Third-gen Kia Sorento – petrol, diesel; from RM158k?

Kia-Sorento-Drive-Jordan-21

The third-generation Kia Sorento is set to make its Malaysian debut anytime now, with May 2016 the previous indication. Now, we have estimated prices from a Naza Kia Malaysia sales advisor that points to RM158k for the diesel variant and RM168k/RM178k for different trim levels of the 2.4L petrol model. A total of three variants will be available.

The availability of a diesel variant is welcome news, as the previous-generation Sorento XM was only available with a petrol engine in Malaysia, allowing sister SUV Hyundai Santa Fe to have the group’s 2.2 litre ‘R’ diesel engine all to itself in our market (197 hp and 436 Nm in the Hyundai).

However, unlike the Santa Fe’s diesel as range topper positioning, Kia seems to be taking the opposite route – the diesel as the starter and the weaker but more refined petrol as the flagship.

The Sorento UM made its domestic debut back in August 2014, and we drove the five-star ANCAP rated SUV later in that year in Jordan. Although we did not sample the oil burner in the Middle East, we know the CRDi well from two generations of the Santa Fe. It should be the pick of the range ahead of the 2.4L petrol if price isn’t an issue. Both are mated to a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

If the Sorento looks huge in pictures, it is. The current Santa Fe is to us already “half a size” larger than the average C-segment SUV, but this big guy is 90 mm longer still, with 80 mm of that advantage going into the 2,780 mm wheelbase. Compared to the previous Sorento, the same size increase applies. Versus the Honda CR-V? 190 mm longer, 70 mm wider, 160 mm wheelbase advantage.

Very handsome, too. Read our full review of the Sorento UM for an idea of what to expect.

GALLERY: Kia Sorento driven in Jordan

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • Leafable on May 13, 2016 at 6:32 pm

    Oh dear looks like they are following Toyota route of offering low spec diesel only giving the petrol upper hand. Why can’t they just provide 4 options just like the Santa Fe.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 3
    • Jingobiloba on May 13, 2016 at 8:45 pm

      Still cheaper compared to the rest of the diesel model offered by other brands. The choice is yours.. Affordable n save money…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
    • Ohlala on May 13, 2016 at 10:20 pm

      Gonna call my salesman to cancel Toyota Fortuner order tmr :D

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 3
    • If Naza Kia does a UMW version of Fortuner speccing, they deserve the #bodoh hashtag.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
    • Really on May 16, 2016 at 9:36 am

      Only greedy UMW would equip a 187k Fortuner with 3 airbags, ABS and er, seriously that is all it has. Kia may not have the brand cache of Toyota, but at least they still have some respect for Malaysians’ intelligence.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • If the lowest spec diesel Sorento still offer a better package of accessories compare to the T and much more lesser price, i think it can sell well.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Well at least its priced realistically, compared to the ford everest at 200-260k

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 33 Thumb down 0
    • Sorento2.5crdi on May 13, 2016 at 8:53 pm

      I still owned the old version Sorento diesel and still running well. Many German Technology, tuned by Bosch, but the sad back our Diesel Quality, only can go to BHP Euro5. Anyway price is the most important factors not very much on the accessories. Later Ah Beng accessories can add on….

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
  • FrancisHuat on May 13, 2016 at 7:53 pm

    Hi Danny i guess u need to fix the link cuz it goes back to the same page.

    Very handsome, too. Read our “full review of the Sorento UM” for an idea of what to expect.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Aero (Member) on May 13, 2016 at 7:58 pm

    Is this CBU or CKD ? At that price, I doubt it’s CKD. Then again, it could be, and it’s just our weak ringgit that’s to blame.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Hahaha on May 13, 2016 at 7:59 pm

    Wah like this fortuner de sale sure get killed lor. Sam loo sure crying in the showroom.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
  • contender on May 13, 2016 at 8:08 pm

    Look nice pricing if compared to Ford Everest seem cheaper but for KIA ….. better wait for year end clearance to buy.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 7
  • Kia fan on May 13, 2016 at 8:16 pm

