My husband and I usually stick with one car for a long time once we find one we like, but that changed a bit when we bought a secondhand Honda Civic about a year and a half ago. We didn’t really think about our growing family, so we soon started looking at larger SUVs to replace our 2-door Civic.
The thing about SUVs is they come with a hefty price tag, which most buyers will notice. Dealerships often load them with extra features, so it’s hard to find a basic model without all the bells and whistles.
We eventually chose the 2013 Kia Sorento because we wanted something newer to avoid the electrical issues older SUVs (pre-2008) might have. From checking ConsumerReports.org, it was clear that many SUVs have been redesigned in recent years, which made the Sorento even more appealing.
We’re really happy with our decision. The 2013 Kia Sorento has a lot to offer. We found one that was almost a base model but still came with great “standard” features like a backup camera, Bluetooth, seat warmers, water-resistant seats, and more. Usually, these features would make an SUV a lot more expensive.
Another great thing was the extensive warranty from Kia. We opted for the additional 100,000-mile warranty because we’re planning to keep the car for a long time.
Driving the Kia Sorento feels more like driving a car, thanks to its smooth and comfortable ride. It has good fuel efficiency too, averaging 23-24 miles per gallon for both city and highway driving. Plus, it keeps you informed about your fuel efficiency and lets you know when you’re in the best fuel-saving mode.
If you’re thinking about an SUV this year, I really recommend the Kia Sorento. It offers a lot for the money with high-end features and cost-saving benefits that you won’t find in many other SUVs.
We also thought about the 2013 Honda CR-V. It has good connectivity and features, but if you want upgrades like navigation or satellite radio, you need to go for the pricier EX-L model. This top-tier option comes with premium interior upgrades, leather seats, a ten-way driver’s seat, heated front seats, automatic climate control, heated mirrors, and a powerful audio system with a subwoofer.