2021 Kia Sorento

The 2021-present Kia Sorento is the MQ4 generation and adopts a much more angular, upright design along with a substantially broader powertrain range. Options are a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic, a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with an eight-speed dual-clutch, a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid. Front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive optional, and an X-Line and later X-Pro trim add ride height and all-terrain tires.

This generation improved interior quality again and introduced a much more modern technology package, with available curved displays across the dashboard. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid are the significant additions, offering efficiency that no previous Sorento approached. A facelift for 2024 revised the front and rear styling.

For used buyers, the MQ4 Sorento is recent enough that most examples retain factory coverage, and the Smartstream engines are a newer family than the Theta II units associated with earlier problems. The eight-speed dual-clutch on the turbocharged model behaves differently from a conventional automatic in traffic and is worth evaluating directly. The hybrid is the standout for running costs. Third-row space remains tighter than in the largest rivals and should be checked in person.