2021 Kia Sorento vs Sportage

One major purchase many people will make is purchasing a new car. When searching for your ideal vehicle, safety, reliability and fun to drive are paramount. Kia consistently produces an impressive fleet of models each year; two popular choices for 2021 are the 2021 Kia Sportage compact SUV and 2021 Kia Sorento mid-size SUV. When selecting your next SUV it is important to weigh all factors including advantages and features of each option.

Size and Styling

2021 Kia Sorento Size and Styling

The 2021 Kia Sorento is renowned for its comfortable and spacious midsize SUV interior. The base trim of the Sorento offers seating for seven, including two passengers in the second row; however, this number drops to six when upgrading to a second row with captain's chairs. Legroom and shoulder room are ample in either option; however, those looking for more back row space should upgrade to captain's chairs in the second row.

On the base trim level of the 2021 Sorento, you'll get cloth upholstery and manual seats as standard equipment. However, higher trims come with heated and ventilated seats, power adjustable seats, as well as a heated steering wheel. Cargo space in this model is more than ample; behind the third row you have 13 cubic feet of cargo space which increases to 45 feet when folded down; 75 cubic feet when the second row is folded down too. There are multiple storage compartments throughout the cabin for additional storage convenience.

2021 Kia Sportage Size and Styling

While many drivers may not expect much space or comfort from a compact SUV, the 2021 Sportage offers several features to enhance your driving experience. This model can accommodate five passengers comfortably in its back row, including three in the back. Plus, even taller adults have enough shoulder and headroom in all rows for comfortable seating. Cargo space within the Sportage is comparable to other compact SUVs: behind the second row you will have around 31 cubic feet of storage; folding down that second row grants over 60 cubic feet!

The interior features of the 2021 Sportage are designed to make driving comfortable. Standard on all models is cloth upholstery and manual seats, but higher trims offer many upgradeable options such as leather upholstery, power seats, heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

Size and Styling Comparison

Both SUVs boast impressive styling and interior features that provide a comfortable driving experience. For those seeking more cabin space, the midsize Sorento is your best bet since it provides more cargo room and room for passengers. However, even in compact SUVs like the Sportage there's ample room available compared to other models.

Driving Ease

2021 Kia Sorento Drivability

When shopping for a midsize SUV, buyers typically want several engine choices to choose from. The 2021 Sorento offers two distinct engine choices; the base option is a four-cylinder that produces around 190 horsepower - similar to other base engines in its class. Those seeking greater performance can upgrade trims to select the turbocharged four-cylinder, providing up to 280 horsepower and 311 pounds-feet of torque.

With either engine option, you'll receive a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive as standard equipment. However, those seeking more grip in difficult driving conditions should consider upgrading to the available all-wheel drive system. Overall handling for the Sorento has been praised positively; those seeking a sportier drive should opt for one of the higher engine choices available.

The 2021 Sorento boasts impressive fuel economy compared to other vehicles of its class, boasting 26 MPG with the base engine option and 24 MPG when upgrading to turbocharged power. Drivers will lose around 10% efficiency when opting for AWD instead of front-wheel drive, however.

2021 Kia Sportage Drivability

Drivers of compact SUVs may not expect such powerful engines as those found in the 2021 Sportage. The base trim comes standard with a four-cylinder engine providing more than 180 horsepower, more powerful than most over compact SUVs' base models. Those looking for even greater power can opt for the upgradeable four-cylinder that provides around 240 horsepower.

All 2021 Sportage trims offer standard front wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is also available. Furthermore, the SUV comes equipped with a six speed automatic transmission as standard equipment. Overall, the handling and performance of the 2021 Sportage is considered an advantage of the vehicle - those seeking maximum zip will want to opt for one of its higher engine options.

Similar to other compact SUVs, the Sportage boasts impressive fuel economy ratings. It offers a combined mileage of 26 MPG with the base engine and drops slightly to 24 MPG when upgrading to its stronger version. You should expect around 5-10 percent loss in efficiency when selecting AWD over front-wheel drive.

