2023 Kia Sorento 2.2D AWD 6-seater Review

In Malaysia's D-Segment SUV market, family users are gradually shifting from "good enough" to a demand for "both configuration and space"—after all, a car that balances practicality and comfort is essential for weekend family outings and daily urban commutes. The 2023 Kia Sorento 2.2D AWD 6-seater has precisely hit this pain point: the durability of diesel power, the flexibility of a six-seat layout, and Kia's consistently high configuration standards make it particularly targeted among competitors in the same segment. In this test drive, we focused on experiencing whether its six-seat space is truly practical, how its diesel engine performs in urban and highway conditions, and whether its all-wheel-drive system can handle occasional suburban rough roads, to see if it can live up to family users' expectations.

From the exterior, the 2023 Sorento maintains Kia's family-style tiger-nose front design, but the grille has been replaced with a black honeycomb pattern, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, making it appear younger compared to the previous model. The body side lines are smooth, with a waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, making the body look more elongated. The 19-inch alloy wheels have just the right size, avoiding any sense of exaggeration. The rear design is relatively simple, with LED taillights adopting a through-type design, offering high recognizability when lit, and the silver skid plate on the lower part of the rear bumper adds a touch of rugged SUV style. Notably, its minimum ground clearance reaches 176mm, providing sufficient off-road capability for users occasionally venturing onto unpaved roads.

Entering the interior, the first thing you feel is the quality of the materials—soft-touch materials cover the upper part of the dashboard and the interior sides of the doors, offering a good tactile experience. The center console layout is very clear, with a 12.5-inch touchscreen dominating the central position; its operation smoothness and resolution meet the standards of this class. The instrument cluster consists of traditional electronic backlit analog dials, which, while not as flashy as a fully digital display, provide clear and intuitive information. The head-up display (HUD) allows drivers to see their speed and navigation information without lowering their heads, offering great practicality. In terms of configurations, it features dual-zone automatic climate control, independent rear air conditioning, and power-adjustable front and passenger seats, while the rear seats can be split 50:50 and folded down. Additionally, the second row consists of two independent seats with a walkway in the middle for easy access to the third row. In terms of storage space, the door pockets and center armrest box offer ample capacity, while the front row is equipped with a 220V/230V power outlet, which is even capable of charging a laptop.

Space performance is a highlight of the Sorento 6-seater. With a wheelbase of 2815mm, the second-row independent seats offer generous legroom. A passenger with a height of 175cm seated in the second row will have about two fists of space between their knees and the front seats. Additionally, the seatback angle is adjustable, offering good comfort. The space in the third row is not too cramped for adults, making short trips no problem at all. Although prolonged travel might be slightly tiring, for family users, it is sufficient to handle occasional multi-passenger trips. The trunk can hold two 20-inch suitcases in the six-seat configuration, and its capacity will significantly increase when the third-row seats are folded down, making it easy to accommodate large items or assist with moving houses.

In terms of power, this car is equipped with a 2.2T diesel engine with a maximum horsepower of 201PS and a peak torque output available between 1750-2750rpm. It is paired with an 8-speed DCT transmission. During actual driving, the start is very brisk, and the throttle response is also very prompt. When driving in the city, the low-end torque performs excellently, making it easy to keep up with traffic without pressing the accelerator pedal too hard. When switched to sport mode, the transmission's shifting logic becomes more aggressive, and the sense of acceleration is quite noticeable, giving more confidence when overtaking. At highway speeds, at 120km/h, the engine speed maintains around 2000rpm, providing stable cruising. In terms of fuel consumption, the comprehensive fuel consumption during this test drive was about 7.5L/100km, which is close to the official 7.8L/100km figure. The fuel economy of the diesel engine is indeed impressive.

Regarding handling and chassis, its steering wheel offers moderate resistance and precise directionality without any looseness. The chassis adopts front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspensions, which are tuned towards comfort. It filters out small bumps on the road very thoroughly, and passing over speed bumps does not create a harsh sensation. However, during cornering, body roll is somewhat noticeable; after all, this is an SUV, and one cannot expect it to handle as precisely as a sedan. As for the four-wheel-drive system, it features an intelligent four-wheel drive, primarily driving the front wheels under normal conditions. When confronting slippery roads or light off-road conditions, the system automatically distributes power to the rear wheels, improving grip. We tested it on some unpaved roads in the suburbs, and it easily passed through minor potholes and muddy sections. Its off-road capabilities are sufficient for an urban SUV.

As for ride comfort, the Sorento's performance is commendable. Its noise insulation is well-executed, with wind noise and tire noise well-controlled at high speeds, and the noise from the diesel engine is not noticeable inside the cabin. The seats offer good support and wrapping, and long-distance driving does not make you feel fatigued. The brake system is also very linear in performance, with moderate stopping distances, providing a reassuring feel.

In terms of safety features, it is equipped with six airbags, ABS with anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and active braking, covering most mainstream active safety features. This provides a high level of safety assurance for family users.

To summarize, the core advantages of the 2023 Kia Sorento 2.2D AWD 6-seater lie in its flexible space, rich features, and practical diesel engine performance. Compared to competitors such as the Toyota Fortuner, it boasts better interior quality and higher-spec features. Compared to the Honda CR-V, its third-row space is more practical. This car is especially suitable for family users who prioritize space, features, and fuel efficiency, particularly for those who frequently need to accommodate multiple passengers. If you are looking for an SUV that can balance daily commuting and family outings while offering adequate features and high reliability, the Sorento 2.2D AWD 6-seater is a great choice.