The 2021 Kia Sorento nibbles out a distinct niche with its three-row seating and available hybrid.
Its main rival might be the Ford Explorer, which comes in gas-electric and gas models and has available three-row seating—but the Sorento shares a platform with the five-seat Hyundai Santa Fe, which also gets a new look and a hybrid version in 2021.
The VW Tiguan has a third-row seat on some models and a Spartan appeal, while the Nissan Murano’s comely look is well overdue for a refresh.
We think of the Sorento as we do of the Lexus RX: There’s intrigue in its looks, and hybrid models on tap, but a good round of styling clean-up and work on refinement would do wonders for both.
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 2021 Kia Sorento#4 in Mid-Size SUVs Get Your Price |  2021 Ford Explorer#4 in Large SUVs Get Your Price |  2021 Hyundai Santa FeGet Your Price |  2021 Lexus RX#19 in Luxury Mid-Size SUVs Get Your Price |  2021 Nissan Murano#11 in Mid-Size SUVs Get Your Price |  2021 Volkswagen Tiguan#11 in Mid-Size SUVs Get Your Price |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2021 Kia Sorento crossover SUV strikes out in a new styling direction, and brings hybrid and plug-in models along for the adventure. |
The 2021 Ford Explorer is recognizable, but new. It should be on every family SUV shopper’s list. |
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe makes premium gains with hybrid and turbo-4 power and a Palisade-like interior. |
The 2021 Lexus RX stays strong in an increasingly crowded class with styling that stands out and powertrains that don’t. |
The 2021 Nissan Murano’s windswept shape still looks good and safety is strong, but it’s showing its age. |
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan compact crossover is spacious and comfortable, and also the league-leader in modesty, |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $29,390 | $32,225 | $26,850 | $45,170 | $32,610 | $25,245 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 21 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Small SUV 2WD | Standard SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Midsize Station Wagons | Small SUV 2WD |
| Style Name | |||||
| LX FWD | Base RWD | SE FWD | RX 350 FWD | FWD S | 2.0T S FWD |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 7 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2021 Kia Sorento vs. 2021 Ford Explorer | 2021 Kia Sorento vs. 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2021 Kia Sorento vs. 2021 Lexus RX | 2021 Kia Sorento vs. 2021 Nissan Murano | 2021 Kia Sorento vs. 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
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