In-Depth Look at the Budget-Friendly 2013 Kia Sorento SUV

My husband and I usually stick with our cars for a long time, finding one we like and keeping it. However, we changed our approach a bit when we bought a secondhand Honda Civic a year and a half ago without considering our growing family. This prompted us to start looking at larger SUVs as an upgrade from our 2-door Civic.

One thing we noticed quickly is that SUVs often come with high price tags, which is a trend many buyers will find. Dealerships tend to add a lot of features they say are necessary, making it hard to find a base model.

We finally chose a 2013 Kia Sorento because it was relatively new and avoided the electrical problems that often occur with older SUVs made before 2008. According to ConsumerReports.org, SUVs have been extensively redesigned in recent years, a factor that caught our attention.

We’re really pleased with our choice. The 2013 Kia Sorento has plenty to like. We got a model that was almost a base version but still had some great “standard” features like a backup camera, Bluetooth, seat warmers, odor and water-resistant seating, and other handy extras. Typically, these features would push up the price of most SUVs significantly.

Another great aspect was the extensive warranty offered by Kia. We opted for an additional 100,000-mile warranty to match our preference for a long-term vehicle.

Driving the Kia Sorento feels like being in a car, with a smooth and comfy ride. It gets good gas mileage too, averaging about 23-24 mpg for both city and highway driving. It also has a feature that keeps you informed about your fuel efficiency, letting you know when you’re in the best fuel-saving mode.

Personally, if you’re thinking about getting an SUV this year, the Kia Sorento is a great option. It gives you a lot of value for your money, with premium features and cost-saving benefits that outshine many other SUVs on the market.

We also thought about the 2013 Honda CR-V. It’s well-equipped in terms of connectivity and has a solid range of features. Still, adding luxuries like a navigation system or satellite radio means upgrading to the much pricier EX-L model. This top-of-the-line variant offers premium interior features like leather seats, a ten-way driver’s seat, heated front seats, automatic climate control, heated mirrors, and a high-power audio system with a subwoofer.