Kia Sorento 2013 Review

The competition in the mid-size SUV market in 2013 was becoming increasingly intense. Consumers wanted enough space to meet family travel needs while also expecting no compromises in design and features. As a popular mid-size SUV under Kia, the 2013 Kia Sorento public version entered the market with comprehensive product strength. Our core aim in this test drive was to verify whether it meets the space, power, and practicality demands of family users.

In terms of appearance, the 2013 Kia Sorento public adopts Kia's family-style tiger-nose front design. The vertical chrome grille is paired with sharp headlights, giving the overall design a steady yet stylish feel. The body side lines are smooth, with the waistline running from the front to the rear, complemented by 17-inch alloy wheels, enhancing the layering of the side profile. At the rear, the horizontally arranged taillight cluster is connected with a chrome trim, increasing the visual width, while the silver skid plate on the lower rear bumper adds a touch of off-road flair. For the lighting system, the headlights are equipped with halogen light sources. Although not as dazzling as LED headlights, the nighttime illumination is sufficient for daily driving needs.

Inside the car, the interior of the Sorento public adopts a predominantly dark color scheme, with the center console layout being simple and clear. The steering wheel features a three-spoke design, with audio controls and Bluetooth phone functions integrated on both sides, making it convenient to operate. The center control area is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen that supports navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB interfaces. However, the system's response speed is average. The seats are wrapped in leather, with the front seats supporting manual adjustment, and the rear seatback angle can be adjusted, providing decent support for passengers. In terms of features, the vehicle is equipped with automatic air conditioning, rear air vents, and multiple power outlets, enhancing driving and riding convenience.

In terms of space, the Sorento public has body dimensions of 4685mm×1885mm×1700mm, with a wheelbase of 2700mm. The front seating space is spacious, and for a passenger with a height of 175cm sitting in the front, there is ample headroom and legroom. The rear seating space is also impressive, comfortably accommodating three adults without feeling cramped, with legroom of about two fists' distance. In terms of storage capacity, the trunk offers a regular volume of 531 liters, which can be expanded to 1546 liters when the rear seats are folded down, easily accommodating luggage or large items for family outings.

In terms of power, the 2013 Kia Sorento public is equipped with a 2.4L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power output of 175 horsepower and a peak torque of 226N·m, matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission. In actual driving, the vehicle starts smoothly, and acceleration is linear. At low to medium speeds, the power response is relatively agile, although overtaking requires pressing the accelerator harder to achieve sufficient power output. In terms of driving modes, the vehicle offers Eco, Normal, and Sport modes. When switched to Sport mode, the shifting logic of the transmission is delayed, providing more direct power output.

For handling and chassis performance, the steering wheel has moderate steering resistance and relatively precise steering, offering a good feel during daily driving. The suspension system consists of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort. It can filter out most road bumps, though there is noticeable body roll during high-speed cornering, which slightly affects handling performance.

In terms of fuel consumption, we conducted comprehensive tests on urban roads and highways. The fuel consumption in urban conditions is about 11L/100km, while on highways it is about 8L/100km. Overall, the fuel consumption performance is average. In terms of noise control, during high-speed driving, some wind noise and tire noise can be heard, but it is within an acceptable range and will not affect normal conversation among passengers inside the car. Regarding seat comfort, the front seats provide good support, making long drives less tiring. The comfort of the rear seats also performs well.

Overall, the key highlights of the 2013 Sorento public lie in its spacious interior, rich configurations, and steady exterior design. Compared with the same-class Toyota Highlander, the Sorento public has a price advantage and also offers more comprehensive configurations. It is suitable for family users who value space and practicality, especially those who often need to travel with their family members. In summary, the 2013 Sorento public is a well-balanced mid-size SUV that meets the daily needs of family users.