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.
Not only is the ID.4 a brand new nameplate for the Volkswagen brand, it's also the first in a series of all-electric model which will combine to create the ID subbrand.The ID.4 is a practical electric alternative to gas-powered SUVs but lacks the excitement you might expect from an EV.
PROS Roomy cabin, smooth ride, decent driving range.
CONS Lacks driving verve, fussy infotainment interface, anonymous styling.
The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is all-new all-electric SUV,about as much interior space as VW's Tiguan, an estimated range for rear-wheel-drive models of 250 miles and Kicks off the first generation of the ID.4 for 2021.
Pros Lots of helpful safety and technology features come standard Spacious interior with lots of small-item storage Impressive real-world range and electrical efficiency
Cons Some controls can be difficult to operate Low-quality cabin plastics cheapen the experience
The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 gives families the right formula for saying farewell to tailpipe emissions, but the cabin tech could use some smoothing over.
PROS Good passenger and cargo space Quiet, smooth ride Lots of features for the money Free road-trip charging for three years
CONS Laggy infotainment Clumsy capacitive controls Grabby brakes