2013 Kia Sorento EX FWD Review

Thinking about buying a 2013 Kia Sorento EX FWD? Keep on reading to see what I think about it in this 2013 Kia Sorento EX FWD Review.

In the past, I’ve been very hesitant to do vehicle reviews. Not because I don’t like driving different vehicles and testing them out, but because I don’t know anything about what goes on outside the interior of the vehicle.  I mean, I can find my way around the inside, but ask me a question about what is going on under the hood and I have absolutely no idea.

But after thinking about it more, I figured that moms like me didn’t really care about what was under the hood, but instead how the vehicle worked for a family.  Things like how much room was in the back for groceries, how much room the children had, how loud the radio could get to help drown out the children…okay, maybe not that, but you get my point?  As moms, we just want to know if and how the vehicle will fit the family.

2013 Kia Sorento EX FWD

For the past week I’ve been driving the 2013 Kia Sorento EX FWD.  While I don’t personally own a Kia, my mom owns a Soul so this isn’t my first experience driving a Kia.

When the 2013 Kia Sorento arrived in my driveway, my initial thought just upon seeing the exterior was that it was a stylish vehicle.  I loved the Bright Silver color, with the chrome and black accents.  The front fog lights added to the visual appeal, which lets face it, visual appeal is important.

Along with visual appeal, options and features are also important.  I know when I’m in the market for a new vehicle, there are four things I consider; safety, price, features and visual appeal.  This Kia Sorento is full of features that give you more of a luxury feel, but without that luxury price tag.

GPS

My last two vehicles have come equipped with a GPS system therefore I feel like I have some experience with different systems from different manufacturers.  The system that comes in the Kia Sorento is by far, the easiest system I’ve ever used.  You can get directions by inputting the address, an intersection or by searching a Point of Interest.  Once the information is in the GPS, a map will be displayed on the screen with the route.

Cruise Control

I know that cruise control comes standard on most vehicles these days and quite honestly, I don’t think I could survive without cruise control.  I use cruise control more often than not (mainly so I don’t speed) and I love that the controls are right on the steering wheel where it’s easily accessible without me having to take my eyes off the road.

Bluetooth (Hands Free Calling)

Pairing my phone with the Kia Sorento literally took less than 60 seconds.  Having the buttons on the steering wheel ensures that if I have to take a call while driving, that my hands stay on the steering the wheel and my eyes on the road.

Key Free Entry and Button Start

The Kia Sorento doesn’t require a key for entry or ignition.  The Smart Key Fob is needed to unlock and lock the doors, but as long as you have the key fob on you or in close proximity, you can unlock the vehicle without digging the key fob out of your purse or pocket by pushing the button on the door handle.  The same is true for starting the vehicle.  As long as the key fob is close, you can start the ignition.  If you are going on a long road trip, there is a place within the arm rest to place the key fob.

Personalized Seat Settings

When there are two drivers in the household who sometimes drive the same vehicle, constantly having to readjust can be aggravating and time consuming.  The Kia Sorento gives you the option to save two seat settings with access on the driver side door.

The options and features on this particular model of the Kia Sorento are pretty much endless and there is no way that I could mention them all.  Some of my other favorite features that aren’t listed above is the heated and cooled seats (which are a must have in Texas), dual-zone automatic climate control, back-up camera display, ECOMINDER indicator and the panoramic sunroof.

While the Sorento can accommodate up to seven passengers, if you have the back row in use, there really isn’t any storage room in the far back.  I have three children that are all in boosters or car seats, so I had to utilize all three rows for my children to fit in comfortably.  With all three rows in use, even getting groceries can prove to be a bit difficult.  If you do not have to utilize that third row, then there is plenty of room for groceries, stroller or whatever else you might need to lug around.  You can add the cargo net as an option as well as the cargo cover.

While driving the Sorento, I did notice quite a bit of road noise.  If there was an imperfection in the road, you could definitely hear it.  While the estimated fuel economy is 20 MPG city and 26 MPG highway, I never could get it to show that on the display.  The best fuel economy I got during the seven day drive was 19.8 MPG.  While it’s close to what they say it should be, when I think of Kia, I think economic.  I’m not sure that I would consider 20 MPG to be that economic or maybe it’s that I expected more from Kia.

Overall, I think the 2013 Kia Sorento is a sporty vehicle with a lot to offer in the way of features and options.  If you were to get these exact same options on another make of vehicle, you’d definitely pay more than you’d pay for the Sorento.  This particular model, which has many of the options and upgrades has a MSRP of $34,390.  Oh, and lets not forget about the 5 year/60,000 mile roadside assistance and limited basic warranty as well as the 10 year/100,000 limited powertrain warranty.

I was given this Kia vehicle to drive for a week in order to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.