Previewed in January, the 2023 Kia Sorento is now officially launched in Malaysia. The fourth-generation Sorento is launching as a CKD locally assembled model – instead of an initial CBU batch like the Carnival – priced from RM211,498 to RM255,228, which are lower than the estimates. There are three variants with a mixture of two engines and two seating configurations, which we’ll explain.
The latest Sorento is bigger than its already large predecessor, with a 10 mm expansion in each direction to be 4,810 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,695 mm tall. The wheelbase has grown by 35 mm to 2,815 mm.
It’s a very handsome SUV, with sharp lines contrasting the soft curves of many rivals. Kia’s signature ‘tiger nose’ pinch sits on what’s in effect a full width grille as the headlamps – striking triple projectors – are integrated nicely for a one-piece look. The sides are straight and simple, but there’s a chrome ‘shark fin’ to add interest at the C pillars.
There will be many who think that the new Sorento’s chiseled rear end is its best angle. Two vertical strips on each side and Sorento spelled out below the number plate. Overall, it’s a very macho-looking SUV, probably the brawniest one in the market now. What do you think?
Under the hood, we get a choice of two engines – one petrol, one diesel. As expected, the base model is a petrol with front-wheel drive and the maximum seven seats in three rows (2-3-2). The 2.5 2WD 7-Seater is powered by a 2.5 litre Smartstream naturally-aspirated four-cylinder MPi engine with 177 hp and 232 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The transmission is a six-speed automatic. The entry variant is priced at RM211,498 on-the-road without insurance.
The next variant also uses the same 2.5L engine, but with all-wheel drive and six seats in a 2-2-2 formation, with the middle row bench making way for two captain chairs. The 2.5 AWD 6-Seater is priced at RM235,498.
The range topper is the RM255,228 2.2D AWD 6-Seater. It also comes with six seats and AWD, but the engine here is the 2.2 litre turbodiesel from the Carnival, making 199 hp and 440 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 2,750 rpm. While the CRDi is paired to an eight-speed torque converter automatic in the MPV, the Sorento gets an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission instead.
By the way, our CKD Sorento will come with a traditional gear lever instead of a rotary dial that some markets get. The Drive Mode knob behind the gear lever incorporates Terrain Mode presets (snow, mud, sand) on AWD models.
The base model comes with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, analogue dials, fabric seats, powered front seats, one-touch entry into the third row, second- and third-row air vents, powered tailgate, the ability to fold the second-row seats from the boot, Qi wireless charger, keyless entry/push start as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.
The higher-spec six-seater variant add on 19-inch alloys, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bose sound system, leather upholstery and rear window shades. The front passenger seat also has controls on its side, increasing convenience for the driver or rear passenger.
As for safety, it’s six airbags, DSC, hill start assist, Multi-Collision Brake, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and autonomous emergency braking across the board, from the base model onwards. Dinamikjaya Motors MD Datuk Wong Kin Foo says that there are no current plans to introduce the plug-in hybrid version or the 1.6L hybrid variant in Malaysia; the latter is Euro 6-only.
Once again, the new 2023 Kia Sorento is priced at RM211,498 for the 2.5 2WD 7-Seater, RM235,498 for the 2.5 AWD 6-Seater and RM255,228 for the 2.2D AWD 6-Seater. There’s a five-year or 100,000 km warranty and service package; the latter includes labour, parts and lubricants. Three-row SUV rivals in Malaysia include Bermaz stablemate Mazda CX-8, the Hyundai Santa Fe (we’re still waiting for the TM facelift) and the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. What’s your take on the new Kia Sorento?
GALLERY: 2023 Kia Sorento 2.2D AWD 6-Seater
GALLERY: 2023 Kia Sorento 2.5 AWD 6-Seater
GALLERY: 2023 Kia Sorento 2.5 2WD 7-Seater
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260K for a KIA?
