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2021 Kia Sorento

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

Kia Sorento
Pictured: 2024 Kia Sorento X-Line SX Prestige (facelift), front 12.20.24. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

Engine281 hp2.5L turbo 4-cyl
Engine191 hp2.5L 4-cyl
Engine177 hp1.6L turbo 4-cyl hybrid
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating6–7 seats · 3 rows

Trims

SX, SXPSEX

Safety & driver-assist features

Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2.5l SUV189 in74.8 in66.9 in110.6 in65 / 65.4 in3,825 lb55/45
2.5l Turbo SUV189 in74.8 in66.9 in110.6 in65 / 65.4 in3,940 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sorento Hybrid Hybrid1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive39 / 35 / 37+40%$1,800242
Sorento FWD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 29 / 26-2%$2,600342
Sorento FWD2.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 25-5%$2,700360
Sorento AWD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive23 / 25 / 240%$2,800366
Sorento AWD2.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 240%$2,800375
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $3,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.4 MPG2021 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover 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%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2021 Kia Sorento SUV FWD Later Release
Frontal crash test — 2021 Kia Sorento SUV FWD Later Release. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2021 Kia Sorento SUV FWD Later Release
Side crash test — 2021 Kia Sorento SUV FWD Later Release. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2021 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Kia Sorento (this car)37 MPG★★★★★5
2021 Toyota RAV440 MPG★★★★★1
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime38 MPGNot rated4
2021 Honda CR-V38 MPG★★★★★5
2021 Toyota 4Runner17 MPG★★★★★1
2021 Ford Explorer27 MPG★★★★★27
2021 Subaru Forester29 MPG★★★★★0

Recalls (5)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Kia Sorento is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

276Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
5Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
43,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train142
Engine78
Electrical System55
Unknown Or Other46
Fuel/Propulsion System25
Vehicle Speed Control13
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings7
Steering6
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 424/12: 225/01: 125/02: 425/03: 825/04: 125/05: 325/06: 425/07: 625/08: 625/09: 125/10: 425/11: 325/12: 426/01: 426/02: 326/03: 1126/04: 926/05: 626/06: 326/07: 826/08: 826/09: 926/10: 524/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 11

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Kia Sorento buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. 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.
  3. Power Train — 142 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Engine — 78 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Electrical System — 55 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 43,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  8. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Sorento37–Not rated00
2026 Sorento37189 inNot rated29
2025 Sorento36189 in★★★★★4136
2024 Sorento37189 in★★★★★251
2023 Sorento37189 in★★★★★4165
2022 Sorento37189 in★★★★★9228
2020 Sorento25189 in★★★★★1140
2019 Sorento25189 in★★★★★2434
2018 Sorento24187.8 in★★★★★3255
2017 Sorento24187.8 in★★★★★4808
2016 Sorento24187.8 in★★★★★81,261
2015 Sorento23184.3 in★★★★★3743

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →