Our week in the 2013 Sorento came not long after a week in a 2012 model. Both were front-drive EX models…one notch from the top of the line. Differences? The 2013 EX makes leather trim standard. The ’12 had a 2.4 liter four-cylinder, the ’13 had a 3.5 liter V6. Frankly, the four is smooth and powerful enough for most driving…and there’s a significant fuel economy difference: The four’s 22 city/32 highway drops to 20 city/26 highway with the V6. Not a big deal in town, but six fewer on the open road is a big drop.
Apart from more frequent $50 a tank fillups (at $3.45 a gallon) there’s not much not to like. Plenty of room for people and their things, a relatively quiet and smooth ride, carlike handling and a raft of features. Opt for the EX model and in addition to the aforementioned leather, you’ll get a six-speed automatic transmission, independent front and rear suspension, 5-spoke hyper-finish alloy wheels, a full complement of airbags and active headrests, anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic stability control, downhill brake and hill-start assist control, tire pressure monitoring, fog lamps, heated outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, privacy glass and a rear spoiler.
Inside, there’s more: Dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows, locks and mirrors, UVO in-vehicle infotainment system with rear camera, USB, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, power driver’s seat with lumbar support, push-button start, cruise control, automatic light control, a tilt and telescoping steering column and interior accent illumination.
Base price for all that: $27,950. Which, if you haven’t been keeping up with Kia, sounds like a lot for the brand, but isn’t. And, in fact, is a bargain compared to direct competitors.
Our tester got loaded beyond the standard stuff, though: $2,000 for the Limited Package (navigation with Sirius Traffic), an air-cooled driver’s seat, memory driver’s seat and mirrors, power folding ourside mirrors and Homelink)…$3,400 for the Premium Package 2 (First Aid kit, Infinity surround sound audio system, heated front seats, power passenger seat, a 50/50 split folding third row seat, auto-dimming mirror and panoramic sunroof)…$65 for a rear bumper protector…$50 for a cargo net and $125 for a cargo cover.
Grand total, including $800 for freight and handling: $34,390. Again, your brain may have trouble putting the phrase “Thirty four thousand dollars” together with the name “Kia”. But try loading a competitor to that level and see what the bottom line is. And there’s Kia’s 10 year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, 5 year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty and 5 years/60,000 miles of roadside assistance. It’s a compelling package…and one you shouldn’t ignore if you’re shopping in this segment.
More Pictures of 2013 Kia Sorento
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