2019 Kia Sorento 2.2D SX AT Review

In Malaysia's D-Segment SUV market, 7-seater models have always been the core choice for family users — they not only provide comfortable daily commuting but also ensure practicality for carrying goods or traveling with multiple people during holidays. The 2019 Kia Sorento 2.2D SX AT, as a popular contender in this segment, boasts 200PS diesel power, an all-wheel-drive system, and a wealth of smart features as its selling points. This time, through a real-world test drive, we focus on verifying whether its space utility, performance, and long-term reliability match its price tag of 183,880 MYR.

First, looking at the exterior, the Sorento 2.2D SX AT exhibits a sturdy and robust overall style. With a length of 4800mm and a width of 1890mm, it falls within the standard size for this class. The front adopts Kia's family-style tiger-nose grille, with chrome trim connected to the xenon headlamps on both sides, extending the visual width. The black plastic cladding and silver skid plate on the lower bumper enhance the SUV's off-road vibe. The side profile features straight lines, with the waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, preventing a monotonous look. The 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels paired with 235/55R19 tires fill the wheel arches well, achieving a visually balanced effect. At the rear, the horizontally oriented LED taillights echo the design of the front, and the rear bumper also features a silver skid plate. The overall design is simple and pleasing to the eye, without excessive ornamental elements, aligning with family users' preference for a "dignified and durable" aesthetic.

Inside the car, the interior adopts a dark color scheme. The center console is wrapped in soft-touch materials, while the armrest and inner door panels are accented with leather textures, offering a premium tactile experience. The center console layout is intuitive, with an 8-inch touchscreen in the center and physical buttons and knobs below, making it convenient for blind operation while driving. The instrument panel features a simulated electronic backlit display, showing information such as RPM, speed, and fuel level clearly. Although it lacks the technological feel of a fully digital instrument panel, it excels in readability. In terms of features, the front seats are electrically adjustable, with lumbar support for the driver's seat, making long drives less fatiguing. The rear seats can be folded in a 40:20:40 ratio, forming a flat space with the trunk when folded. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 320L, which can be expanded significantly by folding down the third row, accommodating strollers or suitcases with ease. Additionally, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, rear independent air vents, a 220V power outlet, and keyless entry/start are all standard features, maximizing daily convenience.

Space is one of the core strengths of the Sorento. The 2780mm wheelbase ensures the practicality of the three rows of seats: with the first-row seats adjusted to a comfortable position, a passenger with a height of 175cm has two fist-widths of headroom and ample legroom. The second-row seats are adjustable fore and aft; for passengers of the same height, legroom has a clearance of one fist and two fingers, while headroom has a clearance of one fist. The floor in the middle is not too raised, so even with three people seated, the middle passenger won't feel too cramped. The third-row seats are more suitable for children or shorter adults, with no issues for short trips, though longer trips may require frequent posture adjustments to alleviate fatigue. As for storage space, the door pockets can hold two bottles of water, and the central armrest compartment has a relatively large volume. The front cupholders include limiters, while the rear seats also have cupholders on both sides, demonstrating thoughtful attention to detail.

Powertrain: The 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine delivers a maximum power output of 200PS at 3800rpm and a peak torque of 440N·m at 1750rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. In actual driving, the diesel engine's low-end torque advantage is evident, delivering maximum torque at just 1750rpm. A gentle press on the accelerator during startup provides ample power response, with no noticeable turbo lag. During mid-to-high-speed overtaking, pressing the accelerator deeply will result in quick downshifts by the transmission, providing linear power output that ensures smooth acceleration even at 100km/h. There are three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Eco mode, the throttle response is slightly subdued, making it suitable for daily commuting. In Sport mode, the transmission delays gear shifts, keeping the RPM above 2000 for more aggressive power delivery. The official combined fuel consumption is 7.8L/100km, and during the test drive, the fuel consumption under city traffic conditions (congestion + slow driving) was approximately 9.2L/100km, while on highways, it was about 7.5L/100km. The fuel economy of the diesel engine performs well in its class.

Handling and suspension: The combination of front MacPherson and rear MacPherson independent suspensions is tuned towards comfort. When driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively absorbs most of the bumps, and the body experiences no noticeable jolts. At high speeds, the chassis feels solid, and the steering remains stable even at 120km/h. During lane changes, body roll is kept within a reasonable range. The full-time four-wheel-drive system enhances traction on rainy or slippery roads and provides better off-road capability than two-wheel-drive models when occasionally driving on unpaved roads. However, due to the limited 185mm ground clearance, it is not recommended for intensive off-road conditions. The steering feel is moderate with minimal play, making daily driving agile and parking in tight spaces effortless.

Comfort and convenience: The Sorento performs commendably. The noise control of the diesel engine is well-managed; at idle, the engine noise is almost inaudible inside the cabin. Below 80km/h, wind and tire noise are minimal, while wind noise becomes noticeable from the A-pillar at higher speeds but does not interfere with normal conversations. The seats are soft and the backrest contours to the natural curves of the body, providing sufficient support for rear seats, making long-distance rides comfortable. Features like automatic parking, front and rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera are user-friendly for novice drivers, helping reduce parking difficulties.

All things considered, the 2019 Kia Sorento 2.2D SX AT stands out for its "balance": a 7-seat layout meets family needs, the diesel engine balances power and fuel efficiency, the full-time four-wheel-drive system enhances driving stability, and its features are more comprehensive than the Toyota Fortuner at the same price point (such as electric seats and dual-zone air conditioning), while being more affordable than the Hyundai Santa Fe. However, it does have some minor drawbacks, such as the third row being only suitable for short trips and the interior lacking the technological feel of newer models.

This car is most suitable for practicality-oriented family users—it is comfortable and fuel-efficient for daily commuting, spacious enough for weekend family trips with luggage, and capable of handling occasional rough terrain without concerns about passability. If your budget is around RM 180,000 and you’re looking for a versatile 7-seater SUV, the Sorento 2.2D SX AT offers great value for money.