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.
It doesn’t really do sharp handling, it’s not quite big enough to match the best in class for practicality, nor does it come with seven seats. Yet don’t overlook the C5 Aircross if those limitations don’t worry you, because it has a lot of other things going for it; its ride is superb on most roads, it cruises along supremely quietly, it has a reasonable purchase price and very reasonable running costs.
Pros Mostly a super-smooth ride Quiet inside at speed Frugal engines
Cons Wallowy handling No seven-seat option Question marks of Citroën's reliability
The C5 Aircross is Citroen's (late) leap onto the family-crossover bandwagon.A plug-in hybrid arrives early in 2020. The big draw with that one will be better fuel economy for commuting, and lower tax. Interestingly Citroen elected to make its PHEV front-drive only to keep the price down. Whereas Peugeot, which sells 3008s at a higher price, went for a more expensive PHEV system with 4WD via an extra rear-mounted motor.
Pros Very comfortable in all sorts of ways. Looks different. No sporty pretence
Cons No sporty actuality. Ride not as consistent as billed. Occasionally irritating screen system
Pros Eye-catching looks Generous boot space Comfortable to drive
Cons Some low-rent interior bits Awkward infotainment system Rear space is tight
