2013 Kia Sorento: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2013 Kia Sorento is upgraded EX equipment: leather upholstery and heated front seats became standard. Otherwise, this is a light trim-update year rather than a redesign.
About the 2013 Kia Sorento
2nd generation, third model year before the heavily revised 2014 update
Kia positioned the Sorento as a right-sized family crossover: easier to maneuver than a large three-row SUV, but roomier and more flexible than many compact crossovers. The big selling points were generous equipment, available V6 power, available AWD, and the option for three-row seating in a relatively manageable package. Kia’s messaging leaned on usefulness, comfort, and a strong feature list rather than rugged off-road character.
The LX is the practical, value-focused trim, with Bluetooth, 17-inch alloy wheels, and straightforward family utility. The EX is the comfort-focused middle trim, pairing leather and heated front seats with UVO infotainment, push-button start, and dual-zone climate control. The SX sits at the top with a standard V6, premium audio, rear air conditioning, and LED taillights.
What changed, by category
2013 Kia Sorento specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, MPI, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24–30 mpg | 26–30 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 191–276 hp | 175–276 hp | 276 hp |
| Torque | 181–248 lb-ft | 169–248 lb-ft | 248 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 1650 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 72.5 cu-ft | 72.5 cu-ft | 72.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.3 in | 37.6 in | 31.3 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| LED Tail Lights | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Third Row Seat | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed from the 2012 Sorento to the 2013 Sorento?
The 2013 Sorento received light trim and equipment changes. EX gained standard leather upholstery and heated front seats, LX added optional UVO infotainment, the LX V6 gained a standard third-row seat, and the Base trim was dropped.
Was the 2013 Kia Sorento redesigned?
No, the 2013 Kia Sorento was not redesigned. It carried over the same basic body, structure, and mechanical layout, with the heavily revised model arriving for 2014.
Which 2013 Kia Sorento has a standard third-row seat?
The 2013 Sorento LX V6 has a standard third-row seat. Third-row seating was not standard across the entire lineup.
Did the 2013 Kia Sorento get new engines?
No, the 2013 Sorento did not receive a lineup-wide engine or transmission change. It retained its four-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 engines with six-speed automatic transmissions.
What became standard on the 2013 Sorento EX?
Leather upholstery and heated front seats became standard on the 2013 Sorento EX. It also has UVO infotainment, push-button start, a rear-camera display, and dual-zone climate control.