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2021 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Kia Sorento is a compact SUV, rated at 26 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 4-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.

2021 Kia Sorento
© OWS Photography · CC BY 4.0
Combined MPG
26
NHTSA safety
Starting price
$32,000
Recalls
4

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Full specifications

Identity

SRC · NHTSA vPIC
MakeKia
ModelSorento
Model year2021
Vehicle classCompact SUV

Engine & drivetrain

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Displacement2.5 L
Cylinders4
TransmissionAutomatic (S8)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City MPG24
Highway MPG29
Combined MPG26
CO₂ tailpipe342 g/mi
EPA annual fuel cost$2400

Available configurations

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Sorento AWD24 MPG combined
Sorento AWD24 MPG combined
Sorento FWD25 MPG combined
Sorento FWD26 MPG combined
Sorento Hybrid37 MPG combined

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City24 MPG
Highway29 MPG
Combined26 MPG

Efficiency vs class average

Sorento26 MPG
Class average32.2 MPG

About 19% below the class average.

Est. monthly payment
$564/mo
Amount financed
$28,800
Total interest
$5,010
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5-year fuel cost
$7,731

$1,546/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal

Combined MPG26
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Extended warranty & insurance

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Cost to own

Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.

Safety ratings & recalls

SRC · NHTSA vPIC
Overall
Frontal crash
Side crash
Rollover

Recalls (4)

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS21V519000 · 2021-07-08

    Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC214.

  • TRAILER HITCHES22V703000 · 2022-09-19

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

    Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.

  • POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION22V760000 · 2022-10-11

    Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS25V649000 · 2025-09-25

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC351. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 9, 2025.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the MPG of the 2021 Kia Sorento?

The 2021 Kia Sorento is EPA-rated at 26 MPG combined (24 city / 29 highway).

Is the 2021 Kia Sorento reliable?

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Kia Sorento. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.

How safe is the 2021 Kia Sorento?

The 2021 Kia Sorento earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 4 stars in the frontal crash test.

How much does it cost to fuel the 2021 Kia Sorento?

At 12,000 miles per year, the 2021 Kia Sorento costs roughly $1,546 per year to fuel, or about $7,731 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.

What type of vehicle is the 2021 Kia Sorento?

The 2021 Kia Sorento is classified as a compact suv. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.

Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC