Verdict
The Kia Sorento MQ4 is the more complete seven-seat family SUV, bringing autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Its 2,815 mm wheelbase is 35 mm longer too. But the outgoing Kia Sorento UM remains the stronger workhorse: its 2.2-litre diesel produces 197 hp and 441 Nm, a 20 hp and 209 Nm advantage over the MQ4’s 2.5-litre petrol, while AWD and a 320-litre boot suit heavier loads. The MQ4 is the better-equipped choice; the UM is the more practical torque-led used buy.
Pick the Kia Sorento UM if you want 441 Nm of diesel torque, all-wheel drive and a 320-litre boot for less money.
Pick the Kia Sorento MQ4 if you want modern active safety, adaptive cruise control and far better cabin connectivity.
Key differences
- Engine output: UM 2,199 cc turbodiesel makes 197 hp and 441 Nm; MQ4 2,497 cc naturally aspirated petrol makes 177 hp and 232 Nm.
- Drivetrain and weight: UM is AWD and 2,036 kg; MQ4 is FWD and 1,719 kg.
- Length and wheelbase: UM measures 4,780 mm and 2,780 mm; MQ4 measures 4,810 mm and 2,815 mm.
- Boot and fuel tank: UM has 320 litres and 71 litres; MQ4 has 187 litres and 67 litres.
- Autonomous emergency braking: UM has none; MQ4 has it.
- Infotainment: UM gets a 3.8-inch radio/CD unit; MQ4 gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
UM
- 441 Nm diesel torque and 197 hp
- All-wheel drive
- 320-litre boot and five-year unlimited-km warranty
- No autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring or lane steering correction
- Halogen projector headlamps and manual front-seat adjustment
- No reversing camera, Bluetooth or smartphone integration
MQ4
- Autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance
- Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go
- LED projector headlamps, powered contactless tailgate and 10.25-inch touchscreen
- 232 Nm and front-wheel drive versus the UM's 441 Nm and AWD
- 187-litre boot is 133 litres smaller
- Higher purchase price, RM838 annual road tax and a 100,000-km warranty limit
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM150,518✓ | RM211,498 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC commonrail turbodiesel with variable geometry turbo | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 2,199 cc | 2,497 cc |
| Horsepower | 197 hp✓ | 177 hp |
| Torque | 441 Nm✓ | 232 Nm |
| Fuel | Diesel | Petrol |
| Bore | 85.4 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 16 | 10.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-Speed Automatic | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | Kia |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | 7.8 L/100 km | — |
| Co2 | 205 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,780 mm | 4,810 mm |
| Width | 1,890 mm | 1,900 mm |
| Height | 1,685 mm | 1,695 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,780 mm | 2,815 mm |
| Weight | 2,036 kg | 1,719 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 71 litres | 67 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 320 litres✓ | 187 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/65R17 | 235/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/65R17 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Nexen Nfera RU1 | Goodyear EfficientGrip SUV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats in middle row | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats in Second and Third Row |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Projector | LED Projector with Automatic High Beam |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | 8-way Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-Folding and Sliding Middle Row, 50:50 Split-Folding Last Row | 60:40 Split-folding Second Row, 50:50 Split-folding Third Row |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Second Row Vents, Third Row Vents with Blower Control |
| Power Sockets | 2 Front, 1 Middle Row | 1 Front, 1 Second Row, 1 Boot, 3 Front USB, 1 Second Row USB, 2 Third Row USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row | 2 Front, 2 Second Row, 2 Third Row |
| Audio | 3.8" Radio, CD, MP3 player with 6 Speakers | 10.25" Touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Qi Wireless Charger |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM599✓ | RM838 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
UM vs MQ4 FAQ
Is the Kia Sorento UM or Kia Sorento MQ4 better?
The Kia Sorento MQ4 is better for safety and everyday equipment, with autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera. The Kia Sorento UM is better for diesel pulling power, AWD and luggage space, producing 441 Nm and carrying 320 litres behind the seats.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Sorento MQ4 costs RM60,980 more: RM211,498 against RM150,518 for the Kia Sorento UM.
Which Sorento is better for carrying luggage and heavier loads?
The Kia Sorento UM. Its 320-litre boot is 133 litres larger than the MQ4’s 187 litres, and its 2.2-litre turbodiesel produces 441 Nm versus 232 Nm. It also sends power to all four wheels rather than the front wheels alone.