Car Reviews

Kia faces a formidable challenge with the launch of its redesigned fourth-generation 2021 Sorento SUV, which comes to market on the heels of the Korean brand’s immensely successful and 10Best-winning Telluride crossover. Yet, while both SUVs compete in the same mid-size, three-row segment, the slightly smaller Sorento makes a compelling case with its attractive design, more affordable pricing, and a diverse range of powertrains that includes two gas engines, a hybrid, and an upcoming plug-in hybrid model.
The new Sorento may not have the same bold style as the chunky Telluride. But its chiseled lines look handsomely modern and they set off its more prominent styling details, such as the hexagonal pattern in its grille and its eye-catching LED taillights. A $2800 X-Line appearance package is available on all-wheel-drive SX models, which adds a model-specific roof rack and front and rear bumpers. The X-Line is also available in a fetching Aruba Green color that pairs nicely with Sorento’s optional brown leather interior.

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Michael Simari

2021 Kia Sorento Pricing Announced

2021 Kia Sorento Has New X-Line, Hybrid Models

While we’ve only driven well-equipped SX models thus far, we’re impressed with the design and material quality of the Sorento’s cabin. Its fake wood trim is convincing, its quilted leather upholstery is soft, and its shapely door panels feature attractive stitching and plush armrests. The dashboard’s abundance of air vents can look busy, but the SX’s crisply rendered 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits within easy reach of the driver, and the climate controls are straightforward to operate. Lesser LX, S, and EX models have a smaller 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, but strangely the SX’s larger screen requires you to plug your phone in with an old-fashioned USB cable in order to access those features.
With a wheelbase that’s 3.4 inches shorter than the Telluride’s, the Sorento is closer in size to two-row mid-size crossovers such as the Honda Passport, yet the Kia comes standard with a questionably useful third row of seats. Accommodations in the way back simply aren’t comfortable for adults, with limited stretch-out space and a low bottom seat cushion that forces your knees up toward your chest. Plus, we only fit two carry-on suitcases in its cargo area with the third row raised versus the four we fit in the Telluride’s aft hold. If we owned a new Sorento, we’d probably leave the third row folded until we absolutely needed to ferry additional riders for short distances. Lower trim levels have a second-row bench seat and seven-passenger capacity, but higher trims are limited to six riders with their second-row captain’s chairs.

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Michael Simari

The Sorento will eventually offer four powertrain options, including a base 191-hp 2.5-liter inline-four, a turbocharged 2.5-liter four, a hybrid that pairs with a 1.6-liter turbo-four, and an upcoming plug-in hybrid with a larger battery pack that enables a claimed 30 miles of electric range. We’ve only driven the optional 281-hp turbo 2.5-liter so far, and we enjoyed its responsiveness and smooth power delivery.
Although the Sorento’s optional turbo-four (EX and SX models only) is somewhat unusual in a segment where naturally aspirated V-6s remain the norm, that the engine mates to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is even more unconventional. Kia claims that this setup enables quicker shifts and better fuel economy. Indeed, the 2.5-liter turbo’s 24-mpg EPA combined estimate for an all-wheel-drive model is identical to the figure for an equivalent Sorento with the significantly less powerful naturally aspirated engine and conventional eight-speed torque-converter automatic. We did notice a slight lag in throttle response when starting from a stop with the dual clutch, but the transmission otherwise performed smoothly and unobtrusively. We expect a swift zero-to-60-mph time in the mid-six-second range for the quickest turbocharged models, with the naturally aspirated variants roughly 2.5 seconds off that pace.

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Michael Simari

Compared to the floaty ride and handling of the previous-gen Sorento, the new model feels considerably more solid and planted on the road. It rides confidently, with even large bumps producing little noise from the suspension and minimal vibrations through the steering wheel. The tuning of the primary controls also is much improved, with nicely weighted steering and a firm brake pedal.
Starting at $30,560 for a front-wheel-drive LX model and ranging up to roughly $45K for a loaded all-wheel-drive SX, the Sorento costs less than the larger Telluride, which starts at $33,160 and can top $50K with options. Given the Telluride’s presence and excellent packaging, it remains a highly tempting option among three-row utes. But the new Sorento is attractive in its own right. For sensible shoppers that don’t need its larger sibling’s extra size (and cost), Kia’s latest mid-size SUV has a lot to offer.

