2021 Kia Sorento Arrives in the US

Sharing more information about the highly publicized model’s engine options and trim levels, Kia has officially introduced the redesigned Kia Sorento in the United States for the 2021 model year.

The mid-size SUV, which was initially revealed a couple of months back for the global market, is scheduled to go on sale in the US by the end of the year as well as a hybrid variant and an off-road-oriented X-Line edition.

Kia will offer a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four as its base engine, delivering 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Customers will be given the option between a front- or an all-wheel-drive mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Other engine options will include a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four that makes 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque—also available with either a front- or all-wheel-drive and eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission—and a 2.5T with an estimated towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

The hybrid Sorento, which will also be offered as a front-wheel-drive, will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four with an electric motor for a combined output of 227 horsepower. Kia said it has a combined mileage of 37 mpg, which is 1 mpg higher than its rival Toyota Highlander hybrid.

Also joining the lineup is a plug-in hybrid with an all-wheel-drive layout; however, it’s not scheduled to arrive until 2021. This model is expected to deliver up to 261 horsepower and 30 miles of electric range with its 13.8-kWh battery pack.

In terms of trim levels, Kia will be releasing the LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige variants, as well as an optional X-Line package that features an all-wheel drive and a 1-inch increase in ride height. The X-Line Sorento will get a rugged styling, which will include upgraded bumpers, wheels, and a roof rack.

All Sorento models will come with three rows of seats as standard equipment, with a second-row bench allowing a seven-seater capacity. Buyers will be given the option to add the captain’s chairs on the second row, but this will bring down the passenger capacity to six.

Other features include eight USB charging ports (six for the entry-level LX trim), a standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen, a 10.3-inch and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster (both optional), a 360-degree camera view, UVO connectivity tech, and driver-assistance systems.

Units of the 2021 Kia Sorento are scheduled to arrive at US dealerships before the year ends, during which time the automaker is expected to release the official pricing.