The 2021 Toyota Highlander learned new tricks to keep us entertained on the road, when we’re not asleep in the back anyway..
Pros Better style New sporty XSE look Still practical… ...and fuel efficient Great standard safety
Cons Infotainment is still a headache Exterior is a little busy Pricey top models Small-ish third row
The sporty-looking XSE trim level joins the Highlander lineup for 2021. It punches up the looks with more aggressive exterior styling, unique 20-inch wheels, black exterior accents, and a sportier calibration for the suspension. Elsewhere, LED projection headlamps are now a standard feature and all models receive additional driver-assistance features, including semi-automated emergency steering technology that's designed to help a driver avoid collisions.
Pros Attractive design, optional hybrid powertrain, generous standard features.
Cons Few driving thrills, skimpy third-row room, fussy interior styling.
The sporty XSE trim debuts in the Hybrid lineup.More advanced safety features are standard.LED headlights are now standard.
Pros High fuel economy for a three-row SUV Sensibly priced compared to the non-hybrid Highlander Comfortable ride quality Plenty of standard and available safety features
Cons Third-row seats are cramped Not a whole lot of cargo space behind the third-row seat Engine sounds unrefined at full throttle
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.
