Hybrid and PHEV variants of 2023 Kia Sorento ruled out for Malaysia

The locally assembled (CKD) QM4 generation 2023 Kia Sorento has been launched in Malaysia with a starting price of RM 211k.

Two powertrain options are available, a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder paired a 6-speed automatic and a 2.2-litre turbo diesel paired to a 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Globally, there are two more electrified powertrains, both 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol – a regular full-hybrid and a plug-in hybrid, both paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

When asked if these electrified powertrains will be launched in Malaysia, Dato’ Wong Kin Foo, Managing Director of Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd ruled out the introduction of a hybrid Sorento, citing unfavourable taxes that would’ve price the Sorento out of competition, and lack of suitable fuel.

Also read: From RM 211k, 2023 Kia Sorento launched in Malaysia - CKD, 2.5L NA, 2.2L turbodiesel

Dato’ Wong explained that the hybrid powertrains are developed for European emission standards, which also means that Euro 6 fuel is a minimum requirement.

Malaysia is still selling Euro 4 grade petrol so our local fuel is not compatible with Kia’s European hybrid engines.

“Yes, there is a 1.6-litre hybrid but it’s based on Euro 6 emission so we couldn’t bring that in,” said Wong.

“Second, PHEV doesn’t enjoy the same kind of tax exemption as EVs. As you know, PHEV is more expensive. So we are not taking up that option,” he added.

Malaysia no longer has any tax incentive for hybrids. Granted, there’s still the Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV) incentive, but the policy doesn’t explicitly spell out tax additional excise tax discounts for hybrids, or the even-higher cost plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

Some luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and even Volvo are still able to offer plug-in hybrids at attractive prices but the problem with EEV is that everything is negotiated behind closed doors, and there isn’t a checklists for requirements for manufacturers to tick.

That being said, Dato’ Wong mentioned that Kia Malaysia will still assemble a hybrid variant of the 2023 Kia Sorento for export markets such as Thailand. The Inokom plant in Kulim serves as Kia’s regional vehicle production hub for South East Asia.

To recap the 2023 Kia Sorento, there are three variants available – 2.5 2WD 7-seater, 2.5 AWD 6-seater, and 2.2D AWD 6-seater, priced at RM 211,498, RM 235,498, and RM 255,228 respectively. Below is a quick overview of the variants.

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