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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Kia Sorento

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Kia Sorento

Overview

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2013 Kia Sorento Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.6

The 2013 Kia Sorento is one of the best examples of a "right-sized" SUV – big enough to fit seven passengers in three rows of seats, yet small enough to easily maneuver through traffic and tight spaces. The Sorento's Goldilocks nature doesn't end there. This mid-size crossover offers three engine choices, and perhaps most impressive is the one in the middle, a direct-injection 4-cylinder that offers both power and fuel economy. With its good looks, host of amenities and premium options such as ventilated leather seats, the U.S.-built Kia Sorento is a seriously pleasing family vehicle. Throw in Kia's value pricing and its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and the Sorento becomes an even more attractive alternative to rivals like the Chevrolet Equinox and Toyota Highlander.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a capable and family-friendly crossover SUV that won't break the bank yet still has plenty of features, put the Kia Sorento on your shopping list.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you regularly need to carry seven passengers and still need room for their gear, the Sorento might be too small. In that case, look to a larger 3-row SUV like the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer or Honda Pilot.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.6
Driving Dynamics

6.7
Comfort & Convenience

7.1
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.3
Value

7.5
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#14

out of 26

MPG

#11

out of 27

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.0 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

For 2013 the Sorento receives a new Kia badge up front, leather seating becomes standard for the mid-tier EX trim, and the 3rd-row seats are now standard on LX V6 models and optional on EX V6 and SX trims.

Driving the Sorento

Driving Impressions Around town or on the open road, the Sorento is a fine travel mate. The SUV is well-mannered, easy to maneuver, and relatively comfortable. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, with...

all-wheel drive (AWD) optional on all trim levels. In a nice surprise, all-wheel-drive versions have a switch that locks the center differential for better traction on slippery surfaces and for when things get rough on occasional off-pavement excursions. With the base engine, acceleration is adequate, but there isn't much power in reserve for passing. More welcome is the newer direct-injection 4-cylinder engine that is optional in LX models and standard in EX versions. For those wanting the most power and towing capability (up to 3,500 pounds), a V6 is offered across the line. The Sorento's sole transmission is a smooth, refined 6-speed automatic. Seating position is good and interior controls are a cinch to locate and use.

Favorite Features

2.4-LITER DIRECT-INJECTION ENGINE
Though it's the same size as the base 4-cylinder, this engine benefits from direct-injection technology, which makes more efficient use of fuel to boost both fuel economy and power.

LOCKABLE CENTER DIFFERENTIAL
Rare on a crossover SUV, this feature on all-wheel-drive Sorentos helps the SUV gain better traction in slippery and off-pavement environments.

2013 Kia Sorento Details

2013 Kia Sorento Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Peek inside a well-equipped Kia Sorento and you might think you're looking at a car from a premium brand. Details abound on the dash and door panels, and soft-touch surfaces are easy on the eyes and hands. Numerous cloth patterns and leather combinations help the Sorento to further distance itself from the plebeian models of its past. Legroom is good in the 3-passenger second row, but expectedly tight in the 2-seat third row. That last row is best for children, and folds flat when not in use. With both rows folded, cargo capacity swells to 72.5 cubic feet.

Exterior

The Sorento has a boxy, angular profile of classic SUVs versus the rotund shape of competitors such as the Nissan Murano. In addition to endowing it with looks that will likely hold up well in the future, they also help make the most of the Sorento's passenger and cargo space. Up front is the new Kia badging surrounded by a honeycomb grille, which itself sits between menacing headlights. Exterior bits vary by model, with higher trims receiving items like silver roof rails and a rear spoiler. LX models ride on 17-inch wheels, and EX and SX trims ride on 18-inch wheels.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A base 2013 Kia Sorento comes with a 175-horsepower 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, black wood trim, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and AM/FM/CD/satellite audio system with USB and auxiliary inputs. Higher trim levels bring bigger and more power engine choices and features like leather seating, automatic climate control with rear compartment air conditioning, push-button start/stop, and the voice-activated UVO telematics system. Top-line SX models are stuffed with features like heated front seats, a 10-speaker Infinity premium audio system, and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Optional Equipment

Availability of extras depends on trim levels, but Kia has clustered popular options into packages. The Convenience Package on all-wheel-drive base models, for example, includes roof rails, backup warning system, UVO telematics system, and fog lights. EX and SX models include premium packages that include amenities like a navigation system, panoramic sunroof, air-cooled driver's seat, illuminated scuff plate, and heated steering wheel. Note that the packages can cost thousands extra, and are your only way of getting particular options such as a built-in nav system.

