The all-new 2023 Kia Sorento is a family SUV, and since yours truly still don’t have a family of my own yet, family SUVs like the Kia Sorento aren’t usually my first choice of vehicle. Having spent some time with it over the weekend, though, I do at least see why you’d want one – or more specifically, why you’d want the Kia Sorento.
Chief of which are its looks, because the all-new fourth-generation Sorento ditches the old bulbous appearance of its predecessor for a sharp and chiselled look, whichever angle you’re looking at it from. The all-new 2023 Kia Sorento has also grown slightly in all dimensions over the outgoing model, which also helps contributes to its road presence.
But what impressed me more is how well the all-new 2023 Kia Sorento drives. It’s sure-footed on the highways, and holds itself over the corners too. The mature suspension set-up is complemented by the eager diesel mill underneath the bonnet of our review unit, boasting an output of 199 hp and 440 Nm that makes it incredibly effortless to drive on the highways.
Gallery: 2023 Kia Sorento in Malaysia, from RM211k – Is the diesel worth it?
If you spend most of your time puttering around town, though, you might want to look elsewhere. Firstly, there’s its size, where the 1,900 mm width puts even the Mazda CX-8 to shame. Having to constantly squeeze past double-parked cars around KL will very, very quickly wear you out – believe me.
Detracting from the experience even more is its eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. Kia says that the gearbox is designed for “smooth shifting”, though in city driving situations, it’s unfortunately just a little too unresponsive to drive the car smoothly.
Of course, being a family SUV is so much more than just how it drives. So be sure to check out the full review video above to see if the all-new 2023 Kia Sorento is the car for you!
