My husband and I don’t frequently switch cars; we find one we like, and stick with it for the long haul. Our approach changed slightly when we purchased a secondhand Honda Civic eighteen months ago without factoring in our expanding family. Consequently, we shifted our focus to more spacious SUVs as an upgrade from our 2-door Honda Civic.
The high price tag associated with SUVs is a common trend that many prospective buyers will encounter. It seems every vehicle comes with a host of additional features that are deemed necessary by car dealerships, making a base model virtually nonexistent.
We eventually settled on the 2013 Kia Sorento for its newness, circumventing the potential electrical issues that often plague older SUVs (pre-2008). Taking a peek at ConsumerReports.org, it’s evident that most SUVs have undergone considerable redesigns in recent years, a correlation that drew our attention.
Our decision brought great satisfaction; there is much to appreciate about the 2013 Kia Sorento. We managed to secure a model that was almost a base version but came with significant “standard” enhancements such as a backup camera, Bluetooth connectivity, seat warmers, odor and water-resistant seating, and other useful extras. Ordinarily, these attributes would skyrocket the price of most SUVs.
Another commendable feature was the extensive warranty that Kia provides. We chose the additional 100,000-mile warranty in alignment with our desire for a long-term vehicle.
The Kia Sorento offers a car-like driving experience with a smooth and comfortable ride. It has an impressive fuel economy, averaging 23-24 miles per gallon for combined city and highway driving. The vehicle also keeps track of your fuel efficiency, notifying you when you’re within the optimum fuel-saving mode.
In my opinion, if you’re considering an SUV this year, the Kia Sorento is a worthy contender. It delivers excellent value for money, boasting upmarket features and cost-saving benefits that outpace many other SUVs in the industry.
An alternative we considered was the 2013 Honda CR-V. This model is well-equipped with respect to connectivity and boasts a solid feature set. However, adding luxuries like a navigation system or satellite radio implies upgrading to the significantly more expensive EX-L model. This top-tier variant offers premium interior enhancements, leather upholstery, a ten-way driver’s seat, heated front seats, automatic climate control, heated mirrors, and a high-power audio system accompanied by a subwoofer.
