As the end of December 2012 approached, we opted to jump for a 2013 Sorento EX V6 AWD while we could still find that trim without the Premium package. (We wanted more storage, not a third row.)
I loved the way this vehicle drove on our tests, and still do after the first 900 miles.
I want smooth power, tight steering and suspension, great road feedback and the fewest chances for maintanance headaches.
2014 will be the first year for the 3.3 GDI V6 in the Sorento and the 2014's are switching to electric, motor-driven steering. Both of those could be a step down from the 2013 as far as drivability, and GDI seems like a "delicate" technology that really needs shaking out before it's problem-free. (I'm not saying these will be problems, just my own concerns).
Plus, there's an sweet spot for total cost of ownership. In the immediate term, prices go down as a model year approaches the end, but they can then go up as inventory diminishes. Mid-term, the drop in price has to be balanced against the model-age-at-resale, so there are diminishing returns, even reversing in some cases. (I bought my 2008 Frontier V6 4x4 in August 2008 at the perfect moment when inventory was not yet low, the model year was near the end, and dealers were freaking out over the impact of high gas orices on new truck sales. Four-and-a-half years later, my very low-mileage Frontier is currently worth very close to my out-the-door cost when I bought it.)
As always, "your mileage may vary." We keep our vehicles for 10-12 years, put very little mileage on them, and do top-flight care and maintenance. So ... for us, getting THE right vehicle is what matters most. Thus, our decision to move on the 2013 EX since we identified only two without the Premium package in inventory of dealers in western states (we live in Oregon).
