2021 Kia Sorento Off Road

[@merajmahmudnibir8532]

I like these simple videos without annoying intros, background music. straight to the point

[@EngineAdventures]

Thank you! I know they may not be as entertaining as others, but I feel like adding in fluff can detract from hearing the engine noises and whatever else. Keeping it raw allows those interested to get a better feel for what's going on. And it's easier for me to edit :)

[@merajmahmudnibir8532]

@@EngineAdventures please don't change the format 💯🔥🔥

[@giolats8179]

The most detailed review of the new Sorento so far. Great POV and outside shots, great demonstration of the traction systems in a real off-road environment. Your channel deserves much more subscribers

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks Gio!

[@atracin]

Thank you for doing this! As someone looking at the Kia for doing some occasional soft roading this is a great resource for me.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Faisal-actualfacts]

You wouldn’t need the AWD for soft roading. Eats more gas cost more cash.

[@EngineAdventures]

True, but for peace of mind if it rains and the road becomes muddy, or you end up on a snow covered paved road, it's nice to have AWD. There are always trade offs, for my daily drive I just have a front wheel drive car for the exact reasons you mentioned.

[@Faisal-actualfacts]

@@EngineAdventures isn’t this vehicle big enough to sustain itself?

[@EngineAdventures]

With the right tires, and in most conditions, yes.

[@jonnathanramirez3930]

This is a great video!! I think a good set of all terrain tires would make make a huge difference

[@EngineAdventures]

I get this comment a lot in my videos and I should probably make a video dedicated to answering this comment. Ultimately tires can and do make a huge difference when properly matched to the terrain. However, this test is more about how well the vehicle can transfer power to the wheels with traction. It doesn't matter how good your tires are if you essentially have two wheels in the air and the vehicle can't transfer power to the two wheels on the ground. I'll admit to better tires being a nessecary addition if all 4 wheels on the vehicle are turning at the same rate and it's still not making the climb.

[@williamkennedy2069]

I think I like this a lot, it's definitely very pretty, it's a great color, do they have regular transmissions or is it just dual clutch?

[@EngineAdventures]

I believe only the models with the 2.5 turbo have the dual clutch, but I'm not 100% sure on that.

[@paulwintermute1495]

The lower spec non-turbo models have a regular automatic.

[@shanecahill7623]

The PHEV has a regular 6 speed

[@williamhoodtn]

Note (2022 X-Line has central locking differential mode now): Sport mode is NOT for off-roading. Put it in Smart mode and when you are in loose gravel or sand, push the lock diff button. If instead of loose gravel or sand you are in snow, put it in snow mode and I would suggest still using the central locking differential mode but you have to be under 20MPH for it to stay on (automatically switches on or off when selected if you go over and under about 20MPH). Using off road style tires would make a big difference here as well.

[@EngineAdventures]

The 2021 also had the center locking diff. Sport mode allows for more wheel slip, thus higher engine rpm, thus more torque to the wheels. The biggest issue was getting torque to the wheels that had traction, which is why sport mode was my top choice. I agree that having the right tires for the job makes a big difference, but it wouldn't have made a difference in my steep hill climb test. The issue is getting enough torque to the wheels with traction. I'll blame the tires when all 4 wheels are spinning at the same speed and the vehicle still isn't able to climb.

[@williamhoodtn]

@@EngineAdventures So what would be your recommendation for settings with the stock tires for terrain like you were testing?

[@EngineAdventures]

@@williamhoodtn I would say either smart mode like you mentioned or sport mode. Of course with the center diff locked. Also if I had carried momentum there is a good chance I would have made the hard line, but for a lot of reasons I don't do that (the main reason is the risk for damage goes up significantly the faster you go, and I already had a flat tire during this testing).

[@NaterTater182]

@@EngineAdventures Yeah but don't it confused with a true center diff lock. They market that, but it is not a true center diff lock like you find in a lexus or other true 4wd car.

[@EngineAdventures]

@@NaterTater182 right, it just applies as much pressure to the clutches as it can, it's not a direct connection though.

[@jratch100]

Love your videos. Keep up the good work. Any chance you can test a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk?

[@EngineAdventures]

Been trying to get one for a while, I'll see what I can do!

[@brandon6541]

Great video!! Very informative!

[@EngineAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@MWDouglasJR33]

Great video.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@raedkhmous1292]

Which one is better offroading sorento or pathfinder? Thank you

[@EngineAdventures]

Probably Sorento, but not by much

[@shotgunrcaf7302]

Its a beautiful SUV, good job on the off road test drive. The Sorento was one of my choices for purchase but after doing all my research I decided on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, it might be an old model but Jeep did a good job keeping it up to date.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for the input, I have yet to test a grand cherokee!

[@shotgunrcaf7302]

@@EngineAdventures You would be greatly surprised at its prowess on and off road, if you decide to test one make sure you choose the Trailhawk, its the most capable SUV of its kind. The Quadra-Trac 4WD and the Quadra-Lift Air Suspension is what gives it its go anywhere capability.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for the input, there is a rental place around here that had them a few months ago, when I get a week or two without a media vehicle, maybe I'll rent one to test.

