2021 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 2021 Kia Sorento
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021 Kia Sorento contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2021 Kia Sorento.
When we compare the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse's and the 2021 Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse has the advantage in the areas of reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2021 Kia Sorento has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse's and the 2021 Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2021 Chevrolet Traverse ranges from $23,995 to $38,000 while a used 2021 Kia Sorento is priced between $21,598 to $34,134.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse loses 49.2 percent of its value and the 2021 Kia Sorento loses 47.6 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Kia Sorento retains 1.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Traverse is 8.4 out of 10 while the Kia Sorento's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Traverse being ranked 13 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Kia Sorento being ranked 15 out of 39. Out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs, the Chevrolet Traverse is ranked 15 and the Kia Sorento is ranked 17. The Chevrolet Traverse is also ranked 20 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs while the Kia Sorento is ranked 23 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Traverse is 8.2 out of 10. For the Kia Sorento the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Chevrolet Traverse a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Sorento.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse’s base engine makes 310 horsepower, and the 2021 Kia Sorento base engine makes 191 horsepower. The Traverse is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 524 miles. The Sorento is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 513 miles.This gives the 2021 Kia Sorento the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse has higher safety ratings than the 2021 Kia Sorento, with an average rating of 4.81 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.49 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$29,800
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,000 - $37,580
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$29,390
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,000 - $37,580
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$30,187
Price Range:
$23,995 - $38,000
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,840 - $46,487
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,268
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
49,329
# Good or Great Deals:
444
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$28,414
Price Range:
$21,598 - $34,134
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,840 - $46,487
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
783
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
44,251
# Good or Great Deals:
280
Chevrolet Traverse Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
9.6 / 10
Kia Sorento Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Chevrolet Traverse
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.6
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.6 - 10.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
7.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Kia Sorento
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.6 - 10.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
13%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 32.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 32.1
Chevrolet Traverse Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 39Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 10Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
9 out of / 17Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 16Ranking
11 out of / 28Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 34Ranking
12 out of / 21Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 30Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
32 out of / 39Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 59Ranking
56 out of / 67Ranking
61 out of / 67Kia Sorento Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 16Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 30Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 39Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
33 out of / 59Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
58 out of / 67Summary Review
The Chevy Traverse is a roomy three-row crossover SUV with room for up to eight passengers. The Traverse is Chevrolet’s third most popular model and a top seller in the segment.
Summary Review
Kia’s Sorento is a two- or three-row crossover SUV on sale since 2015 in its outgoing generation. It is built in West Point, Georgia. All-new for 2021, shoppers in the midsize SUV segment should give the Sorento a fresh look.
Pros and Cons
- Roomy for the segment
- High NHTSA safety rating
- Powerful V6 engine
- Older model years may lack safety systems taken for granted in this segment
- Adaptive Cruise Control remains an option
- No green powertrain available
Pros and Cons
- Available in past years with two or three rows of seats
- High safety scores
- 2020 and older models showing their age
- Smaller than many midsize vehicles in this segment
- Past models had low reliability scores
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Chevrolet Traverse Trim Levels
High Country, L, LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, Premier, RS
2021 Kia Sorento Trim Levels
EX, LX, S, SX, SX Prestige, SX Prestige X-Line
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.81 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.49 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
310 hp @ 6800 rpm
Torque:
266 foot-lbs @ 2800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
181 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 27 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
349 / 524 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 29 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
425 / 513 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
62.2 inches
Cargo Space:
23 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
98.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
12.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
121.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4362 lbs
Width:
78.6 inches
Height:
70.7 inches
Length:
204.3 inches
Wheelbase:
120.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3714 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
66.7 inches
Length:
189 inches
Wheelbase:
110.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
White
Summit White
Beige
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black
White
Glacial White Pearl
Beige
Crystal Beige
Gray
Gravity Gray
Red
Passion Red Tintcoat
Silver
Everlasting Silver / Sparkling Silver
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Interior Colors
Black
Black
