Kia Sorento GT-Line 2021 review | Chasing Cars

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Tom reviews the new 2021 Kia Sorento GT-Line and provides an expert opinion.
Is the new Sorento the best family SUV? Should you buy a Kia Sorento instead of a Mazda CX-9 or Toyota Kluger? Or, should you wait for the Hyundai Palisade? In today’s video, we take a detailed look at the 2021 Kia Sorento GT-Line Diesel AWD, the top of the tree here in Australia fo this model. Powered by a refreshed 2.2-litre Diesel engine that returns good economy, the Sorento is spacious enough for seven people.
In today’s view, Tom Baker from Chasing Cars conducts a review of this new generation of the Kia Sorento, finished in a deep blue over black leather and metal accents.
What do you think of the new Sorento? Is it a big improvement over the last version? Is the flagship GT-Line worth the extra spend? Let me know all your thoughts in the comments box below.
While you’re there, please consider subscribing and joining our Chasing Cars community.

[@influentialnobody8960]

I just did a test drive of the Gt line-disesel, yesterday. What i observed: -Looks even better than in pics and videos, although the side view looks plain but it suits the overall muscular look. -Interior was very porsche and very high end. Infotainment was very smooth and high resolution. Only thing i didnt like were the air vents, not my taste but wife loved it. If this had the interior of the new 2022 tucson it would have been perfect. My other small issue was the driver display, the blindspot monitor in the display was small and most times unusable, check this if you have impaired vision. - The drive was almost perfect, the car had an intense acceleration. The diesel engine sounded mean and muscular. Very quiet inside the car, can only hear the engine at high revs. You feel the small bumps slightly because of those 20 inch alloys but on bigger bumps i felt nothing. 0-100 kmph was like 7 seconds. Car was giving 7-8 l per 100km mileage. Also, the car is ridiculously good on corners. This is my balanced view,i loved the car, its a percect family car. I will be buying the GT line diesel next month.

[@DMcOz_Down_Under]

Great ob's from your test drive, thanks. How did you go re availability on the GT-Line diesel? Can I ask your state and rough location? Thanks in advance.

[@influentialnobody8960]

@@DMcOz_Down_Under its bad, im in qld, white ones are available within the next 2 months, but for my gravity blue, i have to wait till March next year.

[@DMcOz_Down_Under]

@@influentialnobody8960 that Gravity Blue is a great colour, nice choice. It'd probably be mine too, but I'm waiting until the new year. Silver another option. I'll guess that NSW stock isn't any better. Thanks & good luck.

[@influentialnobody8960]

@@DMcOz_Down_Under my car will come from South Korea directly, hence the long wait. Production starts in October then shipped in January and arrival in March, guess it will be same for you. All the best mate

[@DMcOz_Down_Under]

@@influentialnobody8960 That'll be a long 6 months wait! Enjoy and thanks again, mate.

[@JimboJones99]

I've still got my 1997 Kia Sportage. Most reliable and safest car I've ever owned.

[@kena9595]

Excellent review and hats off to you for no annoying back round music.

[@kia-thepowertosurprise5325]

Simplicity, reliability, value for money !!! 💪🏆👍

[@amrsamir5718]

Very good review as always, And what a car !! Wow

[@autonewstv86]

Awesome review Tom. Looking at buying this car once the Melbourne lockdown allows some test driving. Interesting about the 12v socket up front, I use it for 45w PD to charge Samsung phones extremely quick, whereas the normal USB outlets are very slow charging in comparison

[@mikeykeyes]

Great I will buy it off you when you have finished splashing cash and I get it $20000 cheaper - the correct price for this car buy the way

[@sorrento8580]

I’ve got a 2015 Sonata and the engine blew up at 42,000 miles despite changing the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

[@jate.photography]

@@sorrento8580 doesn't it have a 7 year warranty anyway? You get a new one?

[@saauuzza]

@@jate.photography he says that on every kia review.

[@lfsantosl]

@@mikeykeyes post link for a similar car for 20k less and I’ll buy 2: one for me, one for you

[@brentonh2197]

The dark (blue?) car in your walk-around would look fab with the tan interior...

[@shairi65]

Waiting to test drive this car when it arrives in Malaysia... Awesome review

[@roberthamilton1301]

Very Very Nice ! Thanks for the video

[@balensydney]

Anyone else waited till Chasing Cars made a review of the new Kia

[@philipc239]

Love your review 👍👍

[@kdd070]

Good review as always. Keep it up. I wish if Kia offered brown interior as well

[@chasingcars]

Thanks! Agree - black interiors are practical but pretty boring.

[@oshoair]

Great review, Tom! I was wondering if you tested the noise level at high speeds? Was their any wind noise or could you hear cross winds?

