Review and Test Drive: 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX
Driver-assistance tech abounds. The list of standard items includes high-beam assist, LED headlights, forward-collision mitigation, driver attention warnings (which I refer to as the “coffee-cup alert”), and a lane-keeping system as well as forward and reverse parking sensors, and radar-based adaptive cruise control.
The six-speaker audio setup was reasonably good and included AM and FM bands but we largely stayed with Apple CarPlay through the Sorento’s visit, largely in keeping with the fact that I haven’t listened to terrestrial radio over the air for over 15 years, relying instead on the excellent TuneIn service, which has an Apple CarPlay App, as well as Apple Music itself.
Finally, people buy hybrids for the fuel economy and the Environmental Protection Agency rates the SUV at 39 mpg (6.0 l/100 km) in city driving and 35 (6.7) on the Autobahn, as well as a combined score of 37 (6.4). During the course of its stay with the Accura Media Group review team, the car reported 37.5 mpg (6.3 l/100 km) as we turned it in, a figure that exceeds the EPA’s 2.
BOTTOM LINE
The commodious Kia Sorento Hybrid offers the most power available in its segment and has excellent fuel economy to boot. The combination of rugged good looks and a comfortable ride make the Sorrento Hybrid one buyers should put on their short lists.
THE DETAILS
| 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX | |
| Base price/price-as-tested | $36,590/$38,205 |
| Drivetrain | Front engine, front-wheel drive |
| Engine | 1.6-liter four cylinder |
| Motor and battery | Single 44-kilowatt electric motor and a 1.5-kWh lithium battery. |
| Horsepower/Torque (combined) | 227 / 258 |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Curb weight (lbs) | 4,065 |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 110.8 |
| Length x width x height (inches) | 189.4 x 74.8 x 66.7 |
| 0-60 mph (seconds) (est.) | 7.2 |
| Fuel economy(mpg) (city/hwy) | 39/35 |
(Photos: Accura Media Group)
