Kia has been really improving the look and feel of their products in recent years and the 2013 Kia Sorento EX AWD continues that trend. We spent a week driving this fun, powerful CUV and found many endearing qualities that customers will value.
Exterior
The dynamic design of the 2013 Kia Sorento EX AWD shows well on the road and the titanium silver on our test model enhanced the exterior to levels of a much more expensive vehicle. The versatile Sorento EX trim offers an 18-inch five-spoke hyper finish wheel outfitted with 235/60R18 tires plus fog lamps, roof rails and a rear spoiler. EX trims offer an optional panoramic sunroof which our media loaner included. Prominently displaying the signature grille and wraparound headlamps exhibited on all newer Kia models, Sorento offers an aggressive stance and sleek profile. Sorento features swept-back lines and dynamic presence with an angled window line, large flared-back headlamps, prominent fog lamps and rounded nose, while the view from the rear offers the same forceful attitude with a rounded back and tail lamps set powerfully within the rear lift gate. The overall size of the Sorento seems to be the right fit for those who want a strong looking CUV.
Interior
The cabin offered much more room than we anticipated with upscale black leather seating and a leather wrapped steering wheel. The Sorento provides a feeling of spaciousness with both five- and seven-passenger seating configurations, making the Sorento more versatile than most of its compact CUV competitors. With 142.5 cubic feet of interior volume when equipped with five seats or 149.4 cubic feet with seven, Sorento is spacious with generous head and legroom for optimal occupant comfort. In the five-passenger configuration, the CUV offers 37 cubic feet of cargo space to accommodate both passenger and cargo needs for cruising around town as easily as weekends camping in the mountains. In addition to a comfortable ride, an impressive slate of technology features also come standard, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio5, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting personal MP3 players, and Bluetooth wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for all compatible mobile phones. Standard equipment on EX models such as UVO Powered by Microsoft, push button-start ignition with smart key and rear sonar back-up sensors, rear view back-up cameras and air ionization purification technology complete the modern and high-tech driving experience.
I also can’t tolerate thin and flimsy armrests on a CUV so I am happy to report that the center counsel/arm rest on the 2013 Kia Sorento EX AWD is solid and has plenty of storage space!
Performance
The 3.5 liter DOHC CVVT V6 engine produces a class leading 276 horsepower that will get you where you want to go very quickly. Really the power and initial take off from stop is as good as we could ask for in a midsize CUV. All engines are coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic™ shifting control. This advanced six-speed automatic transmission is a proprietary design that was developed, engineered and built specifically for Kia vehicles. The all-wheel-drive models come with a locking center differential to evenly distribute power to all wheels while operating the vehicle at low speeds during more severe weather conditions. For enhanced ride performance, the Sorento employs a compact and light MacPherson strut front suspension and a fully independent multi-link rear suspension. Fuel efficiency came in at 18mpg in the city and 24mpg on highway driving, which isn’t as good as we had hoped for but you do have the option of a 4 cylinder that reached 32mpg on the highway.
Overview
There is a lot here for a price of $36,000 loaded to the hilt! The very sturdy and well built 2013 Kia Sorento EX AWD makes this a great purchase for those who expect more for their money. The Sorento is built at Kia Motors’ U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, is entering its third model year, and is supported by an impressive list of accolades and sales milestones. Since its launch, Sorento has offered discerning consumers a refined and value-minded CUV with class-leading power and fuel efficiency while delivering a full roster of standard comfort and convenience features and an impressive array of safety equipment. We enjoyed driving the Sorento and continue to be impressed with Kia’s growth in design and quality.