[@fit_by_fifty]

We are getting the GT-Line. We have a Tiguan Allspice and I will miss a lot of things like massive door pockets, draws under the seats, accelerator foot rest, a few little storage draws and the table in the back for the kids. But the Kia looks so much more beautiful.

[@d.j.z.j]

Hi tom, great review. So what about the Sorrento versus the kodo skodiak, hoping you can do a comparison if possible:)

[@gabriellim2293]

Great review Tom!

[@chasingcars]

Thanks Gabriel!

[@onenessek]

Great review, how is the cabin noise in the diesel??

[@andromedamercuri1211]

Good video, Tom. Keep it up!

[@chasingcars]

Thanks. Will do!

[@cliffanderson5711]

Awesome review Tom. We are thinking of buying a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Exceed but this Sorrento looks brilliant. Would you say it trumps the Pajero Sport?

[@TheLT704]

Great review..I take it ..it was done in Australia ?? If so which rental car companies are going for the diesel option ?? And do diesel car's in Australia get charged at a per km or mile rate ?? Can't wait to see your answers.. hopefully you are enjoying the Australian open..

[@tobyinspain]

32mpg real world reviews and top end price, I like kia and I'm looking soon to upgrade but atm the skoda is the better economic option. It will come down to hybrid options especially a plug in hybrid that could do nearly 50 miles and I'd get it tomorrow.

[@davidbryant02]

Good review but would have liked more details on the space in the third row

[@traceyrath6444]

We just ordered this car and have test driven it a few times. Very impressed with the features, look and drive and can't wait to get it. Unfortunately a 4 month wait in Perth Western Australia

[@lfsantosl]

Have you received it yet?

[@atekatayabali3303]

Have you received it?

[@Peter-vn8ue]

The new sorento is a great SUV. I personally would wait for the Hybrid sorento due in Australia in early 2021.

[@nathanoconnor8559]

Top notch as always Tom. Any defender review on the horizon?

[@andrewnguyen8402]

+1 for defender review

[@saauuzza]

Check engine light, visit dealer. Review done.

[@breaker1685]

Tom - thanks for the review - tops! Regarding the Sorento ride, 20" (GT) and 19" (Sports+) - it was commented that the 19" wheels make the ride approx 20% more comfortable - if I purchased the GT could I put a set of Sorento 19" wheels on it without upsetting the correct klms/hour readings? I'm really into comfortable ride ! Also, as a side note - how do the Sorento GT and Sorento Sports Plus compare to the current RAV4 Cruiser AWD in ride quality?

[@DEATHSTARER]

You can simply replace the KIA badge on this SUV with,say,the ‘4 interlocked rings’ and people will be in awe of this SUV and think “WOW.This Audi is brilliant.I want one”. Just saying that the Koreans are making some great cars,AND better value than the big 3 Germans.

[@kensouza9239]

If only looks are everything

[@hedydd2]

I’ve ordered one in the UK. The only diesel trim level here so far is the mid level, which sounds like one down from your top. It loses the glass roof, blind spot pictures in the dash and surround cameras, the quilted leather and the only one that bugs me, seat memory. Oh, and the Bose stereo and head up display. All uk versions are four wheel drive. All petrol versons are available in all three trims and have the 1.6 turbo hybrid. The diesel is similar to Australian version but cleaner to Euro6 final, with Adblue helping it being super-clean.

[@daveclarke1967]

The ride quality of the GT Line is great!

[@hebaaltawil2465]

Thank you, but what about another engine ?

[@Terror-il5nm]

Great review as always Tom. Also what's the name of the watch that you were wearing?

[@WiLmAn07]

Looks like an Omega Seamaster

[@chasingcars]

That’s the one.

[@Terror-il5nm]

@@chasingcars respect

[@DMcOz_Down_Under]

Thanks for the review, Tom, great job. Impressive SUV & great that Kia doubled towball down weight to 200KG. Query re cargo capacity - you mention 187L behind 3rd row, & 820(?) behind 2nd row - are these VDA or ? Thx again.

[@joe13LP]

He was incorrect on that stat. With the 3rd row down, you only have 616L of space, not 821L mentioned in the vid. The stat is on Kia's site 👍

[@DMcOz_Down_Under]

@@joe13LP Thanks Joe, appreciate you clarifying. Chasing Cars do tend to be a little inconsistent with their cargo capacity guidelines at times. I understand VDA & SAE aren't exacting guides anyway.

[@Cuzbanger]

Great descriptive review. Your making it very hard not to buy one of these!

[@tonykerry8326]

Great review Tom. If kia releases the sorento with a hybrid engine then I would seriously consider this SUV. I'm hearing the engine could be a 1.6 L.

[@Hdog1983]

It's in uk already

[@Peter-vn8ue]

The Hybrid Sorento is coming to Australia in early 2021. With a 1.6 turbocharged petrol engine and a hybrid electric motor. A plugin hybrid model will arrive later in 2021 possibly in the third or fourth quarter

[@tonykerry8326]

@@Hdog1983 thanks howard

[@tonykerry8326]

@@Peter-vn8ue ok, thanks Peter.

[@roberthamilton1301]

Cool thanks

[@chasingcars]

No worries Robert.

[@jamiep61]

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. A great 👍 looking SUV. The GT Line Is the popular In the UK 🇬🇧

[@hedydd2]

There are only three versions available in the UK so far, and they have only been available for a few weeks. They are called the 2, 3 and 4 respectively. This new model is totally different to the old one, to which I suspect you are confusing it with.

[@fijidesi]

Do a video Kia sernto vs ford endura as both are diesel

[@kkim3710]

was thinking of getting used Q7 or XC90. test drove Sorento few days ago. I'm getting one.

[@jate.photography]

Good choice! You'd save a tonne of $$$ avoiding those euro money pits

[@ashantarobinson5715]

Is It available for purchase yet?

[@sharons9367]

Why does the gt line in USA have the 2.5 and only 2.2 in Australia ? Also the front is different

[@greatsidders]

Hey Tom great review. I am in the market to buy one and confused between this and cx9. In NZ the price difference is $7k (kia is expensive). I am keen to know your thoughts if this is worth the extra money.

[@meenakshibangad7096]

We were also confused and went for kia

[@chubbyfun77]

More tech and safety features similar boot size better seating space and Boot size is bigger with a smaller footprint compared to CX9 and here in Aus about 5K price difference with CX9 aging Kia was the easy choice

[@dennisbermudez2356]

Is it really worth than next gen mazda cx 5 gt line?

[@Junior6502001]

Getting better with each generation. Becoming harder to justify spending double the Sorento’s price for an European prestige brand.

[@radissimo1]

@@StephenFogarty2023 I guess it depends how often you using the third row. Mostly it is used to drop friend's kids home driving

[@Another_opinion_]

I just don't get it. They load so much active safety gear, but they don't extend the side airbags to the third row windows. Seriously?!

[@chasingcars]

Yeah. The Group claims they extend to the glass but there is no good excuse for not having proper third row bags.

[@Another_opinion_]

@@chasingcars they say they extend to the third row, but the picture (or diagram) clearly shows that they don't cover the windows. I checked inside and the occupant's head sits just behind the window. That means no protection from side impact and no protection from exploding glass shards.

[@mikeykeyes]

Plus Korea has started to up the ante: their Black Panther tank is the world's most expensive now their cars they are starting out to be luxury! Yes at that price to sacrifice your kids in the third row has criminal. Never buy it. They might as well as stick to the 5 seater.

[@patthai4669]

Just don’t crash then

[@hedydd2]

I would have no hesitation putting kids in the back. It has exceptional crash avoidance technology and kids sit more to the centre in the back seats than in any other row.

[@sagary2k]

How is cabin noise in Kia sorento?

[@10tenman10]

Apparently they can't make enough Tellurides. Massive demand. This car is cheaper though and is probably the right size for more families.

[@kishorekumaru9]

Good looking SUV, hope those techs are durable and last longer

[@chasingcars]

Hopefully. Kia’s warranty is very generous, either way.

[@jate.photography]

@@chasingcars how is Kia's reliability usually post the 7 years anyway?

[@lisabartlett6834]

I have had my Kia 2021 Sorento GT since last December - love it - but there are the odd problems....1 is if you get a flat tyre and put on the spare it has no sensor so keeps throwing on the screen that you have a flat tyre...I can find no information whatsoever online. My local kia dealer are not well educated and telling me that there is a "tool" which Kia have not sent them yet to reset the icon on the screen- this is an excuse to tell me really that - buggered if we know what to do !! So - I've had to order a new tyre...which may come with a different pattern which will have to be put on the spare and swap the spare over onto the sensor wheel....this is a bit of a pain in the bum. And after the "mechanic" at the dealership buggering about with it - I have this huge flashing icon telling me I have low tyre pressure.....what a nightmare !! When I first got the car a few times I lost all picture on my screen - it came back but happened a few times...also when I had the tow ball kit on -- in reverse sharp turn the car would come to a halt as the sensor was picking ups the tow ball !! So I had to take tow ball off ! Over all a lovely vehicle though - love all the extras...freezing hands after the snow - turn on the heated steering wheel - rear seats are also heated ! Bonus.

[@seapen9608]

No one mentions the passenger seat control buttons on the side of the seat that the driver can easily control.

[@vvjp5732]

The lack of 3rd row airbags is a deal breaker for me. Otherwise ticks every other box!

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

Once you've have more than three kids you can lose a couple and not notice

[@ibnusighabdulah1612]

KIA Sorento design is very good. But only one thing, the back lamp is not attractive, too small! It is not suitable with its big body.

