2013 Kia Sorento

If you're seeking an excellent SUV for the money, the 2013 Kia Sorento should top your test-drive list, based on reviews that paint it as an attractive, well-rounded alternative to more expensive rivals. With a reasonable price range, lots of of standard equipment, a long warranty and sporty handling, the Sorento has plenty to offer. The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (Base MSRP: $23,225 to $30,925) is on almost equal terms as value goes, but it's an older design whose all-new replacement arrives later in 2012.

The Sorento can be optioned with three drivetrains: a 175-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined; a more efficient, direct-injected 191-horsepower version of the 2.4L 4-cylinder; and a 274-horsepower 3.5L V6 that provides snappy acceleration. Edmunds.com calls the base 4-cylinder "punchy enough around town and with light loads," but points out that buyers "who regularly ferry passengers and cargo are better served by the strong and smooth 3.5-liter V6."

Occupants will find a quiet cabin and experience good ride quality, but the Sorento's suspension is stiffer than what's found in some competing SUVs. Reviewers say that what drivers get in the trade-off is very good handling and a more involving drive than is usually expected from a midsize SUV. Seating in all three rows is comfortable, though unlike several other three-row SUVs, Sorentos that are so equipped do not feature a sliding second row, which can make accessing the rearmost seats a bit more cumbersome. Once seated back there, however, even adults should find room to ride comfortably. Standard equipment includes full power accessories, heated mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio.

Kia covers the Sorento with a five-year 60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

EPA Fuel Economy Estimates

Front-wheel-drive models

2.4L 2WD (manual): 22 mpg city / 27 highway / 22 combined

2.4L 2WD (auto): 21 city / 29 hwy / 24 combined

2.4L DI 2WD (auto): 22 city / 32 hwy / 25 combined

3.5L V6 2WD (auto): 20 city / 26 hwy / 22 combined

2.4L AWD (auto): 21 city / 27 hwy / 23 combined

2.4L DI AWD (auto): 21 city / 28 hwy / 23 combined

3.5L V6 AWD (auto): 18 city / 24 hwy / 20 combined

All ratings reflect the use of regular-grade gasoline. As you can see from the figures above, the best blend of power and efficiency for the Kia Sorento comes via the direct-injected 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with front-wheel drive. Adding all-wheel drive to the equation evens out the two available four cylinders, as they deliver effectively the same mileage estimates when configured with AWD. Again, the direct-injected engine does so while producing an additional 16 horsepower, however.

NHTSA Safety Ratings:

Front Impact: 4 stars

Side Impact: 5 stars

Rollover Resistance: 4 stars

Overall: 4 stars

IIHS Safety Ratings:

Front Offset Impact: Good

Side Impact: Good

Roof Strength: Good

Named IIHS 2012 Top Safety Pick

For additional details, see our 2011 review

The 2013 Kia Sorento is fundamentally the same as the 2011 and 2012 model years, with the only changes being in trim and options. Our full report on the 2011 Kia Sorento (Base MSRP: $21,250 to $34,850) provides plenty of details on the model range and insight into what the experts are saying.