Used 2021 Kia Sorento for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

Compare 2021 Kia Sorento Trims in Raleigh, NC

The 2021 Kia Sorento offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to more feature-rich models, catering to various needs and preferences.

• Starting at $13,995
• Best MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 29 hwy
• Most Popular: LX FWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

LX FWD — "Who It's For"

The LX FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-equipped SUV without breaking the bank. It's also the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $21,183 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 74 listings
• View LX FWD listings

LX AWD — "Who It's For"

The LX AWD is the pick for shoppers who want all-wheel drive without paying a premium. It's an affordable option for those needing extra traction.

• Avg. market price: $13,995 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 54 listings
• View LX AWD listings

S FWD — "Who It's For"

The S FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a standard SUV experience with added features. It balances value and functionality well.

• Avg. market price: $23,575 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 73 listings
• View S FWD listings

S AWD — "Who It's For"

The S AWD is the pick for shoppers who want sporty performance with all-wheel drive. It offers a blend of features and capability.

• Avg. market price: $23,894 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 34 listings
• View S AWD listings

EX FWD — "Who It's For"

The EX FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a standard SUV with premium features. It provides a comfortable ride with added tech.

• Avg. market price: $21,183 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 42 listings
• View EX FWD listings

EX AWD — "Who It's For"

The EX AWD is the pick for shoppers who want premium features with all-wheel drive. It's a great choice for those needing versatility.

• Avg. market price: $21,183 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 17 listings
• View EX AWD listings

SX FWD — "Who It's For"

The SX FWD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features in a standard SUV. It combines comfort with advanced technology.

• Avg. market price: $21,183 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 30 listings
• View SX FWD listings

SX AWD — "Who It's For"

The SX AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a trail-ready SUV with luxury features. It’s perfect for those who need both style and capability.

• Avg. market price: $22,225 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 46 listings
• View SX AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — LX FWD

With 74 active listings, the LX FWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse LX FWD listings

Best Budget Option — LX AWD

At $13,995 avg market price — below the lineup median of $21,183 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse LX AWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — LX FWD

The LX FWD offers the best fuel economy in the lineup with 24/29 MPG.

Browse LX FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 17, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Kia Sorento cost?

Prices have softened 12.87% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,223 listings available, which suggests you should have a reasonable amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Kia Sorento a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Kia Sorento earns a 5/5 user rating and a 7.67/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Look and feel at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise its comfort, safety features, and value for money, and they also like the spacious interior and advanced technology. The trade-offs are that the third row is cramped and the base engine is underwhelming. For you, that means the Sorento makes the most sense if you want a more maneuverable three-row SUV with broad appeal rather than maximum passenger space or the strongest entry-level power.

34.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Kia Sorento reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with praise centered on comfort, safety, and value. The expert drive notes also support that impression by describing the Sorento as easy to manage on long days behind the wheel and by highlighting smooth, confidence-inspiring driver-assistance behavior. Kia also includes a first scheduled maintenance visit on the house, which helps lower early ownership friction.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure the vehicle has been maintained properly, since a three-row SUV with available turbo power and AWD can be more expensive to keep in top shape if prior care was inconsistent.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Kia Sorento?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should start with a history report to confirm accident status, title status, and service records. Then prioritize a careful inspection of the third row, seat adjustments, infotainment operation, and any signs of wear on higher-use family vehicles. It also makes sense to focus on trim-specific equipment, since the Sorento’s feature set changes meaningfully as you move up the lineup.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The LX trim is the most basic version, with six-way driver adjustment and 4-way front-passenger adjustment, while other trims add 10-way driver adjustment with power lumbar support. Heated seats are available on all but the LX, and ventilation is reserved for the SX Prestige with the X-Line package.
• Powertrain: The lineup includes a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, plus a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The turbo setup is the stronger choice if you want easier merging and passing.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver-attention warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, lane-following assist, and auto high beams. Higher trims can add a surround-view camera and front- and rear-camera views at low speeds.
• Infotainment: The LX, S, and EX use an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SX and SX Prestige get a 10.25-inch screen, but phone projection on that display requires a wired connection.
• Fuel efficiency: The naturally aspirated front-wheel-drive model is rated at 24 mpg city, 29 highway, and 26 combined, while all-wheel drive drops that to 23/25/24. The turbo front-wheel-drive model is rated at 22/29/25, and the turbo all-wheel-drive version at 21/28/24.

Which 2021 Kia Sorento trim should I buy?

The 2021 Kia Sorento is offered in 5 trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, SX Prestige.

Here's the short version:

• LX: This is the entry point, and it gives you the Sorento’s core design and standard safety tech at the lowest price. It makes sense if you want the Sorento’s shape and utility without paying for extras, but it is the least generous on seat adjustment and comfort features.
• S: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds meaningful comfort and convenience over the LX without jumping all the way to the upper end of the range. You get a more complete everyday experience while still staying relatively accessible.
• EX: This trim builds on the S with more of the Sorento’s desirable family-friendly equipment and is a sensible middle ground if you want a nicer cabin without stretching too far.
• SX: This is the step for shoppers who want the larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a more upscale feel. It is the better pick if tech matters more to you than keeping the budget tight.
• SX Prestige: This is the most luxurious version, with the richest interior materials and the most comfort-focused equipment. It is the right choice if you want the Sorento to feel as premium as possible, especially with the X-Line package.

The safety package is strong across the lineup, but the more affordable LX, S, and EX trims use LED reflector headlights that received a poor rating.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Kia Sorento?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully and still find opportunities.

• Deal availability: 34.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,223 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.87% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $20,582, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Kia Sorento's resale value?

The current average of $20,582 sits slightly below last year's $23,623.

That price decline suggests the Sorento has already absorbed a meaningful amount of market softening, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price today. If you purchase near the current average or below it, you may have a better chance of limiting depreciation pressure later. The strongest resale prospects will likely come from well-kept examples with desirable equipment and clean history reports.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Kia Sorento safe?

The 2021 Kia Sorento earns a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS and four-star ratings overall and in frontal-impact crash tests and rollover, plus five-star ratings in side-impact crash tests from NHTSA.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

The standard driver-assistance suite includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver-attention warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, lane-following assist, and auto high beams. Higher trims can add a surround-view camera and front- and rear-camera views at low speeds.

One important caveat is that the LED reflector headlights on the more affordable LX, S, and EX trims received a poor IIHS rating, while the more expensive SX trims with LED headlights performed better.

Should I buy a 2021 Kia Sorento or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 34.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.87% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It brings a redesigned body, strong tech, and standard advanced safety features.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $23,566, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $20,582 average.
• It adds a standard 10.25-inch infotainment system on most trims.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2021 is the smarter starting point because prices are softer and inventory is healthy. If you are willing to pay more for a newer-year setup with a larger standard infotainment screen on most trims, the 2022 is worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.