All-new 2023 Kia Sorento coming soon to Malaysia; here’s all you need to know

The year 2023 is getting better with each passing day for the Malaysian auto and moto market.

It was recently that BMW Malaysia launched the 3 Series facelift along with the arrival of the iX xDrive50, ROI open for the 2023 BMW M2 & Audi e-Tron, and the launch of the 2023 BMW Motorrad K1600B. Not to forget the specs update for the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Max and 2023 MINI Electric. Also, the year will witness the arrival of the Mercedes-Benz EQS500 4Matic CKD, Toyota bZ4X, BMW i7, 2023 BMW M340i & 330i facelift, Toyota Hilux GR Sport, and 2023 Perodua Axia D74A.

Also Read: Hyundai Malaysia's lineup to add a new EV in 2023, the IONIQ 6

As for today, we witnessed the preview of two more upcoming cars namely the 2023 Peugeot Landtrek and the 2023 Kia Sorento. While we have discussed the former in detail here, it’s time now to talk about the latter. So, without further ado let’s get started.

Local distributor of Kia cars in Malaysia, Dinamikjaya Motors, has previewed the 4th gen Sorento. Also, the automaker is now accepting orders for the D-segment SUV, and if after reading its details we too wanna book the new Sorento, feel free to do so via Kia Malaysia’s official website.

2023 Kia Sorento: Details

Price & Variants

The all-new Sorento will be offered as a locally-assembled model in three variant options. While the automaker is yet to reveal the final pricing, the SUVs are estimated to retail for RM 220,000 to RM 255,000. The local deliveries will commence in March 2023.

As mentioned, the new Kia Sorento will be offered in three trim options namely -

• Sorento 2.5 2WD 7-Seater
• Sorento 2.5 AWD 6-Seater
• Sorento 2.2D AWD 6-Seater

Dimensions

Length	4,810 mm
Width	1,900 mm
Height	1,695 mm
Wheelbase	2,815 mm

Compared to the previous gen model, this one is 10 mm longer, wider, and taller. The wheelbase has grown by 35 mm.

Seating configuration

2023 Kia Sorento
Variant	Seat layout
Sorento 2.5 2WD	2-3-2
Sorento 2.5 AWD	2-2-2 (two captain chairs in the second row)
Sorento 2.2D AWD	2-2-2 (two captain chairs in the second row)

Powertrain configuration

The entry-level and the mid-spec 2023 Kia Sorento is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder MPi mill generating a maximum power of 177 hp at 6,000 rpm along with a peak torque of 232 Nm at 4,000 rpm. In the base variant, the drive is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. However, the mid-spec variant comes with an all-wheel drive system that sends drive to all four wheels.

As for the range-topping Sorento, it gets a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel unit, taking 199 ohms at 3,800 rpm and 440 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 2,750 rpm. The power here is transmitted to all four wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Performance

While the base option is quoted to have a top speed of 195 kmph, the same for the top-spec trim goes up to 205 kmph.

Design update

The all-new Sorento looks quite different from the previous-gen model, with all the new inclusions the SUV features a more premium look. Part of the car's styling updates are

• Shorter overhangs along with sharper lines and bolder styling cues
• A more substantial “tiger nose” grille with U-shaped inserts
• Slim headlamps
• L-shaped daytime running lights
• A large intake that extends into L-shaped air curtains
• 18-inch wheels (19-inch for higher-spec variants)
• Chrome scuttles
• A chrome “shark fin” on the rear quarter glass
• Four vertical taillights bars
• A sculpted tailgate
• A large black bumper insert
• Faux vents with integrated lights and reflectors

Cabin revisions

Like the exterior, the 2023 Sorento’s cabin is equally distinctive all thanks to the likes of distinctive design and premium materials like wood-effect surfaces and metallic trims. Also, part of the specs sheet is

• Dual-tier air vents on the dashboard
• Dual-zone climate system with a control panel in the middle row
• A 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with built-in Apple
• CarPlay & Android Auto support
• Traditional gear lever instead of a rotary dial
• More drive modes as well as brake auto hold for AWD models
• Multi-info display and analog dials
• Fabric upholstery
• Wireless charging pad at the base of the center console

The top-spec variant further benefits from a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a Bose sound system, leather upholstery, and rear shades.

Safety kit

The new Sorento SUV benefits from a bunch of safety features including

• Six airbags
• Anti-brake locking System
• Electronic Brake Distribution
• Brake assist
• Dynamic Stability Control
• Traction control
• Hill start assist
• Multi-Collision Brake Control

From its entry-level onwards the SUV also gets autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist.

Once launched the all-new Kia Sorento will compete against the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, Mazda CX-8, and Hyundai Santa Fe. Are you excited about the new Kia SUV? We sure are.

Also Read: Three Hyundai SUVs coming to Malaysia in 2023