Previewed: 2023 Kia Sorento – 7 seats, 2 powertrains, Est. RM220,000 onwards

The Malaysian Kia model range is set to grow larger later this year with the addition of the new fourth generation Kia Sorento 7-seat crossover SUV. The model was previewed by distributors BAuto (Bermaz Auto Berhad), recently, alongside the Peugeot Landtrek pick-up truck and what appears to be a refreshed Mazda MX-30 EV.

Unveiled globally back in 2021, the new fourth generation Sorento underpins Kia’s latest N3 mid-sized crossover SUV platform that uses a blend of steel and aluminium in its construction, plus a greater percentage of Advanced High-Strength Steel and hot-stamped steel compared to its predecessor.

The new platform boasts a 12.5% increase in torsional rigidity plus a 5.6% reduction in weight. In terms of size, the new Sorento has also grown slightly longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, gaining a lengthened wheelbase in the process too. Aptly, this change in size is masked well by its striking new exterior design, which features stand-out bits like the signature Kia ‘Tiger Nose’ grille and new LED lights.

Like before, the Sorento continues to offer seating for up to 7 occupants across 3-rows of seats in 2-3-2 layout. Key cabin features teased by BAuto include an interactive 10.25-inch touchscreen central infotainment screen offering both Apple and Android smartphone connectivity, a new 12.3-inch digital instrument display panel, as a premium Bose audio system.

Apart from that, BAuto also highlights the enlarged cabin’s promise of greater practicality and versatile utility. Much of this stems from the massive standard boot space of 616 litres, which can be expanded up to 2,011 litres with the third row seats folded. Speaking of that, access to said third row will be made easier thanks to the addition of one-touch tumble-fold second row seats too.

As for powertrain options, despite rumours of possibly including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, BAuto skirted answering said queries. Instead, the firm chose to confirm two options that it will at least offer initially across three variants – base 2WD petrol, mid-spec AWD petrol, plus a range-topping AWD diesel.

Firstly, both petrol-powered variants will harness a 2.5-litre SmartStream 4-cyl MPI mill paired with 6-speed automatic transmission, whilst the proposed range-topping oil-burner is set to get the 2.2-litre SmartStream turbo-diesel 4-cyl unit paired with an 8-speed DCT box instead. In terms of output figures, the former will deliver 177 HP and 232 NM, whereas the latter promises 199 HP and 440 NM instead.

Powertrains aside, the Malaysian-flavoured Kia Sorento will also come brimmed with a bevy of advanced driver assistance (ADAS) features across all variants. Essentially, we can expect the same package as what we saw and experienced in the latest Kia Carnival 7/8-seat MPV that BAuto officially launched last year.

Again, just like its Carnival MPV cousin, all signs point towards the new Sorento model being assembled locally (CKD) by BAuto at its facility in Kulim, Kedah. This, in turn, explains the rather promising estimated prices that the model will command. According to BAuto, the range is estimated to start between RM220,000 and RM255,000.

We can also likely expect the same after-sales package as seen in the latest Kia Carnival model, which consists of a 5-year or 100,000KM manufacturer warranty plus free maintenance package lasting for the same time/mileage span that covers labour, parts, and lubricants.

So, what do you folks reckon then? Will the new Sorento be the stylish, posh, and feature-laden 7-seat crossover SUV of your choice? Hit the comments below with your thoughts…