2021 Kia Sorento vs. 2021 Toyota Venza Comparison

Both the 2021 Kia Sorento and 2021 Toyota Venza offer different approaches to passenger and cargo transportation. Here’s how they compare.

2021 Kia Sorento

2021 Kia Sorento Starting Price: $29,390| Price Yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Seating for up to seven; optional engines including hybrid with 37 mpg rating; good towing; available off-road trim; long warranty.

Below Average: Tight third row; hybrid only offered in FWD.

Consensus: Backed by the best warranty in the industry and featuring three very different engines, the Kia Sorento is a versatile midsize SUV with great road manners and priced to attract a lot of buyers. Sorento also boasts a long list of high-tech features that enhance safety and comfort.

2021 Toyota Venza

2021 Toyota Venza Starting Price: $33,645 | Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average:  Standard AWD; hybrid powertrain delivers 39 mpg and 219 horsepower; strong resale value.

Below Average: Single engine choice; limited off-road capability; small cargo area; no third-row seating; pricey.

Consensus: All-new for 2021, Toyota Venza bears little resemblance to the prior wagon-like model. This midsize SUV is highly versatile, offers an outstanding hybrid powertrain with AWD and a long list of Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 equipment.

Sorento vs. Venza: MIdsize Havens

Kia Sorento

The Sorento has been a solid seller for Kia over the years with an average of over 100,000 sales annually. Those figures are bound to go up with the launch of an all-new 2021 Sorento that is better looking and more comfortable. The standard 2.5-liter engine delivers 190 horsepower backed by a clean shifting 8-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel (FWD) or all-wheel (AWD) drive. 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, FWD only, and a starting price of $33,590) which will make it highly attractive. For those looking for the most powerful drivetrain, an optional 2.5-liter turbocharged engine rated at 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque pushes the Sorento’s tow rating to 3,500 lbs.

Of particular note is the Sorento SX Prestige X-Line model that increases under-chassis ground clearance and features a lockable center differential that enhances off-road capability. Sorento is more than a pretty face for 2021 melding in a host of cool tech features throughout the redesigned interior, an oversize 10.25-inch touchscreen the most noticeable addition. All key safety features are present including blind-spot view monitor and pre-collision warning. In addition, a 360-degree-view monitor helps avoid parking lot scrapes, torque vectoring corner control helps manage large loads and Kia’s Safe Exit Assist system keeps the side exit doors from opening if traffic is approaching.

Toyota Venza

The Toyota Venza is brand new for 2021 and features 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 both gasoline and electric power is 219 horsepower. Backed by the best continuously variable transmission we have experienced lately and AWD standard, the result is a new Venza with excellent driving manners in all situations. Classified as a midsize crossover SUV, the new Venza is a great fit between Toyota’s RAV4 and the Highlander.

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

Similarities

Sleek styling; hybrid powertrains; AWD traction.

2021 Kia Sorento Advantages

More engine choices; off-road X-Line package; max 3,500-pound tow rating; long warranty.

2021 Toyota Venza Advantages

Standard AWD; hybrid fuel economy; good resale value.

Final Recommendation

The Toyota Venza earns high marks for styling and fuel economy with its standard hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive. However, its 2-row configuration and limited cargo area affect its utility. The Sorento offers hybrid power as an option and goes a step further with a specific off-road trim and available 3-row seating, giving it the edge here.

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