Kia Sorento Review

In recent years, the D-segment SUV market has been gaining popularity among family users. These vehicles need to meet the demands of daily commuting comfort while also catering to the practicality of multi-person travel, and they must come equipped with configurations that are impressive. These requirements are precisely the core strengths that position the Kia Sorento in the market. Currently, the 2023 Sorento available in the Malaysian market offers three versions: the 2.5L petrol 2WD 7-seater, the 2.5L petrol AWD 6-seater, and the 2.2D diesel AWD 6-seater, covering different budgets and usage scenarios. This time, we focused on testing the most popular 2.5L petrol AWD 6-seater version, with the core objective of determining whether its configuration, space, and dynamic performance truly meet family users' expectations for an "all-rounder."

Approaching the 2023 Sorento, the most direct impression is its balance between stability and refinement in design. The vehicle dimensions of 4810mm × 1900mm × 1700mm with a wheelbase of 2815mm make it longer and wider than the 2019 version, giving it a more majestic visual presence. The tiger-nose grille on the front is paired with chrome accents and integrated with the LED headlights on both sides, while the zigzag design of the daytime running lights enhances recognition. The side profile features smooth lines, and the 19-inch alloy wheels (standard on the 2.5L AWD version) enhance the side proportions. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a through-type design, and the chrome decoration of the rear bumper combined with the dual-sided exhaust layout keeps the rear from appearing monotonous. Overall, the design avoids overly exaggerated elements, aligning with the family SUV positioning, yet the detail work demonstrates a thoughtful touch.

Opening the door, the interior quality exceeds expectations. The center console is wrapped in soft materials, paired with piano black trim panels and silver accents, creating a sense of luxury. The 2.5L AWD version is equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen central display, with good resolution and response speed, supporting Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto, with a clear operational logic. Below, some physical buttons are retained, making it convenient for blind operation while driving. The instrument panel employs a backlit simulated electronic design with a HUD that provides heads-up digital displays showing speed, navigation, and other information, minimizing the need to divert attention. In terms of configuration, keyless entry, push-button start, front power seats, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, and independent rear air conditioning are all standard. The 2.5L AWD version additionally comes with a Sound Plus audio system with 12 speakers, meeting daily entertainment needs. In terms of craftsmanship, the seams are even, the button feedback is responsive, and the overall durability appears reliable.

Space performance is one of Sorento's core strengths. Its 2815mm wheelbase provides ample room for both the front and rear rows. When seated in the front row, a passenger with a height of 175cm has a headroom allowance of one fist and two fingers; the rear row offers legroom of two fists and headroom of one fist. The nearly flat middle floor ensures that even three passengers won’t feel cramped. The 6-seater version features independent seats in the second row with armrests, offering improved comfort compared to the connected seats of the 7-seater version. These seats also support fore-and-aft sliding, making it easier for third-row passengers to get in and out. The third-row space is perfectly adequate for passengers under 170cm, and short-duration journeys will not feel cramped. As for storage, the front door pockets can hold two bottles of water, the central armrest console provides ample volume and features a built-in 220V power outlet. The second row has independent cup holders and air conditioning vents, while the third row is equipped with cup holders and USB ports. With the vehicle in its 6-seater configuration, the trunk can fit two 20-inch suitcases, and folding down the third row significantly expands the cargo capacity, accommodating the storage needs for family trips.

Dynamic driving section, the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine has a maximum power of 179PS/6000rpm and a maximum torque of 232N·m/4000rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The power output is smooth at startup, without the abruptness of turbocharged cars, and it's sufficient for daily commuting. After accelerating to 80km/h, stepping harder on the accelerator for overtaking will prompt the transmission to downshift actively, but the power reserve isn't particularly abundant, so overtaking at high speeds requires planning ahead. The AWD system enhances stability on rainy or slippery roads, and body roll is well-controlled during cornering. The steering is precise with minimal slack, making daily driving very convenient. The chassis adopts front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort. Most bumps can be filtered out when passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, ensuring rear passengers don't feel too bumpy. At high speeds, the chassis feels solid without a feeling of floating.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 7.8L/100km. In our actual test, city conditions were about 9.2L/100km, and highway conditions were about 7.5L/100km, which aligns with the level of a 2.5L SUV. The 67L fuel tank provides a decent range. Noise control is well executed, with almost no engine noise heard below 80km/h. Tire noise and wind noise are also minimal, though wind noise slightly increases at 120km/h on highways, it doesn't interfere with conversations inside the cabin. The seats offer moderate support, and the cushioning is soft enough to ensure long rides don't feel tiresome. The electric seat adjustments are user-friendly, allowing for quick and comfortable positioning.

Overall, the 2023 Kia Sorento stands out with its core strengths: ample space (especially the second-row independent seats in the 6-seater version), rich standard features (like HUD, 12.3-inch display, 6 airbags), solid chassis tuning, and Kia’s consistent 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the Toyota Fortuner or Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, the Sorento has an edge in comfort-oriented features and interior quality, with a more affordable price—starting at RM211,498 for the 2.5L gasoline 2WD 7-seater version, roughly RM20,000 cheaper than the Fortuner 2.7L gasoline version.

The target audience is clear: users focusing on family travel, whether it’s the 7-seater version catering to families with multiple children, or the 6-seater version prioritizing second-row comfort; those with a budget between RM200,000-RM260,000 who seek an SUV that offers rich features, spaciousness, and reliability; users primarily commuting daily but occasionally traveling long distances or driving on light off-road terrain. If you're a performance enthusiast seeking extreme power, the 2.5L engine might not feel aggressive enough, but for family-oriented users, smoothness and reliability are more important.

In conclusion, the 2023 Kia Sorento is a family SUV with "no obvious shortcomings," achieving a balance in space, features, comfort, and value for money. It may not be the most distinctive choice, but it is undoubtedly one of the safest ones—capable of meeting over 90% of the daily needs of family users. Coupled with Kia's warranty policy, it provides greater peace of mind. If you're looking for an all-around family SUV, the Sorento deserves a spot on your shortlist.