Is a Used Kia Sorento Dependable?

Kia Sorento: 2013 Model Overview

The Kia Sorento has long been a brand mainstay, with its numerous features and affordability. Although Kia offers a range of SUVs, the Sorento stands out with its size and value.

Is the 2013 Kia Sorento a dependable SUV? We are going to take a deep dive into what makes this car so special and why you should buy one.

Kia has always been praised for its unique styling, but it’s the more conservative Sorento crossover SUV that is the brand’s best-seller.

As a compact SUV, the Sorento falls somewhere in between the Kia Sportage and the Telluride.

However, there is a third-row seat that is actually spacious enough for adults in the Sorento. It is still maneuverable and offers good fuel economy despite having a lot of passenger and cargo space.

There are a number of available features: even the base trim comes with Bluetooth and satellite radio, and the top trims are equipped with heated steering wheels, cooled driver seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

Kia vehicles adhere to a “more for less” philosophy, and the Sorento is no exception, even with the 2013 model: you get a family SUV that succeeds on most counts with a competitive engine lineup and attractive styling, with features usually reserved for higher price points.

2013 Kia Sorento: Engine and Performance

It is equipped with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 175 pound-feet of torque and 175 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard on all Sorentos, while all-wheel drive can be ordered as an option.

A front-wheel drive LX engine driven at base speed propels the car to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds, which is average among cars in its class.

In front-wheel drive, the vehicle gets 11 L/100 km in the city, 8 L/100 km on the highway, and 10 L/100 km in combination, while in all-wheel drive, it gets 11/9/10 L/100 km.

Direct-injected versions of the 2.4-liter engine are optional on the LX and standard on the EX. Those engines are capable of generating 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Using this engine, the Sorento accelerates faster.

A 3.5-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque is standard on the SX and optional on the other trims. Zero to sixty mph can be reached in 7.6 seconds by an EX V6, which is fast enough for cars in this class.

2013 Kia Sorento: Safety

The 2013 Kia Sorento comes standard with safety features like front active head restraints, stability control, anti-lock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, and side curtain airbags that cover only the first and second rows.

Tests of the Sorento brakes show that the car stopped from 100 km/h in 40 meters, which is a little longer than average.

According American IIHS vehicle crash tests, this Sorento received four out of five stars for its overall crash protection, including a five-star rating for side-impact protection.

2013 Kia Sorento: Driving Feel

With light loads and around town, the 2.4-liter engine in the 2013 Kia Sorento feels potent enough, but when faced with large cargo loads and multiple passengers, it may struggle to keep up, especially compared to newer models.

Its direct-injection 4-cylinder engine offers more power, making it a popular mid-level choice among most buyers.

As the motorway speeds up, the cabin of the Sorento remains impressively sound-isolated from both highway and wind noise.

It is also impressive that the Sorento is able to handle well and is responsive to steering inputs. This is among the more fun crossovers to drive for small families.

2013 Kia Sorento: Interior Space

2013 Kia Sorento EX trim models come with leather seats as standard. The LX V6 has standard third row seating, and the EX V6 and SX have it as an option.

As part of a new LX Convenience Plus Package, the driver’s seat can be electronically adjusted, the steering wheel and shift knob are covered in leather, and included interior floor mats.

For long road trips, the front seats are super comfortable and provide a commanding view of the road.

Second-row seating can accommodate three comfortably and two more with ease. Sorento’s standard seat cannot be moved fore or aft without the optional third row.

A unique feature of a vehicle of its size is the 50/50 split-folding third-row seatbacks, which allow for enough room for adults.

It can hold up to 72.5 cubic feet of cargo when the rear seats are folded, about the same amount as a Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V.

Features in the 2013 Kia Sorento

Performance

Four-Cylinder MPI, 2.4 Liter

Six-Speed Automatic Equipped with Overdrive & Sportmatic Transmission

Front & Rear Anti-Lock Braking System

Power Front & Rear Disc

Four-Wheel Drive Layout

Advanced Tech Features

Keyless Start

Smart Key Entry

Brake Assist

Electronic Stability Control

Steering Wheel Controls

Steering Wheel Equipped with Tilt & Telescoping

Automotive Lighting

Cargo Compartment Lighting

Reading Lights

Seating

Split Folding Back Seat

Mirrors

Dual Heated Power Mirrors w/ Turn Signal Lights

Safety Features

Downhill Assist Controls

Hill Start Assist Controls

Dual Front Airbag

Front & Rear Head Curtain Airbag

Front Side-Impact Airbag

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

What Is the Safety Rating of the Sorento?

Safety ratings for the 2013 Kia Sorento are excellent. Kia scored highest in all four crash tests and was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Overall safety, as well as frontal and rollover crash tests, earned the 2013 Sorento four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Tests on the model’s side crash performance gave it five stars.

IIHS & NHTSA Ratings

Roofing Quality and Strength Rating: Good

Overall Side Crash Rating: Good

Rear Crash Rating: Good

IIHS Best Pick: 1

NHTSA Overall Rating: 4

Standard Tech and Safety Features for Most SUVs Today:

• Rear Camera View
• Navigation System
• Back Up Camera
• Forward Collision Avoidance System
• Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Change Assist
• Lane Departure Warning System
• Driver Attention Monitor
• High-beam Assist
• Vehicle Blind Spot Detection
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Rear Parking Assist
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• Automatic Climate Control
• Fog Lights
• Heated Seats
• Voice Command

Looking for a Used Kia Sorento?

If you’re looking for a mid-sized SUV with plenty of space, then a 2013 Kia Sorento is perfect. The cargo space does the job, and the third row and front row seats are comfortable for family rides.

The 2013 Kia Sorento is a nice choice for families in Edmonton. Even years after release, it has great mileage, a comfortable front, and a host of safety features.

Get your very own used Kia Sorento at North Edmonton Kia today: as a Kia dealership, we sell many used models of Kia vehicles.