Launched: 2023 Kia Sorento (CKD) – 3 Variants, 2 Seating Layouts, From RM211K

Dinamikjaya Motors, the official distributor of Kia in Malaysia has officially unveiled the all-new 2023 Kia Sorento. Initially previewed in Malaysia earlier this year, the locally-assembled (CKD) three-row SUV comes in three variants with two seating layout options, starting from RM211,498.

This three-row SUV is powered by two powertrain flavours, either the 2.5-litre 4-cyl Smartstream petrol mill or the 2.2-litre 4-cyl Smartstream diesel engine. Mated with a 6-speed automatic box, the petrol mill is capable of delivering up to 177 HP and 232 NM, while its oil-burning twin gets paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), rated at 199 HP and 440 NM.

Available in three different variants, the three-row Sorento SUV comes with two seating layouts, either the seven (2-3-2) or the six (2-2-2) seat layouts. The baseline spec, powered by the 2.5-litre petrol mill, is the sole variant that comes with the 7-seat layout and two-wheel-drive (2WD) configuration. The mid-spec 2.5-litre petrol, on the other hand, sports the spacier 6-seat layout, while boasting an all-wheel-drive (AWD) drivetrain. 

Finally, the 2.2-litre diesel spec also sports the 6-seat layout and comes with AWD to boot as well. Special to the range-topping AWD diesel variant is the ‘Terrain Mode’, which essentially allows drivers to traverse through mud, snow and sand with ease. This system automatically optimises the drivetrain to suit the aforementioned terrains by improving its traction control and stability, as well as adjusting the engine torque output and power distribution.

Underpinning the Hyundai-Kia N3 platform, the fourth-gen Sorento has grown slightly longer, wider and taller compared to its predecessor. In spite of that, the Sorento’s bulkier facade is barely noticeable, thanks to the new striking exterior design. Headlining its front fascia is the Kia’s new hallmark ‘tiger nose’ LED grille, flanked by a pair of new ‘tiger eyeline’ dual-LED auto headlights with daytime running lights (DRL) integrated as well.

The sharp-looking, tiger-inspo front end blends well with the new Sorento’s wide air intake that sits lower than the previous gen model, complemented by wing-shaped air curtains on its side. Topping off the front fascia styling cue is the addition of front lip and skid plate, giving this already striking-looking SUV a more rugged edge.

In an attempt to make this bulky SUV look sleeker, Kia’s designers have shortened the front and rear overhangs, resulting in its wheelbase growing 35 MM longer compared to the previous-gen model. This, followed by the re-adjustment of the car’s A pillar further back from the front axle has given the new Sorento’s a sportier silhouette.

Moving to the rear part, the all-new Sorento boasts a pair of vertical LED combination taillights with angular-shaped design that blends well with the aluminium-finished lower rear bumper trim and skid plate. Instead of a small nameplate, the Sorento badging  is spelled out across the rear part of the car that matches rather well with the newly-designed Kia emblem.

Kia Malaysia is offering the new Sorento in five exterior hue options, which includes Astra Blue, Meteor Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver and Jet Black.

On board, the Sorento is primed with a plethora of premium materials for its finishings, ranging from leather upholstery to wood veneers and metallic trims. Apart from that, the Sorento’s cabin also features the Mood Lighting System, which produces soft ambient lighting from beneath the dashboard and door trim.

Crowning its central console is the all-new 10.25-inch infotainment display with haptic buttons on either side that pairs up with the bigger 12.3-inch driver’s digital display. Said infotainment system supports  both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay mobile connectivity, as well as Bluet

Charging up your mobile phones should be no problem inside the new Sorento, as it comes with a wireless charging pad that sits at the base of the central console, with an additional of four USB ports for both the second and third-row passengers.

Like any other modern cars nowadays, the all-new Sorento is laden with advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features across all variants. This includes features like the High Beam Assist (HBA), Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW),  Blind-spot Collision Avoidance (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) , Drive Attention Warning (DAW), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Junction Turning, Lane Following Assist (LFA) and Smart Cruise Control (with Stop & Go).

Locally-assembled (CKD) at the Inokom Assembly Plant in Kulim, Kedah, the 2023 Kia Sorento is priced at RM211,498 for the baseline 2.5-litre petrol 2WD 7-seater spec and RM235,498 for the mid-spec 2.5-litre petrol AWD 6-seater. Meanwhile, the range-topping 2.2-litre diesel AWD 6-seater variant commands a price tag of RM255,228. Said prices are inclusive of a 5-year or 100,000 KM Manufacturer Warranty, as well as a 5-year or 100,000 KM Free Scheduled Maintenance.