The fourth-generation Kia Sorento has been officially previewed in Malaysia, with local distributor Dinamikjaya Motors, a subsidiary of Bermaz Auto (BAuto), revealing it is now accepting bookings for the redesigned three-row D-segment SUV.
Final pricing will be revealed on launch day, which we’re told will take place very soon. For now, the company says the Sorento is estimated to range from RM220,000 to RM255,000 across three variants, with local dealers claiming deliveries will start from March this year. It should be noted that unlike the Carnival, which initially arrived in fully-imported (CBU) form, the Sorento will be offered as a locally-assembled (CKD) model from the start.
The base option is the 2.5 2WD 7-Seater, which is powered by a 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder MPi engine that delivers 177 hp at 6,000 rpm and 232 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The mill drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, with the quoted top speed being 195 km/h.
Next on the list is the 2.5 AWD 6-Seater that gets the same MPi powerplant, but with an all-wheel drive system to send drive to all four corners. It also adopts a 2-2-2 seat layout with two captain chairs in the second row rather than a bench, which is what the entry-level variant’s 2-3-2 configuration gets.
Rounding off the trio is the 2.2D AWD 6-Seater, which also comes with six seats and AWD, but features a diesel engine instead. The 2.2 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel is the same one found in the Carnival and provides 199 hp at 3,800 rpm and 440 Nm from 1,750 to 2,750 rpm. Unlike the MPV, the oil burning Sorento features an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission instead of an eight-speed automatic – top speed also goes up to 205 km/h.
In its latest form, the Sorento is a bigger car compared to its predecessor, with a 10 mm increase in each direction to become 4,810 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,695 mm tall. The wheelbase has also grown by 35 mm to 2,815 mm, with most of it going to the more rearward A-pillars.
Along with shorter overhangs, the SUV sports a more premium look, complemented by sharper lines and bolder styling cues. The latter includes a more substantial “tiger nose” grille with U-shaped inserts that flows neatly into the slim headlamps and L-shaped daytime running lights. The lower apron features a large intake that extends into L-shaped air curtains at the corners of the bumper.
Down the sides, chrome scuttles contribute to the upmarket appearance and is joined by a chrome “shark fin” on the rear quarter glass. However, it is the rear that undergoes the most significant changes, with four vertical taillights bars set beside a sculpted tailgate. Adding to the visual statement is a large black bumper insert and faux vents that integrate lights and reflectors.
The interior is equally as distinctive thanks to the dual-tier air vents on the dashboard, with those in the middle “cradling” the control panel for the dual-zone climate system, which is set below the 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Our local Sorento will come with a traditional gear lever instead of a rotary dial, and you can easily tell the difference between 2WD and AWD models by the controls on the centre console – the latter has more drive modes as well as brake auto hold.
The higher-spec variant also comes with 19-inch wheels (instead of 18-inch units), a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (the 7-Seater gets a multi-info display and analogue dials), a Bose sound system, leather upholstery (instead of fabric) as well as rear shades.
All variants will come with powered front seats (the 6-Seater’s front passenger seat has controls on its side), one-touch entry into the third row, second- and third-row air vents, a powered tailgate, the ability to fold the second-row seats from the boot, a Qi wireless charger, keyless entry and start as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.
On the safety front, six airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist, DSC, traction control, hill start assist and Multi-Collision Brake Control are standard across the range. The Sorento also gets adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and autonomous emergency braking from its base variant onwards.
In the D-segment SUV space, the Sorento competes against the Mazda CX-8, Hyundai Santa Fe and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. Once again, estimated pricing for the Sorento is between RM220,000 to RM255,000. Like what you see so far?
GALLERY: 2023 Kia Sorento 2.2D AWD 6-Seater
GALLERY: 2023 Kia Sorento 2.5 2WD 7-Seater
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compared to prev gen sorento and current santafe price this is profiteering
If you wants suv gets Sorrento, wants minivan gets Carnival. Both shared same platform.
too expensive for what it is
My dream car.
Where is the 1.6 turbo hybrid T-GDI engine version?
if Bermaz can spec Kias to the brim, they also could do so with Mazdas. i genuinely do not understand the reasoning for Kias to get the Bose speakers, paddle shifters, but Mazdas do not (CX-5 and the recently updated CX-8) especially when the CX-5 and CX-8 is also CKD. if it’s pricing that’s a concern, the waiting list for the Kia Carnival is loooooong so i don’t think that’s the issue here.
I was waiting for new Sorento to come out. Then only found out the turbodiesel is only available in 6 seater configuration. I skip CX-8 because lack of 7 seater offered for turbodiesel. Looks like I’m going to choose Santa Fe or Tiguan Allspace R-line over this.
Exactly, but the balance choice lack of 3rd row comfort, lack of legroom and sitting too straight.
try Carnival
Carnival has no awd. This 6 seater madness should stop. Third row seats are only used occasionally.
What’s the advantage of AWD if mostly city use? (asking genuinely, not questioning you:) )
apa mahal sgt nie?
RM value sudah turun.
Who would pay 250k for a kia?
R.I.P. Dead on arrival. Crazy price and impractical 6 seat nonsense.
The SUV is a good offering but that price range is unattractive for the brand here. Bermaz should think to give more value and slowly build up customers confidence.
No rotary dial, hybrid, phev and rotary dial knob? Somemore over price, good luck on selling this! Wait so long but give me huge disappointment now. Definitely boycott Kia for now unless bermaz do it properly!
Price too expensive, people will go for mazda and VW.
very good car and a little late for Malaysia to bring this thing however the price is just… PISHANG
SUVs are too boring, bring in the handsome K5 pls
over RM200K for a korean car where the brand value and brand image doesn’t justify the price tag.
Looks like Chery Tiggo Pro Max under 200K will conquer this segment with 7 seater & 250hp. Time will tell. Good Luck Bermaz
1. The facelift MQ4 Sorento is going to be released this year after almost three years goes on sale since 2020. It’s better to hold the purchase and wait for the facelift version unless you really need it.
2. Typical Bermaz, like what they did with Mazda CX-8 which only selling high spec with 6-seater, Sorento also face with the same issue. It’s better for Bermaz to give option for buyers to choose either 6- or 7-seater for high spec variant. Not everyone wants 6-seater.
And, looking at the seat, this Sorento is missing its signature stitching/ pattern, unlike those in Korea/US/ Australia market, which is more plush.
RM250k for a new sorento?. very expensive la. I’d better choose another car bran. My 2018 Sorento used to be only RM150k after rebate. The price is very different.
KIA is one of the best selling car brands in the world. And yet here in Malaysia, it seems like they are trying their best to kill this brand. Why??
Very disappointed. Sorento and Santa Fe pricing have all the while been in the range of 170-200k. And despite setting a much higher price, a lot of things are missing. No dial gear, no ventilated seats + lower quality seats, no 1.6T hybrid/plug-in, no level 2 autonomous driving.
The middle row seats look like something they dismantled from a 2005 recond Alphard. WTF.
This offering is not TODAY’s standard. wake up!
Very disappointed. Sorento and Santa Fe pricing have all the while been in the range of 170-200k. And despite setting a much higher price, a lot of things are missing. No dial gear, no ventilated seats + lower quality seats, no 1.6T hybrid/plug-in, no level 2 autonomous driving.
The middle row seats look like something they dismantled from a 2005 recond Alphard. WTF.
This offering is not TODAY’s standard. wake up!
Price is higher than the carnival, yet somemore the interior looks all black. Better look for orther brand.
2.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder MPi engine that delivers 177 hp at 6,000 rpm and 232 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The petrol version is soo weak…..better get the diesel instead
Kia after sale service SUCK!!! Engine Failure Claim Warranty more then 18 months.
sales of CX-8 will suddenly goes up this month
Rafizi said, harga kereta boleh jadi murah, lastime he told us example of mazda 6 price rm50k for brand new, compare now rm150k above.. hope he can help us malaysian to solve this car price hike…
whoever came up with this 6-seat configuration should be sacked