2013 Kia Sorento Review

In the beginning of December, our family took a little road trip to Southern California, and we had the opportunity to test drive a 2013 Kia Sorento for a week. Below I’ll share some of the features that we just absolutely loved about this vehicle!

Push Button Start & Smart Key

Luckily, the Kia Sorento uses a smart key just like my current vehicle. This is an awesome feature because I can leave my keys in my purse and unlock the doors and start the engine without ever having to take my keys out. It’s definitely a must-have feature for moms with more than one kid in tow, and for those of us who are absent-minded and can never remember where we placed our keys. Gone are the days of losing my keys because they rarely leave my purse. Starting the engine is really as easy as the push of a button.

Side View Mirrors

This is a cool feature I haven’t seen in a car before. With the 2013 Kia Sorento, the side view mirrors automatically turn inward when the car is off and locked. When the car is unlocked with the smart key, the side view mirrors automatically turn outward. This is something new to both Paul and I, and a feature we really enjoyed. The mirrors also have a turn-signal indicator.

Rear Camera & Side View Mirrors

Another awesome feature was the Sorento not only had a rear camera, but anytime the vehicle was in reverse, the side view mirrors would automatically adjust to a lower view and readjust to the original setting once the vehicle was back in drive. And the guides on the rear camera made backing into a parking spot a breeze!

Steering Wheel Controls

The steering wheel includes controls for the radio, Bluetooth, and cruise control making it easy for a driver to stay focused on the road.

Bluetooth, Satellite Radio and Navigation

Neither of our current vehicles have any of these advanced features, so Paul and I were definitely enjoying all three. It was super easy to pair my iPhone with the Sorento and it was nice to be able to make hands-free phone calls while driving. I also really enjoyed being able to listen to the radio during our entire road trip and not having to worry about finding a radio station that works. This was my first experience with satellite radio and it was a huge plus to have while traveling. Now the navigation system became Paul’s best friend on our trip. He even began speaking to ‘her’ to tell her what a wonderful job she was doing in guiding him. It was pretty entertaining.

Temperature Control

Hands down the best feature for both Paul and I had to be the dual zone automatic temperature control. This allowed both Paul and I to have individualized temperature settings in the driver and front passenger seats. Paul is weird and likes to have cold air blowing on him ALL THE TIME, regardless if its forty degrees outside. I, on the other hand, am always cold, so this feature was a lifesaver for us both!

Driver’s Seat

The 8-way power driver’s seat truly allows you to adjust the seat to your ideal position.

Heated Seats

This is one feature that I used to laugh at. Really? Are heated seats really necessary? Of course not. But after trying them out, if I had the money I would certainly want to get this feature in any future vehicle I purchase. Heated seats are awesome! Where have they been all my life?

Second Row

One of the reasons Paul and I would like a new car is to be able to accommodate at least one other passenger. With our current car, no one is able to fit in between our two car seats, therefore it is usually just wasted space. Fortunately, with the Sorento I was able to sit in between both car seats comfortably.

Third Row Option

One of the most convenient features of the Kia Sorento is it’s third row option. On our ride back home, we acquired another passenger so I was able to utilize one of the back seats. To my surprise it was actually comfortable, considering it was nearly an 8-hour drive home.

Trunk Space

We were able to fit our double jogging stroller, along with one suitcase, two large duffel bags and several other smaller bags into the trunk of the Sorento with no problem.

Panoramic Sunroof

Anyone that knows me knows that I love brightly lit areas and natural light. So the fact that the Sorento has a panoramic sunroof is a huge plus for me. And the girls enjoyed watching the rain come down while we were driving.

While there are many other great features of the Kia Sorento, we were not able to utilize them all within the week that we had it. However, with everything I’ve commented on above, Paul and I have fallen in love with this vehicle and plan to purchase a Kia Sorento in the New Year. It is reasonably priced vehicle and works for our family’s needs.

Disclosure: I received a Kia Sorento to test drive for one week for the sole purpose of this review. Opinions here are my own.