    Hi,
    Why diesel is better than petrol in SUV? Which one will give quick response and good pick-up?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • UMW Ruined Toyota Lexus on May 13, 2016 at 9:21 pm

      Diesel Engine Produce more torque(aka pick-up) than Petrol Engine so depend how often use SUV at offroad.If most of the time people are using SUV in offroad will use Diesel Engine rather than petrol engine.The Diesel Engine Vehicle need the power to pull by torque as you can see another example at other than SUV. Examples like Pick-up trucks, Van, Bus,Trucks and another construction and commercial vehicles, most of the are from diesel engine.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 0
      • Kia Fan on May 13, 2016 at 9:58 pm

        thanks, bro. if i use it to commucate between shah alam and PJ. – will petrol be better choice? don’t think i will make it offroad any time.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
        • UMW Ruined Toyota Lexus on May 14, 2016 at 8:50 am

          You’re welcome bro,if you are using highway most of the time petrol is better choice for you unless you are at rural area.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
        • If most time it is light or empty vessel – petrol, if heavy loaded – diesel

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
        • go for the diesel…440nm for the diesel vs 240nm for the petrol…and FC of abt 15-16km/l for the diesel vs FC of 10-11km/l for the petrol…even the diesel produce more hp at around 200hp vs the petrol less than 170hp…diesel is the way to go esp for this heavy SUV

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • D segment suv on May 13, 2016 at 9:15 pm

    Santa fe diesel vs Sorento diesel…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • Josh Ling on May 13, 2016 at 11:06 pm

    they should have made the diesel model the top ranger lah. the engine is way more powerful and frugal than the petrol engine. hope kia will reconsider about its strategy.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Wasabi Man on May 13, 2016 at 11:28 pm

    If the price is true, BOOM!
    This the best bang for buck SUV you can buy… It just triumphs over the competitor like a boss… Watch reviews online…
    Also one of the safest SUV on earth you can buy…

    We own the 2nd gen 2011 model and it is super reliable with over 100K Km on the clock… This ouur first Kimchi in the family and boy it’s damn good for what it is…
    It was also the safest under 200k SUV on sale back then and this new one should be the same…
    Safety is important and now with the Diesel engine… superb!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 2
  • Harakanan on May 13, 2016 at 11:42 pm

    Wow!! Sorento 2.2 turbo diesel claimed max at 441.3 NM of torque. Powerful!!! Can’t wait to test it.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
  • Right decision by naza, diesel is the way to go for suv, the cheapest diesel will selling well, sayonara santa fe diesel and other diesel suv

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • Braise for the Kimchi comments

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • marieta on May 14, 2016 at 10:31 am

    Oh please Naza Kia bring us the full spec on diesel, that’s the selling point of this vehicle worldwide

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Brutus on May 14, 2016 at 12:08 pm

    With Euro5 available in Malaysia, these Diesel engines are a gem. Hopefully Naza do not underspec the Diesel model too much as compared to the petrol version.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • Diesel Wannabe on May 14, 2016 at 12:52 pm

    It will be a totally let down if NAZA don’t offer the high spec diesel model

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • I hope kia brings in the diamond shaped lamp & the big screen at infotainment system with all view cameras.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • seancorr (Member) on May 14, 2016 at 4:12 pm

    Aduh the diesel should be the flagship model

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Ford Power on May 15, 2016 at 11:12 pm

    Hey guys, wanted to check on the model positioning.. If this is C-segment SUV, where does it leave the Sportage/Tucson then?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Really on May 16, 2016 at 9:44 am

      If taking the Honda CRV as the size standard for C-segment, the Sportage is between B and C segments something like the Mitsu ASX. The new Sorento is bigger than the CRV and nearing a D-segment.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • this is it, the x factor for the x men is price…..affordable for SUV newcomers. can’t wait to feel it.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • I have the unreleased PnC full specs, whose interested?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Hi guys, need opinions. Sorento 2015 or 2016 lower spec to buy. Price difference 144k for 2015 and 158 to 178k for new 2016 models.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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