[@B8888Y]

My 2015 jeep grand cheroke is currently sitting on the side off the road, has dumped all its oil and has a bad knocking under acceleration

[@shotgunrcaf7302]

@@B8888Y Get some maintenance done to it.....a little TLC goes a long way :)

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

Before your review I assumed it was the same transmission as in the Telluride. I’m sure car enthusiasts know why a DCT transmission is a great transmission. But it seems to me that they are a step backwards. They overheat quickly, limited off-road, and have a horrible reputation. (Albeit, due to Ford and their powershift debacle) Nevertheless, great review of the Sorento.

[@EngineAdventures]

They are excellent for on road driving, but they don't do low speeds very well, especially when climbing steep grades.

[@sking2173]

The DCT has its shortcomings, just as do CVT’s. The best all-purpose transmission is still the conventional automatic. I personally still drive a 5-spd. manual daily. Speaking of manuals, perhaps soon EA can test a Subaru Crosstrek with the 6-spd. I’ll bet the 6-spd. will salvage Subaru’s reputation after the horrible performance of their CVT equipped Outback and Forester.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

@@sking2173 that’s a very astute observation. Subaru fans gush about how amazing their all wheel drive systems are. When you mention to them that CVT’s are one of the single most reasons that Subaru’s are no longer the most capable all wheel drive vehicle, they self-destruct. I have lots of stories about Subaru cvt’s but I’ll save those for another day. Hopefully they embrace manuals and traditional automatics very soon.

[@EngineAdventures]

I might have to find one locally, Subaru doesn't come out to Utah often.

[@niuhuskieguy]

@@haroldbeauchamp3770 The cvt in the current gen Outback does fair better than the previous gen, so they clearly made some improvements. In a TFL off road test, they took both a previous gen and current gen Outback (both the na 2.5) up the same hill and the newer one did notably better. The test has two parts and the Outback made it up both sides, but no car with a dual clutch has made it up both sides. I know the cvt off road still isn't great, but they have made improvements for the newer ones.

[@Tay-ky3fi]

Please do the PHEV!

[@EngineAdventures]

I'll see if I can get one!

[@gondorian1006]

Seconded. Especially interested in it since the Rebelle Rally drivers with one had positive things to say

[@ScoobyFermentation]

I can’t wait to see how this works with the new Hyundai Santa Cruz. Supposedly it is a wet DCT versus a dry DCT. However, you can also get the base Santa Cruz with a regular automatic.

[@EngineAdventures]

That will be a fun one to test!

[@TheLowHybrid]

Isn’t the Sorento a wet DCT also?

[@EngineAdventures]

@@TheLowHybrid yes it is

[@amrashraf9559]

Compared to the new ssangyong rexton 2021, which is more capable on rugged roads ?

[@EngineAdventures]

We don't have the Reston in the U.S. so I can't answer that question for you, sorry!

[@paultruesdale7680]

Nice review has always EA. It’s a very nice suv with very impressive safety features (check out Youcar on the 2021 model) not a big fan of the transmission. Would have been better with a 6 speed or ZF 8 speed automatic. Mild flat off-road, snow and wet weather and awesome at general use. Great warranty to boot.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I really enjoyed the new sorrento and other engine options do have a normal automatic transmission.

[@ayhamsaati7476]

Excellent review thanks 👍

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@dmpnyc710]

Would snow mode and lock have helped you think up that hill ?

[@EngineAdventures]

Good question, I didn't try that in am effort to keep the transmission from overheating. My thoughts are that because snow mode is less aggressive on the throttle that it would heat the clutches even more and be more likely to stall. Power for this engine doesn't come on until about 3k rpm, so the sooner you get to that rpm the better.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Good review, I like this car and the Santa Fe a lot they offer a larger interior than my Subaru Forester which I could use. I do lot of hiking and camping and having challenging roads much like your test illustrated and am satisfied with the off road performance, it might not be quite as good as my Forester not sure, but its good enough. The thing I am concerned about still is durability after a few years of regular off road driving. Have had my Forester for 7 years of very regular off road use and really can't notice any difference in the suspension or from rattles from the day I bought it new. In your opinion do you feel like the Sorrento would hold up any close to the way my Forester has? Does the vehicle seem pretty durable wouldn't mind a change to a little larger vehicle.

[@EngineAdventures]

My guess is that the Sorento would do slightly better off-road, but not a huge amount. As far as reliability Subaru might be a little better, but Kia and Hyundai have come a long way and I would expect the Sorento to be pretty durable over the long haul. Thanks for watching!

[@mickeybrumfield764]

@@EngineAdventures Thanks for the reply, the Sorrento did do well while you were driving on the rough road at 20 mph which is indicative of its durability, I really like the Santa Fe which is very similar to the Sorrento from what I understand.

