The 2021 Kia Sorento crossover finds a new look but the same mission: it’s the smaller hauler compared to the Telluride.
PROS Better style Available hybrid powertrains Bigger interior Telluride’s looks
CONS What’s with the door tooth? Is the second row more comfortable? Not appreciably bigger
The all-new Sorento is expected to make its debut at the Geneva auto show in March. Disguised and undisguised spy photos and several official images of the Kia have given us a pretty good idea of what to expect from the redesigned mid-size crossover. Its boxier proportions and bolder styling mark a stark departure from the curvier and softer appearance of the current Sorento. The Korean automaker has also said that the next-gen model will ride on an all-new platform that helps make it bigger inside and out. It will also feature a hybrid powertrain as well as an eventual plug-in variant.
At first that may seem faintly ridiculous, but when you look at the Venn diagram of price, proportions and performance, the Ateca lives in a little world of its own. To get vaguely comparable speed and power from any other medium-sized SUV, you’re looking at spending around £50k+ on a Porsche Macan S or an Audi SQ5. But although it may be marooned in its own micro-sector, that doesn’t mean it has a free pass. A £40,000-ish Seat – sorry, Cupra – has a lot to prove, starting with how it drives
Pros Hot hatch performance with SUV styling and practicality
Cons £40k for a Seat with somewhat unconvincing branding
The Cupra Ateca SUV is a brilliant family car that’s fast and great to drive, but you’ll have to accept its gloomy interior and boy racer exterior complete with tuner-esque branding.
Pros Surprisingly nimble Fizzing performance Still practical
Cons Boy racer looks Dark, gloomy interior A VW Golf R costs less
