2021 Kia Sorento
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 2.5l SUV, 2.5l Turbo SUV
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 177–281 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 6–7
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 37 combined · 39 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 189 in
- Curb weight
- 3,825–3,940 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 37 MPG combined — 40% better than the average 2021 small SUV (26.4 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Kia Sorento is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,825 lb (2.5l SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 37 MPG combined (39 city / 35 highway), 40% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $1,800 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 276 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2021
- New body dimensions, wheelbase +1.2 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- New hybrid version
- Engines added: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Engines dropped: 2.4L 4-cyl and 3.3L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 25 to 37
- NHTSA overall rating down from 5 to 4 stars
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Sorento →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Hwasung, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Sorento configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5l SUV | 189 in | 74.8 in | 66.9 in | 110.6 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 3,825 lb | 55/45 |
| 2.5l Turbo SUV | 189 in | 74.8 in | 66.9 in | 110.6 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 3,940 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorento Hybrid Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 39 / 35 / 37 | +40% | $1,800 | 242 |
| Sorento FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 29 / 26 | -2% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Sorento FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | -5% | $2,700 | 360 |
| Sorento AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 25 / 24 | 0% | $2,800 | 366 |
| Sorento AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | 0% | $2,800 | 375 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Kia Sorento SUV FWD Later Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |
| 2021 Kia Sorento SUV AWD Later Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |
| 2021 Kia Sorento SUV AWD Early Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |
| 2021 Kia Sorento SUV FWD Early Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |

Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Kia Sorento (this car) | 37 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Ford Explorer | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 27 |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (5)
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor · Sep 25, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V649000 · 39,536 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.
- Risk
- A fire increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC351. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 9, 2025.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 11, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V760000 · 69,038 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
- Risk
- Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.
Trailer Hitches · Sep 19, 2022 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 22V703000 · 70,887 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
- Risk
- A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Jun 23, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V447000 · 17,199 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid and 2022 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
- Risk
- An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC241. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 22V-127. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Jul 8, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V519000 · 21,575 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
- Risk
- A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC214.
Not every 2021 Kia Sorento is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Kia Sorento buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Power Train — 142 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 78 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 55 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 43,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Kia Sorento. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Sorento years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Sorento | 37 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | Not rated | 2 | 9 |
| 2025 Sorento | 36 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 136 |
| 2024 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 51 |
| 2023 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 165 |
| 2022 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 228 |
| 2020 Sorento | 25 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 140 |
| 2019 Sorento | 25 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 434 |
| 2018 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 255 |
| 2017 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 808 |
| 2016 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 1,261 |
| 2015 Sorento | 23 | 184.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 743 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →