The 2021 Kia Sorento and the 2021 Toyota Venza offer different approaches to transporting passengers and cargo. Here is how they compare.

2021 Kia Sorento

2021 Kia Sorento starting price: $ 29,390 | Price yours Where View listings near you

Above average: Seats up to seven; optional engines, including hybrid with a rating of 37 mpg; good towing; available off-road trim; long warranty.

Below average: Third row tight; hybrid only available in front-wheel drive.

Consensus: Backed by the best warranty in the industry and featuring three very different engines, the Kia Sorento is a versatile midsize SUV with excellent road handling and the price tag attracts many buyers. Sorento also has a long list of high-tech features that enhance safety and comfort.

Toyota Venza 2021

2021 Toyota Venza starting price: $ 33,645 | Price yours Where View listings near you

Above average: All-wheel drive as standard; the hybrid powertrain delivers 39 mpg and 219 horsepower; high resale value.

Below average: Choice of single engine; limited off-road capability; small loading area; no third row seats; Dear.

Consensus: Brand new for 2021, the Toyota Venza bears little resemblance to the previous wagon-type model. This mid-size SUV is very versatile, offers an exceptional hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive and a long list of Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 equipment.

Sorento vs. Venza: Mid-sized Havens

Kia Sorento

The Sorento has been a solid seller for Kia over the years with an average of over 100,000 sales per year. These numbers are expected to increase with the launch of an all-new 2021 Sorento that looks better and more comfortable. The standard 2.5-liter engine produces 190 horsepower supported by an 8-speed automatic transmission with clean shifting and front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (AWD). An optional 227-horsepower 1.6-liter hybrid engine generates an average of 37 mpg (the hybrid is actually listed as the Kia Sorento Hybrid with S and EX trim levels, 6-speed transmission, front-wheel drive only and a starting price of $ 33,590) which will make it very attractive. For those looking for the most powerful drivetrain, an optional 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque pushes the Sorento’s towing capacity to 3,500 lb.

Of particular note is the Sorento SX Prestige X-Line model which increases ground clearance under the chassis and has a locking center differential which improves off-road capabilities. Sorento is more than a pretty face for 2021, merging a host of cool tech features throughout the redesigned interior, an oversized 10.25-inch touchscreen the most notable addition. All key safety features are present, including Blind Spot Vision Monitor and Pre-Collision Warning. Plus, a 360-degree monitor helps prevent scuffing in parking lots, torque vectoring corner control helps manage heavy loads, and Kia’s Safe Exit Assist system prevents side exit doors from opening. approaching traffic.

Toyota venza

The Toyota Venza is brand new for 2021 and has hybrid power as standard equipment. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine incorporates two electric motors that individually generate 176 horsepower. The total power created from gasoline and electricity is 219 horsepower. Backed by the best continuously variable transmission we’ve seen lately and the AWD standard, the result is a new Venza with excellent handling in all situations. Classified as a mid-size crossover SUV, the new Venza integrates seamlessly with Toyota’s RAV4 and Highlander.

Interior comfort is quite good with excellent visibility. All important safety features are included as standard equipment, such as lane departure warning and forward collision assistance. Plus, an 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard and makes it easy to use key vehicle controls. The optional 1,200-watt JBL audio system is highly recommended, along with the Star Gaze panoramic glass roof and high-tech panoramic view camera that helps the driver avoid outside impact. A third row is not available and the Venza’s sleek roofline limits cargo space.

Similarities

Elegant style; hybrid powertrains; AWD traction.

Advantages Kia Sorento 2021

More choice of engines; X-Line all-terrain package; 3,500 pounds maximum towing capacity; long warranty.

Advantages Toyota Venza 2021

All-wheel drive as standard; hybrid fuel economy; good resale value.

Final recommendation

The Toyota Venza gets high marks for style and fuel economy with its standard hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive. However, its 2-row configuration and limited cargo space affects its usefulness. The Sorento offers hybrid power as an option and takes it one step further with specific off-road trim and available 3-row seats, giving it the edge here.

Ready to buy a Kia Sorento or a Toyota Venza? Buy one on sale now near you.