Globalization has impacted the automotive industry in a major way, with automakers now benefitting from assembly plants and supply chains across the globe. Kia Philippines, which sources its models from either South Korea or China, will eventually have a third option in Malaysia.
The fourth-generation Kia Carnival in our market could be coming from Malaysia by next year
Automotive website paultan.org reports that the Philippines will be among the key export markets served when Kia Malaysia commences production of four vehicles: the Carnival MPV, Sportage compact crossover, Sorento midsize crossover, and Niro compact crossover.
During its media briefing last December 10, Kia said its Malaysian CKD operations will play a key role in its success within the ASEAN market. According to the carmaker, Malaysia’s favorable CKD policies and established logistics channels make the country ideal to roll out its CKD program.
Kia entered into a joint-venture partnership with Bermaz Auto (authorized distributor for Mazda in both Malaysia and the Philippines) to assemble vehicles. These will be both for domestic consumption and export to ASEAN from its Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah.
We could also be taking delivery of the Kia Niro crossover in every powertrain flavor available
The automaker laid out a five-year timeline which will initially see 6,000 units for export in 2022. If Kia Malaysia sticks to its projections, the company will be exporting as much as 19,000 out of the planned 30,000 units produced annually by 2026.
Kia says that the four models planned for assembly in Malaysia will encompass both standard and hybrid versions. This will also include the Niro’s electric variant, which shares the powertrain configuration of the Hyundai Kona Electric.
The all-new Carnival coming to our market will likely come from Kia’s Malaysia facilities in time for the model’s launch next year. Meanwhile, the Philippine-spec Sorento will initially be brought over as a CBU unit from South Korea, which means that a scheduled refresh in 2024 might see Kia Philippines switching to Malaysia for subsequent stocks.
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Know more about Kia Sorento 2024
The Kia Sorento 2024 is the midsize crossover entry of the Korean automaker. Currently, Kia Philippines is offering the fourth-generation version of the nameplate which was introduced in 2020. It is available in two variants with a price that ranges from Php 2,448,000 for the base EX to Php 2,638,000 for the flagship SX. Under the hood, this vehicle comes standard with a 2.2-liter Smartstream inline-4 diesel engine that is capable of making 199 horsepower and 441 Nm of torque. Only an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is used to send power to the front wheels.
Dimensions-wise, the Sorento has a length of 4,810 mm, a width of 1,900 mm, and a height of 1,700 mm. Additionally, it has a wheelbase and ground clearance rated at 2,815 mm and 176 mm, respectively. Locally, this Korean midsize crossover competes against the likes of the Ford Explorer, Subaru Evoltis, and Mazda CX-9.
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>>> New and used Kia Sorento 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Kia Sorento Launch
The Kia Sorento Philippines was initially introduced as a compact SUV in 2002. In 2009, it was marketed as a midsize crossover as demand for such vehicles rose internationally. The third generation of the Kia Sorento was then introduced in 2014 but was offered in the local market a year later.
In 2021, Kia Philippines then brought in the fourth-generation Sorento, particularly the EX trim. The top-spec SX trim will then follow in January 2022. Both of the said variants use a 4x2 drivetrain.
Kia Sorento 2024 Exterior
The Kia Sorento 2024 measures 4,810mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,695mm tall. Though it is now in its fourth generation, it still displays the tiger-nose grille with polished chrome details, a trademark of Kia Motors. A pair of LED headlights with LED daytime running daylights, and LED front fog lamps.
The rear of the Sorento boasts chrome trimmings, a rear spoiler, turn signal indicators, high mount stop lamp, and an LED taillight cluster for illumination. To wrap up its look, it then rides on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels and possesses the right amount of lines and curves to match its sophisticated aura.
Kia Sorento 2024 Interior
Its spacious cabin can comfortably accommodate seven fully-grown passengers. Both trims get leather upholstery, but the top-spec SX comes with electronically adjustable front seats with cooling. Passengers in the middle and rear can relax more as their area is equipped with air-conditioning vents. The rear has two seats that can be folded to expand its cargo capacity.
Kia Sorento 2024 Colors
The 2024 Sorento for the Philippine market can come in three colors. These colors for the all-new Sorento include white (Snow White Pearl), silver (Silky Silver), and black (Aurora Black Pearl).
Technology & Safety Features
To keep its occupants entertained, the Kia Sorento 2024 Philippines is equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen capable of connecting through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said headunit is then paired with a six-piece speaker system. Moreover, the top-spec SX trim also gets a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, and a wireless phone charger.
In terms of safety, the standard in all Sorento variants is six airbags. It is also kitted out with ISOFIX tethers for child seats, hill start assist, electronic stability control, anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, and vehicle stability management.
Meanwhile, the top-spec SX gets several driver assist features. These include a blind-spot monitor, a 360-degree view camera, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, as well as following assist.
Kia Sorento Platform & Chassis
The Sorento has a unibody chassis construction that provides a smoother ride compared with vehicles with a body-on-frame chassis. Also, it is less likely to roll over as it has a low center of gravity.
The suspension on its front is Macpherson Strut paired with a stabilizer. At the rear, the Sorento uses a multi-link system that enhances the vehicle’s overall stability. Of note, the Sorento uses the Hyundai-Kia N platform which it shares with the Hyundai Santa Cruz, the Hyundai Tucson, among others.
Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood of the all-new 2024 Kia Sorento is a 2.2-liter VGT CRDi SmartStream D engine. At maximum, it can produce up to 202 horsepower and 441 Nm of torque. For both the EX and SX variants, power is then sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Despite being one of the latest to receive a major update, the Kia Sorento still manages to keep a relatively affordable price tag as compared to rivals such as the Mazda CX-9 and Ford Explorer.
Kia Sorento 2024 Price List
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Kia Sorento 2.2 EX AT 4x2 | ₱2,448,000 |
| Kia Sorento 2.2 EX AT 4x2 (Pearl) | ₱2,458,000 |
| Kia Sorento 2.2 SX AT 4x2 | ₱2,638,000 |
| Kia Sorento 2.2 SX AT 4x2 (Pearl) | ₱2,648,000 |
Kia Sorento Pros & Cons
Pros
- Premium-looking crossover
- Relatively affordable as compared to rivals
- Decent set of safety bits
Cons
- It is available in one powertrain only
- Only one paint comes with no extra charges
- No X-Line AWD
Kia Sorento FAQs
1. How much is a 2024 Kia Sorento?
The price of the new KIA Sorento in the Philippines ranges from 2,488,000 Php for the entry-level model to 2,638,000 Php for the top-of-the-line model.
2. Does the 2024 Sorento have a remote start?
Yes, the advance of the Remote Start offers the convenience of enabling you to remotely start Kia Sorento up to 500 feet away.
3. How many seats does the Kia Sorento offer?
The Kia Sorento offers 7 seats that can accommodate 7 fully grown passengers comfortably.
4. What are the colors available in Sorento Philippines?
Kia Sorento 2024 colors are available in 3 colors in the following shades: Snow White Pearl, Silky Silver and Aurora Black Pearl.
5. What is the ground clearance of Kia Sorento?
The ground clearance of the Kia Sorento is 176 mm.
₱ 2,448,000 - ₱ 2,648,000
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