Drivability Comparison

Overall, both the Sportage and Sorento boast impressive driving ratings. As expected, the Sorento offers stronger engine options but both vehicles boast impressive acceleration compared to other SUVs in their class. Despite being larger in size, the Sorento boasts better fuel economy ratings when compared with its smaller rival.

Comfort Options and Performance

2021 Kia Sorento Comfort Options and Performance

The 2021 Sorento is considered to be a comfortable, fun vehicle to drive. It boasts interior features typical for its class as well as upgrades that rival any luxury SUV. Plus, with both standard engine performance and turbocharged engine options available, this SUV provides ample power.

The 2021 Sorento comes equipped with an impressive list of standard features that can make driving enjoyable. These specifications are comparable to other midsize SUVs in its class and include an 8-inch touchscreen controlling Kia UVO infotainment system, HD radio, Bluetooth, USB ports, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatibility, as well as a powerful audio system. Those wanting even more options have plenty of upgrade options including larger 10-inch screens, wireless device charging capabilities, extra USB ports and enhanced audio system.

2021 Kia Sportage Comfort Options and Performance

The 2021 Sportage is considered spacious and comfortable, boasting standard interior finishes comparable to other compact SUVs in its class. There are two engine options, the more powerful of which provides ample power for its size.

The 2021 Sportage offers a similar package of interior driving features as the Sorento. It comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen, access to UVO infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and USB port; plus there's also an HK audio and speaker system, wireless device charging and navigation system.

Comfort Options and Performance Comparison

Both the 2021 Sorento and Sportage come with an impressive set of interior features that make them comfortable to drive or ride in. Standard specifications for both models are nearly identical; however, the Sorento does offer some upgraded tech features not found on the Sportage such as more USB ports and a larger touchscreen display.

Safety

2021 Kia Sorento
Kia has long been known for producing vehicles that are safe, earning it excellent overall safety ratings. This reputation was continued with the 2021 Sorento, which received their top overall safety rating from IIHS. It also received great ratings across all subclasses except for some trim levels' headlights which were considered average.

The 2021 Kia Sorento boasts a variety of safety features that have earned it these higher ratings. Standard features like airbags, rearview camera, traffic sign recognition, lake keep assist and lane departure warning can be had with the standard trims; higher trims and technology package add reverse auto braking, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control as additional benefits to consider.

2021 Kia Sportage

The 2021 Kia Sportage has earned some impressive safety ratings. Similar to the Sorento, IIHS gave it a Good overall rating except for headlights which were considered poor in some trim levels. NHTSA awarded it five stars overall as well as side crash resistance ratings of five stars; frontal crash resistance received four stars while rollover resistance only received four stars.

For a compact SUV, the Sportage has an impressive set of standard safety features. These include various airbags throughout the cabin, a rearview camera, forward collision warning and pedestrian detection as well as automatic emergency braking. Upgraded trims also provide blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

Comparison

Both the 2021 Sorento and Sportage have earned identical safety ratings from IIHS. Furthermore, the Sportage also received positive ratings from NHTSA (which hadn't yet rated the 2021 Sorento). Both SUVs feature similar trim packages; however, certain features available with base trim in the Sorento can only be upgraded through the Sportage's version.

Which Model to Choose?

When shopping for a new SUV, both 2021 Kia Sorento and 2021 Kia Sportage offer an enjoyable driving experience. However, ultimately it comes down to personal preferences; both offer similar interior features and engine performance, but size will be one factor that consumers take into consideration. The larger Sorento frame provides additional cargo space as well as passenger capacity which may appeal to those seeking larger SUVs.

Although the Sorento offers more space and size, budget conscious buyers may benefit more from a Sportage if size is not a major consideration. The 2021 Sportage starts at around $24,000 compared to $30k for the Sorento. Plus, lease deals start from as low as $170 per month on this model versus around $250 on the Sorento's starting lease rate. Ultimately, both models provide great financing options; with more space being offered by the Sorento, while cost effectiveness comes into play more with spending less.