Used 2021 Kia Sorento for SaleNationwide

Compare 2021 Kia Sorento Trims

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 $16,778
• Best MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 29 hwy
• Most Popular: S 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 paying for higher trims. It's the best value option in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $16,778 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 1,039 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LX FWD listings

LX AWD — "Who It's For"

The LX AWD is the choice for those who need all-wheel drive without a hefty price tag. It balances features and capability well.

• Avg. market price: $21,207 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 811 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's the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $19,097 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 1,076 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View S FWD listings

S AWD — "Who It's For"

The S AWD is ideal for those seeking a balance of features and all-weather capability without a significant price increase.

• Avg. market price: $19,329 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 530 listings
• View S AWD listings

EX FWD — "Who It's For"

The EX FWD is for buyers wanting a standard SUV with enhanced features and comfort. It offers a solid mix of value and amenities.

• Avg. market price: $19,726 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 328 listings
• View EX FWD listings

EX AWD — "Who It's For"

The EX AWD is perfect for those who want a sporty feel with all-wheel drive. It combines performance with practicality.

• Avg. market price: $21,838 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 225 listings
• View EX AWD listings

SX FWD — "Who It's For"

The SX FWD is for shoppers who desire a standard SUV with premium features. It offers a luxurious experience without going overboard.

• Avg. market price: $20,715 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 385 listings
• View SX FWD listings

SX AWD — "Who It's For"

The SX AWD is the choice for those wanting a trail-ready SUV with all the bells and whistles. It’s designed for adventure seekers.

• Avg. market price: $22,592 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 593 listings
• View SX AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — S FWD

With 1,076 active listings, the S FWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse S FWD listings

Best Budget Option — LX FWD

At $16,778 avg market price — below the lineup median of $20,220 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse LX FWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — LX FWD

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

Browse LX FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 1, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Kia Sorento cost?

Prices have softened 12.97% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,270 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Kia Sorento a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Kia Sorento earns a 5/5 from owners 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, along with the spacious interior and advanced technology. The Sorento’s styling and standard equipment also help it feel well-rounded for shoppers who want modern features baked in from the start.

The main trade-offs are a cramped third row and a base engine that can feel underwhelming. It also sits close enough to the Telluride on price that you may want to compare both carefully if maximum space matters to you.

With 36.7% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s enough market flexibility to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Kia Sorento reliable?

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

Owner feedback points to a dependable, trouble-free feel, with praise for comfort, safety, and value that suggests buyers are happy living with it over time. The Sorento’s standard equipment and strong feature set also support confidence for everyday use.

The expert review adds that the Sorento’s systems work smoothly and make long days behind the wheel easy to manage. Kia also backs the model with a strong reputation for standard safety tech and a well-rounded package.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the specific vehicle has been maintained well, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage example.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on every candidate and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re shopping outside the cleanest listings. Focus on interior wear, seat condition, and how the electronics and driver-assistance features operate in real use.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The LX trim level is the most basic, with six-way driver adjustment and 4-way front-passenger adjustment, while higher trims add 10-way driver adjustment with lumbar support and more front-passenger comfort. Heated seats are available on all but the LX, and ventilation is reserved for the SX Prestige with the X-Line package.
• Powertrain: The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 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. The more affordable LX, S, and EX trims use LED reflector headlights that received a poor rating.
• Infotainment: LX, S, and EX trims use an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SX and SX Prestige get a 10.25-inch screen, but phone projection requires a wired connection.
• Fuel efficiency: The naturally aspirated four-cylinder returns 24 mpg city, 29 highway, and 26 combined with FWD, or 23/25/24 with AWD. The turbo four-cylinder returns 22/29/25 with FWD or 21/28/24 with AWD.

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 value proposition with standard safety tech, wireless smartphone integration, and the most affordable starting point. It makes sense if you want the lowest price and can live with the simpler seat adjustments and basic equipment.
• S: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more comfort and convenience without jumping all the way to the pricier upper trims. You still get the Sorento’s strong standard tech and safety foundation, but with a more appealing everyday setup than the LX.
• EX: This trim is the middle-ground choice if you want a more polished feel and better front-seat comfort than the lower trims. It’s a sensible step up if you want more equipment without paying for the top-end luxury touches.
• SX: This is the first trim that brings the larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen, so it’s the one to target if tech presentation matters to you. It also moves you closer to the more premium end of the Sorento lineup.
• SX Prestige: This is the most upscale choice, especially if you want the richest cabin materials and the most comfort-focused setup. The X-Line package adds AWD, extra ride height, 20-inch wheels, and the roof rack, but the price climbs quickly.

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 looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 36.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,270 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.97% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $20,281, 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 $20,281 sits slightly below last year's $23,303.

That decline suggests the Sorento has become more affordable for used buyers, which can help you enter the market at a lower cost. For a future seller, though, it also means you should expect a softer pricing environment than last year’s.

The good news is that the Sorento still has broad appeal thanks to its standard safety features, modern tech, and strong owner satisfaction. Those traits can help support demand when it’s time to resell.

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, in frontal-impact crash tests, and in rollover from NHTSA, plus five-star ratings in side-impact crash tests.

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

Standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver-attention warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, lane-following assist, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control is also a highlight, and the system is described as smooth and easy to live with.

One important caveat is that the more affordable LX, S, and EX trims use LED reflector headlights that received a poor IIHS rating. If safety is a top priority, that trim-level detail is worth paying attention to.

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:

• 36.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.97% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The redesigned model brings strong styling, standard advanced safety features, and a more maneuverable family-crossover feel.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $23,389, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $20,281 average.
• It adds a standard 10.25-inch infotainment system on most trims.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the better value if you want the redesigned Sorento at a lower price and can live with its cramped third row and base-engine compromises. If you’re willing to spend more for a newer model with added tech, the 2022 is the cleaner upgrade path, but price-sensitive buyers should start with the 2021.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.