[@EngineAdventures]

I haven't tested the sante fe, but I believe they use the same platform.

[@mzvideo9911]

BRAWO SORENTO ! GRATULACJE !

[@marwanmajid7625]

Great Video 👍

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@sansin6250]

Any idea how the Sorento x-line 2.5T handles on snow ?

[@EngineAdventures]

Probably similar to this, which mostly comes down to tires as the AWD system is good for bad weather on pavement.

[@brunolagace1135]

Not a vehicle for the north where you have snow and spin your wheels a lot. This transmission is just like a CVT junk in the snow. They both disengage when they feel the heat. I have a Kia Sorento with a V6 and a 8 speeds automatic no problems in the snow. A SUV should be made to handle wheels spinning without disengaging why do you need something like that this is not better than a car.

[@EngineAdventures]

For most places I wouldn't worry about it, but if you have ice on the road for months at a time then maybe it's not the best choice. The dual clutch transmission does fine as long as you are going fast enough to keep the clutch engaged.

[@sansin6250]

Will the HEV/PHEV perform better in this traction test since they don't have the DCT?

[@EngineAdventures]

That is a definite possibility, but I haven't had the chance to test one yet.

[@seanedmo]

Can you review the new pathfinder off road?

[@EngineAdventures]

In the process of editing it right now, first video will be up next week, the off road video will be up the following week.

[@seanedmo]

Awesome, looking forward. I’ve watched a lot of car reviews and really like your approach. Keep up the good work!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for the support!

[@Andsleeter]

It will probably have less wheel spins with proper off road tires.

[@EngineAdventures]

Yes and no, having proper tires for the terrain can make a huge difference. However, in these tests the tires are essentially off the ground. This means it doesn't matter how good the tires are, they won't get traction. This testing is designed to test the vehicle systems, not so much the tires.

[@Andsleeter]

@@EngineAdventures"tires are essentially off the ground".... That is the articulation issue which is not addressed by the Sorento's basic design regardless of how the engine and transmission work. So the X-line basically is just off-road in cosmetics.

[@Tay-ky3fi]

where are you btw?

[@EngineAdventures]

Utah

[@ismailsenel6657]

Güzel test

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@furulevi2]

air suspension?

[@EngineAdventures]

This one didn't have air suspension.

[@krane15]

Can't really see a whole lot of difference between the modes.

[@EngineAdventures]

You can feel changes in the throttle sensitivity, and this test doesn't deal with transmission tuning much because I don't reach speeds where it needs to change gears. Overall though the actual performance didn't change a whole lot between the modes.

[@jakeroadtonowhere4070]

Thanks you great video 👊 wasn't so bad for Kia

[@EngineAdventures]

As far as crossovers without a low range transfer case go the Sorrento did just as well if not slightly better than most of the vehicles in it's class.

[@CarGuy11]

That’s so crazy it stalls out the engine!

[@EngineAdventures]

I've had this happen on occasion with other vehicles, but this one happened enough that I actually figured out why and could replicate it whenever I wanted. I try to get on the brakes quick of the vehicle starts to slide backwards. Forward moving tires catching traction while sliding backwards is a recipe for broken CVs and diffs

[@offroad123]

역시 쏘렌토 .. 오프로드에서도 짱이죠..

[@ЕвгенийКаххаров]

У меня Сорренто mq4 ,более тяжелые места проезжал .Видно что он слишком аккуратен ,С первого раза моно выехать .Земля сухая в чем проблема .

[@EngineAdventures]

The hill is steeper than it looks on camera, there isn't much of an area to gain speed, and this is a media fleet vehicle that I would rather not damage. Thanks for watching!

[@dating4564]

Uh... Dif locked, trans in manual 1st gear and traction control OFF.. Crawl up and you don't have to beat the hell out of your nice SUV

[@EngineAdventures]

Check out 5:30. With traction control off it doesn't transfer power side to side and can't even make the small articulation hill, much less the steep hill climb. If you like this kind of testing check out my other offroad videos, they will also give you a better feel for what's going on here. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@philipc239]

👍👍😊

[@armaniusmaximus]

Urgh. Sorrento didn't do too well on the hill.

[@EngineAdventures]

It was about what I expected and pretty much on par with other DCTs and CVTs.

[@sebastianromero420]

20” wheels 🤣😂

[@EngineAdventures]

I actually popped a tire by pinching it between the wheel and a rock.

[@sebastianromero420]

@@EngineAdventures they don’t want you going offroad m. That’s why they won’t put anything smaller than 19s on these. When the sorento conquered hell’s gate for that commercial they used smaller wheels and knobby tires with large sidewalls and decoupled the sway bars. Those were the only changes.

[@menifo4334]

Bottom line, Korean cars have very mediocre off-road capabilities. Not even a soft-roader. Thanks for the review!

[@EngineAdventures]

I mean it didn't do much worse than the Subaru Outback. But yes, if you are going on dirt roads regularly, maybe a Kia isn't the best choice.