Better buy CRV
really too much the pricing
One more thing..besides the superlatively premium pricing.
The aircon vents look like starwar enemy spaceships from afar.
Shocking repairs and maintenance bills once exceed warranty and regret y buy this brand
Which loose nut brain came out with this pricing… The stuffs in the base model are basically what was selling for only 170k+ in the previous generations and other same class SUV like Santa Fe.
211k for fabric and analog meter. LMAO.
too expensive for what it is
@Hayoh :: We don’t say “stuffs” with “s”: Stuff is already plural. It means more than one thing. It’s uncountable. We say “You have a lot of stuff” or “There is so much stuff in your trunk.”
Tq mr obvious
As a current owner of Kia Sorrento UM, kind of disappointed with the equipment levels to the current price increase. I Expected the MQ4 would have on par equipment for the price. Things which UM has that MQ4 does not have. We are talking an excess of RM80K difference here.
1. 3 or 5 year warranty with free service.
2. 20:40:20 seats. MQ4 has 60:40.
3. AFLS. Why MQ4 expensive car has manual headlight adjustment.
4. Memory front seats.
5. Ventilated seats.
Things which MQ4 has. RM 80k extra gets you:
1. Digital cluster
2. Bigger centre screen
3. Rear traffic alert
4. Blind sport monitoring.
5. Gear terrain mode.
6. Car weight reduction of 120+ Kg.
7. Automated driving aids.
Thank you NAZA for providing cheap Kia cars previously. Not sure BERMAZ can do it going forward.
just buy cx-8 la
Add a little bit more get Kia Carnival instead. This thing is too expensive for what it is
It all depends on what the KIA fanboy wants..SUV or MPV.
Anyway,the new Bermaz regime is seemingly able to garner a bigger automotive pie,compared to the failed Naza dudes.
A check at some of the KIA service centres showed renewed optimism,from former Naza customers who send their older Naza Citra for repairs.
Like the cx-8 turbo, i don’t understand why top range are not offered as 7 seaters as third row seats are just a option and occasional use.
Tiguan R line or this Sorento??
Going function over form, get an Innova or Serena instead. Over RM100k difference.
Nice, sharp lines like the Carnival. Compared to the soft curves and Ahbeng looking skirtings seen in many japanese mades.
base model no blidn spot monitor…
there is dude.. its all STANDARD
Why so expensive?
Impractical 6-seat nonsense and a price that is way above what anyone would pay for a Kia. It’s CKD but priced like a CBU car. I’d be surprised if it can even get 50 bookings in its first month.
i suppose what YOU would want is a 911 body with 11 seats in it?. lol.
RIP Kia Sorento. Lol!
High spec rm255…..BMW 320 so attractive….even though different category but I drive alone most of the time. Just top up rm30k, I get BMW. Go to clubing, take out key fob, Kia or BMW give me more value?
Just make fun, die hard fan no need so serious.
Drive low spec BMW where got syiok one.
BMW 320 got no ACC, it is too boring.
anything more than RM160K for a korean car is overpriced. Korean is still korean. no matter how they price it, it ain’t continental brand value.
Paultan team, please review. We would like to know how it drives on Malaysian roads.
still too much of korean taste… take VW tiguan better
This is so-called a very ‘stingy’ Sorento offering :); giving consumers limited options, as if telling us ‘please choose other brands’
Seeing the pricing for all the models Bermaz has brought in , it’s pretty clear their pricing is to protect Mazda and prevent cannibalizing their flagship brand. The new sorento at most can be sold for 200-210k la with all the bells and whistles. The older UM top spec sold for 180k+ and thats without ADAS and also came with the 2.2 turbo diesel. Welp guess the UM diesel owners are gonna see a jump in rv. Still tho it’s a pretty handsome SUV for its segment. Shame it’s over-priced.
After taking a look at the new Chery this suddenly becomes wayyyyy too expensive. No wonder I don’t see any OTR yet.