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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

#13

out of 24

MPG

#9

out of 24

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.0 out of 10

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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 173 Ratings for the 2011 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

8.3/10

Quality

8.4/10
Reliability

8.6/10

Performance

8.1/10
Comfort

8.4/10

Styling

8.8/10

Gas Saver

By Gina (FL) on Wednesday, June 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,000

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: 10/10

Pros: "Great price, fun to drive, and gas saver)"

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

"This car was a preowned car. It was a rental prior to purchasing the car. I bought it with 35,000 miles. I love the car. Have not encountered no problems at all. I drive to and from work 35 miles minimun Monday to Friday. For the whole week it only takes 1/2 a tank. That is a excellent gas saver. I truly recomend this car. Going on 2 yrs and still runs beautifully.Original tires after 2 yrs and still new."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Enjoying my new Serento

By PNWCARGUY (WA) on Friday, June 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 200

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Interior, HP, Sunroof, Electronics features, Quiet"

Cons: "MPG is not that great, AWD not standard"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"After some months searching I came upon the Kia Sorento. I was very impressed with this vehicle. My wife and I looked at all the Models- LX, EX, SX, SXL. We had some initial concerns with the Kia reliability reputation, but we took a risk. We ended up with an SXL, and having driven the Sorento for a week, we are loving Car. Well done Kia! Drives quiet, the breaks work great, the Infotainment is very cool. Interior was comfortable. The electronic features are all very useful. No issues with reliability so far. I saw no point in getting the V4 as the mileage is not much better than the V6. The third row seat was more of a nice to have, but if you plan on using all the time, it may not be ideal. The MPG was just okay for a V6 around town. It gets much better on the freeway with ECO mode enabled. Overall, I'd recommend this comfortable, stylish car."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Do Not Buy A Kia

By Katie (CA) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 2/10
Comfort: 2/10

Pros: "The exterior looks good"

Cons: "everything else"

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

"I bought this car in September 2012. It was the new 2013 Kia Sorento. In 8 months it's been back to the dealer 4 times. I've never had a car that I've had to take in to the shop for anything other than regular upkeep. The car has no power! It can barely go up hills at the speed limit. The interior is cheap and rattles a lot. The car is uncomfortable and has really bad blind spots. I am sorry I purchased this vehicle."

7 people out of 13 found this review helpful

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2014 Sorento SXL

By EdC (TX) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 250

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: 10/10

Pros: "Price, options, power, handling."

Cons: "Documentation for all of the new options."

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

"Owned 2012 Sorento SX and loved it. Especially liked the engine power and road handling. Had minor concern with torque steer until I adjusted to the power of the V6. The seating was comfortable and the navi was very accurate. My wife even learned to love it but the lack of a power liftgate made it hard for her to use for shopping (she's tiny). Traded in the 2012 SX for the 2014 SXL this weekend and have been blown away by the upgraded quality of the interior. More power and the handling is even better top my lists and my wife loves the Nappa Leather and power liftgate. Seems most people don't look at a Kia if they want upgraded options so the dealer was more that willing to negotiate a very good deal (for me) since they wanted my gently used 2012 Sorento for their "pre-owned" lot."

10 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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Great vehicle but gas mileage isn't what they said

By Russ (NH) on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

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: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Everything"

Cons: "Gas mileage"

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

"My Kia has been an awesome vehicle for our family. We have driven it to Florida from New England twice and it is very comfortable, reliable and all around great. The only drawback is that the gas mileage is far from what they originally said. Count on 24-26 MPG combined on those long trips."

12 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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Dont waste your money

By Jo D (OK) on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "One thing and the only thing I liked was the fob."

Cons: "small, cheaply made, piece of junk"

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

"We have had this car for approx. one year and it has been in the shop more then any other car Ive owned in my life. Now I know why they give you a warranty for it. Its poorly made, cheap plastic, uncomfortable and I think my sons four wheeler has more get up and go. We have 4 children and its claim that it can fit six people is a joke. The last "row" is extremely small and can only fit one child. If you have a child sitting back there they get either too hot or to cold because the air does not circulate back there very well because of the middle seat is too high. Just traded it in, so glad this nightmare of a car is gone!!!"

5 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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See all 173 reviews