The 2021 Kia Sorento crossover SUV strikes out in a new styling direction, and brings hybrid and plug-in models along for the adventure.
PROS More expressive Available hybrid powertrains Bigger interior More square inches of touchscreen
CONS What’s with the door tooth? Third-row seat’s very, very small More noise More hard plastic in the cabin
The Sorento is all new for 2021, with a starting price that's $2450 higher than last year. Its boxier proportions and bolder styling mark a stark departure from the curvier and softer appearance of the outgoing Sorento. In addition to riding on an all-new platform that's bigger inside and out, the new Sorento adds a hybrid powertrain as well as an eventual plug-in variant.We like the EX trim level. It's pricier than the bottom two models, but it comes standard with the more powerful 281-hp turbo-four. It also has nicer amenities than the S trim below it that include leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, remote start, and snazzier styling such as 18-inch wheels and black exterior accents.
SsangYongs have been on sale in the UK since the ’90s – the company usually offers big SUVs for less than the majority of their competitors. Sadly, most of their models have proved to be lacklustre alternatives to the likes of the Kia Sportage, Suzuki Vitara and Nissan Qashqai. To drive, the Korando isn’t much fun, but most people buy one because they need an SUV either for tackling rough terrain or towing – two roles the SsangYong is perfectly suited to.
Pros Lots of space Relatively economical Generous standard kit
Cons Fast depreciation Dull styling Cheap feeling interior
The SsangYong Korando gives you a lot of car for your money – but nowhere near as much as a Dacia Duster.The SsangYong Korando is the brand’s mid-size SUV, pitched as a low-cost rival to the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. On the move, the Korando isn’t as stable as a lot of its rivals, either – it tends to wallow about when going around corners and has an uncomfortable ride.
Pros Good value for money Spacious interior Low emissions
Cons Noisy diesel engine Poor-quality plastics Uncomfortable suspension
Not only was it a handsome addition to the compact crossover market, it was also the firm’s very first monocoque model – meaning it delivered a far better approximation of a car’s handling characteristics than any of the body-on-frame SUVs that continue to fill out the firm’s modest lineup. On the plus side, the Korando gets large storage bins, reach and rake adjustment for the steering wheel and generous equipment levels on higher-spec models. It is also competitive on interior space; offering decent leg and headroom for rear passengers, and acceptable luggage space. The interior is slightly less forgettable, but only because it comes partly clad in the kind of cheap plastic which cannot otherwise find a home in this class. The redesigned dashboard makes ergonomic sense, although it hasn’t lost any of its brittleness.