Under the Hood

The 2013 Kia Sorento offers a choice of three gasoline engines. Its port-injected 2.4-liter 4-cylinder makes 175 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.5-liter V6 turns out a far more energetic 276 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. The GDI (gasoline direct-injection) 2.4-liter 4-cylinder may be the perfect choice, with 191 horsepower and an EPA estimated 30 mpg on the highway. All versions feature a Kia-designed 6-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic manual shift mode. Towing capacity is rated at 1,650 pounds maximum for models with the 4-cylinder engines and 3,500 pounds for those with the V6.

2.4-liter inline-4
175 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
169 lb-ft of torque @ 3,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/29 mpg (FWD), 21/27 mpg (AWD)

2.4-liter inline-4 (gasoline direct-injection)
191 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
181 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg (FWD), 20/26 mpg (AWD)

3.5-liter V6
276 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
248 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/26 mpg (FWD), 18/24 mpg (AWD)

Pricing Notes

A base 2013 Kia Sorento has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just under $24,000, which represents a high-value proposition in this segment. Adding all-wheel drive to any model costs roughly $2,000 extra. EX trim models start under $28,000, and top-line SX models go for $32,500. A decked-out SX with all-wheel drive can reach $38,000. At these prices, the Sorento undercuts slightly larger competitors like the Toyota Highlander, Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, and Honda Pilot, and is on par with the Chevy Equinox. It is more expensive than the Dodge Journey. Be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what buyers are actually paying for the Sorento. In the long term, the Sorento's resale value is expected to be strong.

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2013 Kia Sorento Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.0

Out of 10

Based on 181 Ratings for the 2011 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

8.4/10

Quality

8.4/10
Reliability

8.6/10

Performance

8.1/10
Comfort

8.4/10

Styling

8.8/10

Great Value for Price!

By Daysleeper (SD) on Thursday, July 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great Value for the Money."

Cons: "Don't care for the Eco-Drive. I keep it off."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my second owned Kia. I had my Sedona for 11 years prior to purchasing the 2014 (EW Model) Sorento. When you compare the Sorento to the other CUV's in it's class, I feel you get the most bang for your buck. The ride is very smooth for a CUV. Take a look, I think you will be impressed with the 2014 Sorento."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Great value/smooth ride!

By tmor (IA) on Friday, July 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,200

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "price/features/mileage"

Cons: "mileage in town"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The Sorento SX is a great value with a smooth ride and excellent sound system. Some of my favorite features are the heated/cooled seats and the heated steering wheel, along with the sound system and navigation system. The third row seating is wonderful and the cargo space in the back with 3rd row down is enormous. Driving through standing water is a little strange...but maybe this is because of the AWD. My Sorento got 22 mph on a 300 mile trip, which is pretty good for a vehicle that's AWD of that size. Everything about the Sorento SX says luxury at an affordable price."

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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I love this car!! And will buy another.

By TennTam (TN) on Monday, July 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 75,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great price."

Cons: "Battery only lasted 3 years."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"All around great car! Love to drive it, I bought new in 2010 and have put 75,000 miles on it..Would highly recommend."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Piece Of Junk

By Kia Owner (NC) on Friday, June 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 36,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: Not Rated
Comfort: Not Rated

Pros: "None"

Cons: "Everything!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Bought my kia Sorento brand new 2011. Transmission has been replaced twice and in the shop once again needing a new transmission. Getting rid of this junk as soon as it gets out of the shop!"

6 people out of 13 found this review helpful

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More for the Money

By Harley (KY) on Wednesday, June 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 350

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "it's simple ... greater value for your investment."

Cons: "I really haven't found them yet... The vehicle see"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The family has had a number of different Kia's. In all we have had seven of them and with every new purchase we continue to be impressed. The newly re-modeled Sorento (80%) re-design, is a well balanced mid-size SUV. I found it to be easy to drive, quite and comfortable. There is minimal road noise in the car and seems more like an upper end vehicle. I purchased the LX model because I am the type person that like to change things myself. The standard options of the base model is more than you find in many equally priced vehicles from other manufacturers. Overall, when you take the time to compare apples to apples, this vehicle continues to give a greater value for you investment."

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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Nice looking small SUV

By south dakotan (SD) on Wednesday, June 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 31,500

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 5/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great look for the price! Good mileage!"

Cons: "small and not very good ride."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Great car if you live in town. Not great on gravel or dirt roads. Tires get mud behind them and the car shakes. Love the look of the car but kind of small if you have to fit a car seat in the back seat. Lots of storage! I also like the rearview camera on the vehicle."

4 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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See all 181 reviews