Dinamikjaya Motors, the sole distributor for Kia vehicles in Malaysia has confirmed that after the CKD 2022 Kia Carnival, the locally assembled (CKD) 2023 Kia Sorento will be launched next.

Now, if you're wondering whether you have heard this before, well yes, the Kia Sorento has been tipped to make it here for some time, as part of a new wave of locally-assembled Kia models.  

Also read: Here's exactly what you're getting with the CKD Kia Carnival that starts from RM 231k

As a recap, the fourth-generation Kia Sorento (MQ4) made its debut in 2020. It's a sister car to the Hyundai Santa Fe. Both are three-row 7-seater mid-size SUVs. 

The MQ4 Sorento is underpinned by the Hyundai group’s 'N3' mid-size SUV platform.

Also read: All-new 2020 Kia Sorento - 35 mm longer wheelbase, new 8-DCT, 227 hp/350 Nm hybrid, PHEV next

Powertrain details for Malaysia have not been confirmed, but electrified ones have been hinted at.

Globally, the Sorento is offered with a choice of petrol, diesel, hybrid and PHEV powertrains:

• 2.5-litre turbo petrol, 8AT
• 2.2-litre turbodiesel, 8AT
• 1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid, 6AT
• 1.6-litre turbo petrol PHEV, 6AT

Also read: 4 new Kia models to Malaysia, EV included - CKD Kia Carnival, Sportage, Sorento, Niro

On the outside, the latest Sorento trades its old, rounded shape for an exterior that's characterised by sharp lines.

Also read: Kia Malaysia targets 30k units of CKD cars by 2026, exports to make up 60 percent

The eye-catching interior replete with second-row captain seats, features two large screens upfront - a 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster and a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

Also read: Why your next car should come with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay

Fancier additions for higher-end variants include a head-up display (HUD), a 12-speaker Bose sound system, and ambient lighting. 

Safety-wise, the Sorento comes with 7 airbags, ABS and electronic stability control (ESC) as standard. More expensive variants come with a full suite of ADAS functions that includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keeping Assist and Forward Collision Warning. 

Also read: Spied: The all-new 2021 Kia Sorento is in Malaysia, but don't get too excited yet