U.S. vehicle reference
2021 Kia Sorento MPG, Fuel Cost and Recalls
2021 Kia Sorento MPG and annual fuel cost by engine, with EPA ratings and NHTSA recall records below.
At a glance
2021 Kia Sorento reference
Use the summary to orient yourself, then open the exact engine, drivetrain and source record below.
2021 Kia Sorento MPG by engine and drivetrain
EPA combined ratings run from 24 to 37 mpg across 5 configurations. Match the engine, transmission and drivetrain in the table before comparing fuel costs.
| Engine / transmission | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cylinder turboAutomatic (AM-S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 39 mpg | 35 mpg | 37 mpg | $1,650 | 242 g/mi |
| 2.5L 4-cylinderAutomatic (S8) · Front-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 24 mpg | 29 mpg | 26 mpg | $2,350 | 342 g/mi |
| 2.5L 4-cylinder turboAutomatic (AM-S8) · Front-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 22 mpg | 29 mpg | 25 mpg | $2,450 | 360 g/mi |
| 2.5L 4-cylinderAutomatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 23 mpg | 25 mpg | 24 mpg | $2,550 | 366 g/mi |
| 2.5L 4-cylinder turboAutomatic (AM-S8) · All-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 21 mpg | 28 mpg | 24 mpg | $2,550 | 375 g/mi |
Annual fuel figures are the EPA snapshot at the source date. The calculator below uses the separately dated fuel-price record and your inputs, so the estimates may differ.
2021 Kia Sorento annual fuel cost calculator
Start with the combined MPG for 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Front-Wheel Drive. Replace it with your measured gas mileage and local pump price for a personal budget.
Formula annual miles ÷ MPG × gasoline price
Fuel cost per mile equals gasoline price divided by MPG. Multiply by your annual mileage for a yearly fuel budget. Add maintenance to estimate cost per mile.
2021 Kia Sorento recall campaigns
NHTSA returned 4 model-level campaign records as of 2026-09-04. A campaign record does not establish whether your vehicle is affected or whether a repair is outstanding. Check your VIN through NHTSA.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · 21V519000
Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC214.
TRAILER HITCHES · 22V703000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · 22V760000
Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS · 25V649000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC351. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 9, 2025.
2021 Kia Sorento NHTSA safety ratings
| Vehicle | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Kia Sorento SUV FWD Later Release | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2021 Kia Sorento SUV AWD Later Release | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2021 Kia Sorento SUV AWD Early Release | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2021 Kia Sorento SUV FWD Early Release | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2021 Kia Sorento gas mileage?
EPA combined ratings run from 24 to 37 mpg across 5 configurations. Match the engine, transmission and drivetrain in the table before comparing fuel costs.
Are these real-world MPG figures for the Sorento?
These are EPA ratings, not owner-reported mileage. Use your measured MPG in the calculator to estimate your own fuel budget. The configuration table keeps city, highway and combined ratings separate.
Does the 2021 Kia Sorento have recalls?
NHTSA returned 4 model-level campaign records as of 2026-09-04. A campaign record does not establish whether your vehicle is affected or whether a repair is outstanding. Check your VIN through NHTSA.
Does annual fuel cost include servicing or insurance?
No. The EPA cost and the calculator cover fuel only. Use the cost-per-mile calculator to add a maintenance allowance. Insurance, depreciation, finance costs and registration are separate ownership expenses.
Compare similar vehicles
Sources and record dates
U.S. EPA FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataset Accessed 2026-09-05U.S. EIA public gasoline price table Accessed 2026-09-05NHTSA Recalls API Accessed 2026-09-04NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings API Accessed 2026-09-05Last updated