Specifications

Specifications
2021 Kia Sorento
VEHICLE TYPE front-engine, front- or all-wheel-drive, 6–7-passenger, 4-door wagon
BASE PRICE LX, $30,560; S, $33,060; EX, $36,160; SX, $39,160
ENGINES DOHC 16-valve 2.5-liter inline-4, 191 hp, 181 lb-ft; turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.5-liter inline-4, 281 hp, 311 lb-ft
TRANSMISSIONS 8-speed automatic, 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 110.8 inLength: 189.0 inWidth: 74.8 inHeight: 66.9–70.3 inPassenger volume: 144 ft3Cargo volume: 13 ft3Curb weight (C/D est): 3750–4150 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 6.5–9.0 sec100 mph: 16.0–18.5 sec1/4 mile: 14.8–17.3 secTop speed: 124–131 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/city/highway: 24–26/21–24/25–29 mpg

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Going into its fourth year in production, the second-generation Nissan Armada was beginning to feel a bit tired next to the newer full-size SUVs in in its segment, such as the Ford Expedition and the even-fresher 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. Nissan understands this and has updated its big ute with some meaningful improvements for the 2021 model year. While the relatively modest changes don’t amount to game-changing enhancements, they do make the Armada more functional and attractive—and that’s okay because it already was pretty nice to begin with.
Nissan started by improving the Armada’s curbside appeal with a new front end that features a more aggressive nose and angular LED headlights, plus a revised tail with a more stylish hatch and taillights. Inside, the interior has been spiffed up with a simpler center stack and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with crisper graphics, while a new 7.0-inch full color display now sits between the analog speedometer and tach. Also standard is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although you still need to connect the latter setup with a cord. Map data and software can now be updated via an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. And a neat feature of the Armada’s revised center console is that it can be opened from the front or the rear, making it easier for second-row riders to access.

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Nissan

2021 Nissan Armada Gets a New Look, Updated Tech

Tested: 2017 Nissan Armada

In the world of behemoth SUVs, the Armada is within a couple of inches of the Expedition, Tahoe, and Yukon in length. But while the Nissan is big and roomy—with three rows of seats and 156 cubic feet of passenger space when equipped with a sunroof—its competitors from Chevy, Ford, and GMC all have 178 cubic feet of people room. The Armada’s rear seat is tighter than its rivals’, too; average-size adults will feel cramped in the way back. The Armada also comes up short on cargo volume, offering 17 cubic feet behind its third row versus 21 cubes for the Ford and 25 from General Motors’s twins.
If the latest Armada is less cavernous than other full-sizers, it gives up nothing to them in the way of appointments. But that’s not a new development. It’s long been nearly indistinguishable from the mechanically similar Infiniti QX80, and our all-wheel-drive Armada Platinum test truck’s interior feels worthy of a premium brand. Its leather seats were stitched in a rich quilted pattern. Its cabin was stocked with amenities, including heated-and-ventilated power front seats, heated second-row seats, a rear-seat entertainment system with dual 8.0-inch monitors, a moonroof, power-reclining-and-folding third-row seats, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system.
The Armada’s midlife refresh adds several mechanical and safety-system improvements as well. Nissan’s engineers squeezed 10 more horses and 19 more pound-feet of torque out of Nissan’s venerable 5.6-liter V-8, bringing the totals to 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet. A seven-speed automatic transmission still manages that grunt. There’s also more standard driver-assistance tech, ranging from automatic emergency braking with pedestrian protection to rear automatic braking. Adaptive cruise is standard across the three trim levels—SV, SL, and Platinum.

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Nissan

The posh ambiance of the Platinum model is a prelude to how the Armada conducts itself on the road. There’s effortless power underfoot; the last Armada we tested got to 60 mph in less than six seconds, and we expect the same of the new one. Its ride is pleasantly hushed, and it traverses bumps and ruts with admirable suppleness despite rolling on 22-inch wheels. This is a relaxed cruiser with not a whiff of playfulness to its steering, brakes, or handling. But the Armada does drive competently and comfortably—which for a lot of SUV buyers is more than enough. Towing capacity is a stout 8500 pounds.
Where we expect the 2021 Armada to excel, however, is on its window sticker. Nissan won’t announce pricing until it goes on sale in January. But based on the 2020 model’s $48,895 starting price, we predict that the base Armada SV will about a thousand dollars below the newer Chevy Tahoe. We think a Platinum model, equipped with the optional second-row captain’s chairs, will come in at well under $70K. Considering how easy it is to option a Tahoe or Expedition beyond $80,000, we’re inclined to overlook some of the Nissan’s shortcomings, of which there are now fewer than before.

Specifications

Specifications
2021 Nissan Armada
VEHICLE TYPE front-engine, rear- or four-wheel-drive, 7- or 8-passenger, 4-door wagon
BASE PRICE (C/D EST) Trim level 1, $49,000
ENGINE TYPE DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injectionDisplacement 339 in3, 5552 cm3Power 400 hp @ 5800 rpmTorque 413 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
TRANSMISSION 7-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 121.1 inLength: 208.9 inWidth: 79.9 inHeight: 75.8 inPassenger volume: 156–157 ft3Cargo volume: 17 ft3Curb weight (C/D est): 5700–6000 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 5.8–5.9 sec1/4 mile: 14.6–14.7 secTop speed: 130 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST) Combined/city/highway: 15–16/13–14/18–19 mpg

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Back in 2017, the Honda Civic Type R set the front-wheel-drive production-car record around Germany’s Nürburgring, lapping the infamous 12.9-mile-long racetrack in 7 minutes and 43.8 seconds. About two years later, Renault showed up with its Megane R.S. Trophy-R and shaved 3.7 seconds from that time. Honda has a score to settle. Enter the 2021 Civic Type R Limited Edition (LE).
The Type R LE should be the quickest and fastest production Civic ever, and it’s a fitting swan song for Honda’s highly successful 10th-generation compact car, which will be redesigned for the 2022 model year. But make no mistake, Honda has created this lighter and more track-focused version of its celebrated hot hatchback to reclaim glory at The Green Hell. “There’s a reason we did so much testing at the Nürburgring,” a company spokesman said.

