2021 Kia Sorento vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a stylish addition to the Range Rover family, positioned between the compact Evoque and the larger Range Rover. Its design was neither too sleek nor too boxy, featuring a low roof and steeply-raked windshield that gave it a unique profile. The Velar maintained the intimidating presence typical of an SUV, with a broad front end and short overhangs that improved its off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements, such as larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar boasted high-quality leather upholstery and metal trim, creating a luxurious, cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Sorento marked a significant departure from its predecessor's jelly-bean-inspired design, adopting a more athletic and muscular silhouette. The SX Prestige trim with the X-Line package added roof rails and a shark fin antenna, enhancing its sporty appearance. The front featured a more expansive tiger-nose grille, while the rear showcased beautiful vertical taillights. The Sorento's interior was filled with high-value features, including heated mirrors, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample comfort, although the third row was tight for adults. The Sorento's design was modern and practical, with a focus on comfort and convenience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar offered a range of powertrains, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition introducing a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its power, the Velar's performance was not as sharp as some competitors, and it felt large on tight roads. The Velar also featured off-road capabilities, including Land Rover's Terrain Response system and All-Terrain Progress Control, although it lacked a low range for serious off-roading.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, with the most notable being the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in our test car. This engine delivered 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. The Sorento's AWD system included torque vectoring and a center-locking differential, enhancing its traction and handling. The Sorento's suspension provided a smooth ride, and its various drive modes allowed for different driving experiences. While the Sorento leaned in corners, it maintained comfort and stability, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was positioned between small and midsize luxury SUVs, offering a unique size that felt larger on the road but didn't translate to more interior space. The Velar's cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. However, its avant-garde styling limited headroom and visibility, creating a cramped and claustrophobic interior. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the V6 and SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Kia Sorento, a three-row SUV, was best suited as a four-seater in its top trims, with comfortable second-row captain's chairs and a tight third row. The Sorento offered 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 75.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior provided ample legroom and practical storage solutions, including a wireless charging spot and multiple cupholders. While the Sorento's cargo volume was on the smaller side for a midsize crossover, it was comparable to compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The upper screen handled media and navigation, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. Despite its high-quality graphics, the system was criticized for slow responses. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display, although the capacitive steering-wheel controls were prone to glare.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered a range of tech features, with the smaller 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and a larger 10.25-inch screen on higher trims. The larger screen required a physical connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and its layout limited the display area. The Sorento included numerous USB ports and an optional Bose stereo, although the audio quality was not exceptional. The navigation system needed improvement, but most drivers would likely rely on smartphone integration for navigation.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids, with adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring available as options. However, Land Rover's driver-assist tech was less sophisticated than competitors, with limited lane-centering capabilities.

The 2021 Kia Sorento boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Sorento received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with the SX trim's LED headlights receiving top marks. The Sorento's safety systems generally performed well, although the lane-keeping assist could be overly sensitive.