Kia has launched the all-new 2023 Sorento in Malaysia which is locally assembled (CKD) at the automaker’s Inokom plant in Kulim. The 4th gen Sorento comes available in 3 variants for the Malaysian market. The 2.5L 2WD 7-seater is priced at RM 211,498, the 2.5L AWD 6-seater is priced at RM 235,498, and the 2.2D AWD 6-seater is available for RM 255,228.
The entry-level 2WD variant is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5L petrol engine that makes 180hp & 232 Nm and comes mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. The AWD variant gets the same petrol engine but its all-wheel-drive system sends power to all four wheels.
The range-topping AWD gets a 2.2L turbodiesel engine with 202 hp & 440 Nm and is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels.
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In terms of exterior, the 2WD gets 18-inch wheels while the rest of the variants get 19-inch alloys and roof rails. Apart from those, all variants look virtually the same on the outside except for the badging at the rear.
The exterior of the new Kia Sorento in Malaysia
Inside, the standard features across all variants include keyless entry and start/stop, electric parking brake, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, 8-way power adjustment for the front seats, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, wireless charged & powered tailgate.
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As for variant-specific features, the entry-level 2WD variant gets fabric seats, an analog instrument cluster, a 6-speaker audio system, and reversing camera. The 2.5 AWD and 2.2D AWD are almost identically equipped, they get leatherette seats, a head-up display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, rear sunshades, a 360-degree view camera, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.
The interior of 4th gen Kia Sorento in Malaysia
While the 2WD variant gets 7 seats with a 2-3-2 seating configuration, both the 2.5 AWD and 2.2D AWD have 6 seats with a 2-2-2 seating configuration. The only differences between the two higher variants are the paddle shifters and terrain mode selection in the 2.2D AWD.
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As for safety, the Sorento comes equipped with 6 airbags, DSC, hill-start-assist, Multi-Collision Brake, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking across all variants. In terms of advanced driver-assistance features, all variants get the full suite of ADAS with:
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
- Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) – 2.5 AWD and 2.2D AWD only
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
- Lane Following Assist (LFA)
- Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go
The 2023 Kia Sorento in Malaysia comes with a 5-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty (whichever comes first), and a 5-year free scheduled maintenance, with a coverage period of up to 5 years and a mileage limit of 100,000 km (whichever comes first).
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