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Honda

Our Civic Type R Forced Us to Overlook Its Faults

The New Hyundai Veloster N vs. Honda Civic Type R

Honda says its development engineers logged 2500 miles at the ‘Ring, dialing in the Limited Edition’s chassis and steering, shaving its curb weight by a claimed 46 pounds, and substantially increasing its grip. After removing 28 pounds of sound deadening material from the Type R’s roof, hatch, front fenders, and dash, they tossed its rear cargo cover, rear heater ducts, and the rear wiper. The Limited Edition’s new 20-inch forged-aluminum BBS wheels are the same size as the standard car’s yet weigh a claimed 4.5 pounds less per corner. Each of its 245/30R-20 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires—the same super-sticky rubber found on Ford Mustang Shelby GT350Rs and hard-core Porsche 911s—remove an additional pound of unsprung weight over the standard car’s Continental SportContact 6 summer tires.
Software changes have added a bit more effort to the Type R’s steering, and the chassis’s roll stiffness has been increased in each of the three settings for its adaptive dampers. But it’s the tire change that’s responsible for the majority of the Type R LE’s additional performance. With a treadwear rating of 180, the soft Michelins provide radically more grip than the Continentals with their 240 treadwear rating.

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Honda

During a morning session of back to back laps around the 1.8-mile road course at the Thermal Club in Southern California, the Limited Edition is clearly quicker than the regular Type R. Although the changes have purportedly increased the amount of weight resting on its front tires, the LE stops harder, turns in sharper, and has additional stability in quick left-right transitions. Speeds are higher everywhere on the track and its responses are more immediate, yet the Type R’s forgiving at-the-limit behavior has been retained.
With its greater traction permitting more corner exit speed, the LE carries more velocity down Thermal’s long back straight. Whereas the regular Type R could finish the straight with its engine redlining in fourth gear, the Limited Edition entered the braking zone in fifth. That’s without any changes to the Type R’s six-speed manual transmission or its 306-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four. Last year, Honda updated the Type R’s front brakes, fitting new fade-resistant pads and two-piece floating rotors that cut 2.5 pounds per side. The updates sync perfectly with the LE’s grippier Michelins. Brake fade is nonexistent.

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Honda

The quickest Civic Type R that we’ve tested hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and completed the quarter-mile in 13.4 seconds at 108 mph. With the Limited Edition’s additional grip and reduced weight, we’d expect those times to improve by a tenth of a second or two. We’d also be surprised if the LE didn’t improve upon the 1.03 g of stick on the skidpad that we’ve recorded for the standard Type R.
With the removal of so much sound insulation, we suspect there’s more engine, road, and wind noise inside the Limited Edition’s cabin, but our drive didn’t include time on the street to verify that. We will say that its suspension remains nearly as compliant as the regular model’s when you engage Comfort mode.

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Honda

Production of the Civic Type R Limited Edition will amount to just 1020 units, with 600 coming to the United States from Honda’s factory in England. The price is $44,950, which is a whopping $6500 more than the regular model. Since every example will wear bright Phoenix Yellow paint, they won’t be hard to spot. Its roof, mirrors, and hood scoop also are painted black, and the Civic badge on its rump is finished in darkened chrome. The only other visual tweaks are the new wheels, but you’ll likely only notice the slightly different shape of their spokes if a standard Type R is parked nearby. Inside, Limited Editions get numbered plaques on their center consoles with designated build numbers. And before you start thinking about upgrading your existing Type R with the LE’s rolling stock, know that Honda won’t be selling the lighter BBS wheels at its parts counter.
Had this been a normal year, Honda already would have made an attempt to reclaim the front-drive Nürburgring record with the Type R Limited Edition. But this hasn’t been a normal year. Sadly, both COVID-19-related issues and the arrival of winter in Germany’s Eifel mountains have delayed its return. But Honda seems determined. “Stay tuned,” said a company rep.

Specifications

Specifications
2021 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition
VEHICLE TYPE front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 4-door hatchback
BASE PRICE $44,950
ENGINE TYPE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injectionDisplacement 122 in3, 1996 cm3Power 306 hp @ 6500 rpmTorque 295 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual
DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 106.3 inLength: 179.4 inWidth: 73.9 inHeight: 56.5 inPassenger volume: 97 ft3Cargo volume: 26 ft3Curb weight (C/D est): 3050 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 4.8 sec100 mph: 11.4 sec1/4 mile: 13.3 secTop speed (mfr’s claim): 169 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST) Combined/city/highway: 25/22/28 mpg

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