats Forrest! Excellent review !
my heart tells me Telluride, but my brain says this. damn, damn, damn.
I had really wanted a telluride and then I test drove and fell in love with the sorento, just bought the sorento a few days ago
We just got the Sorento and love it. Plus we got it $500 under MSRP. Good luck doing that with the Telluride lol
I drove one like this before but it was a rental it was a white one great horse power to it good on gas ride good love how it tell you the temperature outside
What are the power, torque, of the various engines. Details of the gearbox/s? What is the 0 to 60mph time ? Does it have a full size spare? Yeah, great review.
Wish it had mew badge. Very very good review bro. Our first family car was the Rio then we bought the Niro which was quite good on gas and very comfortable ride and safety I must say it handled a head on collision very well, thanking God to be alive today! I am really loving the interior and exterior design of this model Sorento. I am thinking about the new Isuzu for a family vehicle but Kia hmm just might get my money again lol.
One of the best review I've seen. Well done!
Bro you're amazing. Definitely getting this vehicle. Thanks for the review
Outstanding video editing! Every feature was shown as you described them! Great review...
I bought a new 2016 Kia Sorento and it’s leaking oil. I brought it to the dealership when it was still under warranty and they basically told me I was SOL. Their service department was HORRIBLE to deal with. Although this 2021 Sorento looks good, I’ll have a hard time bringing myself to ever buy another one.
Honda doesn't honor their warranty either. Their ac systems are crap.
Sounds like a bad location. Ive never had any issues and i needed a transmission replaced
great voice, informative, good tone ... really great review !
The two dudes here that have great hair have way more charisma than the other guys who sound like they're reading from a script.
3:56 "tons of room above my massive hair" got my follow 💙💙💙
Well done review!
Love the color!
Went and drove a 2022 hybrid today. I LOVE it. But, my dealership was $10k over MSRP. I would have bought it on the spot if it wasn't for that.
I love your video. It's very thorough.
Thanks, and please keep up the great work!
it looks incredible!.. i just wish Kia made them DRL's AMBER!..
one thing i will say is if you get the upgraded engine you NEED awd. fwd just simply can’t handle the power and makes ur wheels spin like crazy when accelerating on turns.. which is what this engine is for!
Something about the way Kia utilizes black in the design of its vehicles. While the green looks good, silver and white always highlight the design features of their vehicles more effectively.
This sorento vs new skoda kodiaq, which is more solid , rigid and durable ?
Do you advise to get the warranty due to the computerized vehicle? As most of it is techy?
Bro superb review!, just a question: your eyeglasses frames, would you share the model/brand. I think they look fire! Thanks!
Love the new Sorento but Kia made a HUGE mistake by leaving out the Drivers Seat Memory feature. Its not available on any trim, including the SX Prestige. This feature is a MUST HAVE for anyone who shares driving with someone else. Kia....please fix this ASAP!
I hear yea Ken, it's kind of a shock to think as nice as this vehicle is and with all it's cool tech and safety features Kia felt they had to omit the memory seat function! Plus it was available in the previous Sorento. I'd take the memory seats over the "sounds of nature or driver talk" features any day! I wound't go as far as to call it a deal breaker but I would have expected it especially in the top trims!
In Canada memory seat in top most of 6 trims. Sad effort. Even if only 2 people drive it.
Hi Car Gurus ! How do you feel about the RAV4 Prime verse the Kia Sorento ?
Auckland. NZ
Wow great car. Thanks
Which City/State are you filming?
My wife and I looked at the Sorento X-Line in the Aruba green. She was not a fan of the color. I was a big fan of the color. We even took a test drive in one. Dealer didn’t seem all that interested in working the numbers we wanted to be at. Moral of the story, we bought a 2021 VW ATLAS CROSS SPORT. The dealer was willing to work with us on $$$, and even found one in Tourmaline blue. COULDN’T BE HAPPIER. Sorry KIA, you needed to show more enthusiasm!!!! Volkswagen did, and they got the sale.
Great Review. Thanks
You're really great on camera. Well done.
Regarding durability in mechanical and electrical parts , is kia reliable and durable ?
Superb review 👍
great review!
I just purchased one but still haven't figured out the front camera. Any suggestions
That color is sooooooo awesome!
Great vehicle and even better review.
Sorry, you sound like ad for KIA.
3rd row is not very useful, it should have been optional. With 3rd row un-folded, there is very little cargo space.
2nd row higher trims (x-line and SX) standard captains chair means, this is a functional 4 seater.
Excelente Review , very good my men !