2019 Kia Sorento 2.4 EX AT Review

In the local seven-seater SUV market, cost-effectiveness and practicality have always been the core considerations for family users. As a veteran contender in this segment, the 2019 Kia Sorento 2.4 EX AT has consistently maintained a solid market share thanks to its balanced configuration and reliable mechanical quality. This time, we acquired a test drive vehicle with the main goal of verifying whether it can still meet the modern family's demands for space, features, and driving refinement in 2024.

In terms of appearance, the design of the Sorento 2.4 EX AT leans towards being stable, aligning with its positioning as a family SUV. The front features Kia's signature tiger-nose grille, accented with chrome trims, while the headlights on both sides integrate LED daytime running lights and xenon main lights. The automatic headlight function enhances convenience during daily use. The body side lines are straight, and the 235/60 R18 tire size combined with 185mm of minimum ground clearance ensures sufficient off-road capability while keeping the body from appearing overly bulky. At the rear, the LED taillight set reflects the design of the front, while the combination of rear fog lights, reversing radar, and rear-view camera makes parking operations easier. The overall design avoids excessive decorative elements but offers enough recognition, suiting the aesthetic preferences of most family users.

Inside the cabin, the interior design focuses on practicality. The dashboard is covered with soft-touch plastic material, accented with a small amount of silver trims. Though it lacks the sophistication of luxury cars, the material quality is above average for its price range. The central control area comes with a touchscreen, which offers moderate operational smoothness, while retaining some physical buttons below for convenient blind operation during driving. In terms of features, the front-row seats support electric adjustment, allowing both the driver and passenger to find comfortable seating positions. A rear air-conditioning system is an essential feature for family users, and the 220V/230V power outlet meets outdoor electricity needs. Storage spaces such as door pockets and the central armrest box are ample, making it easy to stow daily items.

Space performance is one of Sorento's key advantages. The 2780mm wheelbase ensures the practicality of the three rows of seats: the first two rows offer ample seating space, and passengers about 175cm tall still have about two fists of legroom in the rear. The third-row seats are suitable for children or adults on short trips without feeling too cramped. The trunk has a regular capacity of 320L, which can easily accommodate two 20-inch suitcases. By folding down the third-row seats in a 40:20:40 split, the capacity can be further expanded to meet storage needs for moving house or long-distance travel. Additionally, features like ISO FIX child seat anchors and sunshades demonstrate the thoughtful consideration given to family users.

In terms of powertrain, the 2.4L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 172PS, paired with an AT gearbox and a full-time four-wheel drive system. During daily driving, it offers smooth starts and sufficient low-end torque to handle urban commutes. During acceleration, the power output is linear, without the abruptness of turbocharged engines. However, overtaking at high speeds requires pressing the accelerator earlier, as the naturally aspirated engine lacks explosive power. The driving modes include options like Eco and Normal. In Eco mode, throttle response is slightly delayed, making it suitable for fuel-efficient daily driving.

The handling and chassis performance lean towards comfort. The steering wheel is light and effortless to turn, making it easy for female drivers to handle. The steering precision is decent, with no obvious play. The combination of front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspension does a good job of filtering road bumps. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the body does not shake excessively; while cornering, the body roll is kept within a reasonable range, ensuring passenger comfort. The all-wheel-drive system performs steadily in rainy or lightly unpaved road conditions, enhancing driving safety, but it is not recommended for high-intensity off-road usage.

As for fuel economy, during our test with an even mix of city traffic and highway driving, the fuel consumption was about 10.5 liters per 100 kilometers. For a seven-seat all-wheel-drive SUV, this result meets expectations. The braking performance is stable, with a front ventilated disc and rear ventilated disc combination. The brake pedal feels linear, and during emergency braking, the body maintains stability with no significant nose-diving. In terms of noise control, there is some wind noise and tire noise at high speeds, but it does not interfere with conversations inside the car. Engine noise becomes more noticeable when the RPM exceeds 3000, but this range is seldom used in daily driving.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2019 Kia Sorento 2.4 EX AT lies in its “balance”: the seven-seat space meets the needs of multi-child families, and its rich practical features cover everyday use scenarios. The all-wheel-drive system enhances driving safety, and the five-year unlimited mileage warranty also lowers the subsequent cost of car ownership. Compared with competitors at the same level, its cost-effectiveness stands out—with a price of RM 169,888, you get all-wheel drive, seven seats, and comprehensive safety features (6 airbags, hill assist, automatic parking, etc.), which are relatively rare at this price point.

The target audience is very clear: multi-child families focusing on space and practicality, outdoor enthusiasts who occasionally need to handle light off-road conditions, and pragmatic consumers seeking reliability and durability. If your requirement is “an SUV that can handle all daily scenarios,” then the Sorento 2.4 EX AT would be a good choice. It doesn't have any particularly outstanding drawbacks and won’t bring you surprises, but it will reliably accomplish all the tasks needed for family use—this is exactly the quality most family users value the most.

In conclusion, the 2019 Kia Sorento 2.4 EX AT is a “well-rounded” seven-seat SUV. Its balanced performance ensures it still remains competitive today. For consumers looking for a reliable, practical, and fully equipped family car, it is worth considering.