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AUTO REVIEW Discover Auto

THE 2021 KIA SORENTO

An Elegant SUV for a More Modern Time

Fast evolution is what experts generally associated with modern SUVs, and that fact isn’t any clearer than in the case of the new 2021 Kia Sorento. Going from looking like a minivan to being redefined through a muscular, elegant and sporty look, the Sorento is still a compact SUV, but now it also has style. This year’s Sorento S model in particular drives a powerful balance between its sleek, sporty appearance, impressive convenience, and safety-oriented tech features, as well as an optional AWD package that looks and feels very appealing in off-road situations. From the available turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, to features designed to make driving fun and easy, the new Kia 3 row SUV looks to be extremely promising, and most experts claim that it can definitely hold its own when compared to vehicles like the Ford Explorer or the Volkswagen Tiguan.

What Powers the New 2021 Sorento?

One of the main assets of the new 2021 Kia Sorento – even when it comes to the Sorento LX, which is the cheapest trim level available – is its impressive lineup of engines and powertrains that are finetuned enough to make it a truly powerful car. Even the LX will provide you with nearly 200 HP through a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine that is surprisingly strong and coupled with a convenient 8-speed automatic. As you move farther up the trims, you will notice the Sorento EX being the first one to introduce the famous turbocharged engine that comes with the more luxury-oriented versions of the SUV. This 2.5-liter Turbo engine adds about 90 horsepower to the standard one, being capable of delivering a total of 281 HP and impressive 311 lb-ft of torque. The level of strength these engines produce can more than match what the old diesel engines provided by Kia in the past used to bring to the table. Moreover, you can also opt for an eco-friendly Sorento hybrid engine that incorporates a 44 kW electric motor, combining it with a weaker but less pollutant 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gas engine. Coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the hybrid version of the 2021 Kia Sorento is estimated to deliver nearly 40 mpg on the highway.

A Comfortable Interior and Good Options for Cargo

One of the best things about the Sorento is that the entire interior has been redefined with comfort and convenience in mind. Now the 2021 Kia Sorento is far more aesthetically pleasing, and it features a lot of space in the front. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster makes driving easier, while the infotainment system featuring a large, 10.3 inch touchscreen will make you feel in control while tackling longer, more difficult road trips. As the wheelbase has been stretched by about 1.4 inches, you can expect a little more interior room as well, although the difference between this Kia 7 passenger SUV and its predecessors is not as great as one might assume. Instead, Kia compensates for the slightly lesser passenger space in the back with more cargo space, comfortable seats

(3D embossed genuine leather) and a convenient folding design for the 2nd and 3rd row which will allow you to carry just about everything you’ll need for a long camping trip.

2021 Kia Sorento Appearance and Trim Levels

From the more aggressive, electricrazor grille to the redefined bodywork, the 2021 Sorento presents many new features when considering the exterior of the car. Slightly larger, more refined and featuring metallic flags and fillips, the new Sorento aims for an ambitious upgrade, and many believe that it has already reached its goal. The all new exterior features 20-inch alloy wheels and greater clearance which also translates into improved off-road performance. Also, the redesigned LED headlights are not just for show, but can provide better visibility on foggy and cloudy evenings.

There are a total of 5 distinct trim levels associated with the 2021 Kia Sorento:

• The new Sorento LX trim focuses a great deal on safety, with standard rear occupant alert, lane follow assist and lane keeping assist technology. It also comes with a fun infotainment system featuring a respectable 8-inch touchscreen, as well as support for wireless access with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The LED headlights are already standard. • You get larger, 18-inch wheels and cool, black exterior accents if you opt for the slightly more expensive Sorento S. This trim adds a few more safety features along with heated front seats, a power driver’s seat and remote start. The UVO Link system also makes its appearance along with SiriusXM and Sat Audio. • Aside from the new turbo engine, the EX trim of the 2021 Kia Sorento includes improved safety through enhanced auto emergency braking with junction turn and cyclist detection. With the Sorento EX you also get captain’s chairs for the 2nd row, smart cruise control and an available power sunroof. • The Sorento SX is only slightly more expensive than the EX, but it brings you large, 20-inch wheels, the 10.25-inch touchscreen as standard and improved LED lights for the projector headlights and taillights. • Finally, with the Sorento SX Prestige trim level, you’ll get all the bells and whistles for a luxury interior. Your 2021 Kia Sorento will be fitted with a blind-spot and surround view monitor for better safety, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, power folding exterior mirrors and a

high-quality Bose Premium audio system.

As an added bonus, we have to talk about the Sorento SX Prestige X-line, which is an appearance package launched this year. The new X-line comes with a greater ride height, more aggressive and rugged styling and an added inch of ground clearance.

Power and Off-Road Performance

If you’re looking for power, the 2021 Kia Sorento should definitely be on your list of crossovers to consider. By opting for one of the more expensive trims, you will gain access to the full strength of the AWD system with lock mode and an enhanced focus on delivering increased power wherever it’s needed. Torque vectoring cornering control technology is used to balance the strength of the car by delivering an ideal braking force to the front and rear inside cornering wheels while you take a turn. Features such as all-weather performance and hill start assist will further prepare your Kia Sorento for any weather and terrain, and the best powertrain offered can tow up to 3,500 lbs. With these stats and features, the 2021 Kia Sorento can be considered a true powerhouse.

The new Kia Sorento is available at Kia of Attleboro. See their Sorento inventory online at KiaofAttleboro.com

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