Kia Sorento drops V6, adds X-line trim
Two new four- cylinder engines, available second- row captain’s chairs, and a new X- Line trim with 20- inch wheels and a bridge- type roof rack system are among the highlights on the 2021 Kia Sorento.
The two-row five-seat configuration, formerly available in the two base trims of Sorento, is being dropped and three rows of seats will be standard.
The entry- level engine, offered on the LX+ and LX Premium trims, is a naturally aspirated 2.5- litre four- cylinder that produces 191 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight- speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
An upgraded 2.5- L turbocharged in-line four is paired with an eight- speed wet dual- clutch transmission — a segment exclusive — and makes 281 hp and 311 lb- ft of torque. There is no V6 available from 2021 onward, which means it loses 1,500 kilograms in towing capacity, now topping out at 3,500 kg.
While the U. S. is getting a hybrid and plug- in hybrid FWD version at launch, Canadians will have to wait until late 2021 for the battery- assisted Sorento, because Kia wants to pair the powertrain with all- wheel- drive on this side of the border.
X- Line is a new trim level for Sorento and is the entry point for the turbocharged
engine. It also includes 20- inch alloy wheels and second- row captain’s chairs, both being offered on Sorento for the first time.
The 2021 Kia Sorento is expected to go on sale later this year with pricing to be announced closer to launch.