[@jeffchristie1541]

Great interior but not a patch on the Peugeot 5008

[@Danielle-tx2es]

i need it in five pax..

[@timfudy3147]

I considered the Sorrento but I was so disappointed with our lack of engine choices and the two tone interior with the captains chairs which takes it to another level. So for 65,000-70,000 it needs the petrol hybrid or the 2.5 turbo petrol in AWD and more interior choices.

[@DMcOz_Down_Under]

Very much agree, Tim. Perhaps Kia might bring in hybrid & 2.5 petrol choices, plus two-tone interior & 2nd row captains chairs in next upgrade. Hopefully!

[@timfudy3147]

@@DMcOz_Down_Under It looks like me are getting the hybrid 1.6 but I don't know about the 2.5 turbo because that's coming in the Stinger. It's just the fact that the V6 really is a dinosaur and a waste being front wheel drive. And just the noise and harshness of that diesel compared to the hybrid, We'll see Damon.

[@Peter-vn8ue]

The sorento hybrid is coming to Australia early in 2021 with a 1.6 turbocharged petrol engine mated to the hybrid electric motor and a 6 speed gearbox. Doubt we will get the captains chair option. I think they will stick to the 7 seat layout. Would love the option of a grey interior on the hybrid. There is also a plugin hybrid model arriving here in the third or fourth quarter of 2021.

[@timfudy3147]

@@Peter-vn8ue The price will be interesting, if they make it over 70k I think they will scare a lot of buyers off.

[@Peter-vn8ue]

I think it will come in close to the price of the top spec hybrid Kluger when that arrives early 2021. The hybrid Sorento will be close in spec to the GT line Sorento but without the automatic parking/ retrieving feature when you parallel park in a tight parking spot.

[@boudjansen7195]

If the 20 inch tyres are so much worse, why not get the gt line with 19 inch tyres?

[@jamesdouglas7647]

Kia certainly have come a long way.

[@chasingcars]

They have indeed, James.

[@babureddyreddy230]

what is a price kia sorento

[@Joobkl]

A shame we won't get the Hybrid engine

[@chasingcars]

Hopefully there is a change of mind there - perhaps after Hyundai brings the hybrid Santa Fe.

[@Peter-vn8ue]

The hybrid Sorento is due in Australia early 2021 with a 1.6 turbocharged petrol engine complimented by the electric hybrid motor with a 6 speed gearbox.

[@kenezos]

Disappointing to see the plastic around the front of the centre console.

[@FlameMirage]

I don't know what to buy anymore xD I like the look of this car and the cx-9, but is the hyundai the one to go xD haha I struggle all the time. I really like the look of th bmq x5 but that car is outta budget.

[@jate.photography]

What about a Kodiaq RS?

[@anenigma9517]

@@jate.photography agree im torn between a kodiaq Sportline

[@jate.photography]

Well there's no point dreaming about the X5. It will just be a money pit to maintain. Santa Fe something about the interior that I just dislike a lot. I think it's the shape of the vents and the 2021 front grill is too much. Kodiaq seems to do pretty well in reviews although I don't think it's big enough (depends how many kids/in laws you need to ferry) so that leave us with the CX-9 the industry benchmark but is "old" now and this good looking new Sorento

[@sumbunleng2335]

Everything looks nice on this car but the logo. I think Kia really need to redesign this KIA with a new font/style.

[@anenigma9517]

Agree!! Im buying this car but the logo pisses me off lol

[@saauuzza]

@@anenigma9517 well you are buying a kia.

[@ahss6275]

We bought a Kia Sorento in February 2021. For the last month we have nothing but problems with the car & the dealership at Robina QLD. The gearbox jerking when coming to a stop from second to first gear at lights. Also in reverse it’s quite bad. The dealership has admitted to having this issue with a few customers but they somehow say it ok as that’s how a “dual clutch system” works. Wtf!!!!🤷‍♂️ The entertainment system & Apple car play faulty. It goes to a dark blank screen while driving & then nothing works. It happens spastically & the dealership tries to blame it on the cord. 🤦‍♂️. So this car winning car of the year is obviously based on rubbish assessment.

[@rodcarlo7047]

Sorry to hear that. I was looking forward to getting this but now I'm reconsidering.

[@sinisajakus1744]

Kia razvaljuje

[@osamehammadi9167]

❤👍KIA👍❤

[@brucepeppinck9988]

Like drives car Kia Australia 🇦🇺

[@10tenman10]

Seriously who needs panoramic moonroofs? If required that would be a good reason to avoid the vehicle.

[@10tenman10]

@@SirGregory Aren't those two different vehicles?

[@jarekw1981]

It's a 12 month waiting time. No thank you.

[@harryarora9219]

Pretty much a copy of the Hyundai Palisade