THE FUEL SIPPING THREE ROW | 2021 KIA SORENTO HYBRID

EV Channels Review

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid presents a compelling alternative to the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, offering slightly better fuel economy, more interior legroom across all three rows, and a significantly lower starting price. However, its appeal is tempered by a few key compromises. Notably, the hybrid model is exclusively front-wheel drive in North America, and it's limited to a six-passenger configuration with captain's chairs in the second row, unlike the seven or eight-seat options in the Highlander. The reviewer highlights the Sorento's more aggressive styling compared to the Highlander's elegance, and praises its quicker acceleration (0-60 in 7.5 seconds vs. 8.2 seconds) and shorter braking distance, attributed to its lighter weight. While the hybrid system feels different from Toyota's, with a more traditional stepped automatic transmission, it offers smoother transitions and regenerative braking. Cargo space behind the third row is slightly less than the Highlander's. Despite these trade-offs, the Sorento Hybrid is lauded for its value proposition, especially for those prioritizing fuel efficiency and a lower sticker price over maximum passenger capacity or all-wheel drive capability in a hybrid configuration.