2021 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Kia Sorento represented a significant departure from the previous model's jelly-bean styling, presenting itself as a more muscular and athletic crossover SUV. The SX Prestige trim with the X-Line package, which we tested, featured roof rails and a shark fin antenna that complemented the rear roof spoiler perfectly. At the front, the tiger-nose grille had become more expansive, curving noticeably towards the car's corners and enhancing its overall presence. The headlights were accented by running lights, and they squinted without appearing too small, fitting well with the vehicle’s design. Moving along the side, a silver accent between the front fender and the door added a touch of flair. The rear showcased large D-pillars and beautiful vertical rectangle taillights, maintaining a cautiously modern look that appeared age-proof.

Inside, the Sorento was equally impressive. Heated outside mirrors, second-row air vents, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and keyless entry came standard across the lineup. Higher trims offered 10-way driver’s seat adjustment with power lumbar support, and the SX Prestige trimmed passenger seats with 8-way adjustments or even 10-way with the X-Line package. Vehicles equipped with the X-Line package also got heated seats and ventilation. Our test vehicle provided fantastic exterior visibility and a big panoramic sunroof, which was both a blessing for scenery lovers and a mild curse when it came to hot sunlight.

Similarly, the 2021 Honda CR-V did not distinguish itself in a crowd, adhering to the generic look that pervaded the compact crossover market. The CR-V offered only subtle distinctions like its grille opening and chromed plastic features. Available in eight colors, it included a mix of grays, black, and white, with only a couple of vibrant options like Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic being relatively rare at dealerships. Inside, materials ranged from basic cloth to leather, offering an upscale appearance in higher trims with wood panels and more chrome. Compared to competitors like the Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson, the CR-V’s design felt more conservative and less distinctive.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered several powertrains. The base models (LX and S trims) housed a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with a traditional eight-speed automatic transmission. Our test model, however, featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, significantly enhancing performance with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with a wet clutch. The AWD system on our test car included torque vectoring and a center-locking differential, optimizing traction in various driving conditions. With 20-inch wheels, the Sorento provided a comfortable ride, although smaller wheels on lower trims might offer better comfort. Its various drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) noticeably affected performance, with Eco mode enhancing fuel efficiency and Sport mode improving throttle response.

The 2021 Honda CR-V featured a single 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trim levels. Capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, it offered smooth but uninspiring performance. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided steady acceleration without the engagement of more traditional automatic transmissions. FWD was standard, with AWD as an option. The CR-V’s suspension system ensured decent handling and ride quality, aligning with industry standards but lagging behind competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson in driving engagement.

The 2021 Kia Sorento, aimed at practicality, offered a three-row configuration but was best used as a four-seater at higher trims due to the tight third-row space. With second-row captain’s chairs in our test vehicle, the comfort in the front and rear seats was notable, offering 41.4 inches of legroom in the front and 41.7 inches in the rear. However, cargo space behind the third row was limited at 12.6 cubic feet, with total cargo volume reaching 75.5 cubic feet. Convenient storage included spots for phones, two cupholders, and decent-sized door pockets.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in passenger and cargo space. With 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, it surpassed the RAV4 and offered more cargo space with 75.8 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded. Access to the cargo area varied with trim levels, from manual tailgates to hands-free power tailgates on higher trims. Roof rails were standard only on the top-tier Touring trim. The CR-V’s form was dictated by its function, accommodating five passengers comfortably and storing their gear efficiently.

The tech in the 2021 Kia Sorento was a mixed bag. Lower trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims had a larger 10.25-inch screen that required a wired connection for smartphone projection. Although visually appealing, the larger screen had usability issues, such as displaying redundant information. The Sorento came packed with numerous USB ports (although none were USB-C) and optional features like a Bose stereo, which fell short of immersive sound quality. Navigation system quirks also frustrated users at times.

The 2021 Honda CR-V offered a simple 5-inch screen on the base LX trim, with higher trims upgrading to a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard from the Special Edition trim upwards. Audio systems improved with trim levels, reaching a 300-watt setup with a subwoofer on the Touring trim. Higher trims also provided multiple charging ports, including two second-row USB ports, and the Touring trim featured a wireless phone charger.

The 2021 Kia Sorento came with a robust suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver-attention warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Our test vehicle included a surround-view camera and adaptive cruise control, making long drives more manageable. The Sorento earned four out of five stars overall from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, though only the expensive trims received the highest headlight ratings.

In the 2021 Honda CR-V, safety was a standout feature. It boasted a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The CR-V's advanced safety features, grouped in the Honda Sensing system, included automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Remarkably, these features were standard across all trims, except for blind spot monitoring, which started from the EX trim level.