It’s been a while since the Kia Sorento made headlines in Malaysia, but it’s time to give this underappreciated gem another look. Yes, the price is steep – at RM 255k for the range-topping 2.2D AWD variant, many would dismiss it outright. After all, the Mazda CX-8 tops out at RM 220k for the 2.5T AWD.

Being a Kia, the Sorento faces the age-old hurdle of perception. For that price, buyers expect a badge with more “premium” cachet. Even I, as much as I admire the Sorento’s capabilities, can empathize with the rational mindset that questions its value. But the thing with the Sorento is that you have to look beyond the price tag.

More Than Meets the Eye

If you approach the Sorento expecting a typical 6- or 7-seater SUV, you’re missing the point. Yes, it’s perfectly suited to ferry kids or lug groceries, but the Sorento feels different.

There’s a level of sophistication here that you won’t find in the sub-RM 250k segment. From its crisp design to its confident demeanour, it exudes a distinctly European vibe – or as Malaysians like to call it, a “conti feel.”

This “conti feel” is most apparent when you’re behind the wheel or cruising along the highway. The Sorento’s ride and handling feel as though it was engineered for the German Autobahn, effortlessly chewing through miles with poise and composure. It’s refined, well-insulated, and offers a commanding sense of control that many buyers in this segment might not expect.

What’s surprising about the Sorento is how athletic it feels to drive. Body roll is well-contained, and the steering – though not razor-sharp – feels precise and well-weighted. This is an SUV that’s more than happy to hustle through corners, a rarity in its class.

The powertrain – a 2.2-litre turbodiesel paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission – provides effortless propulsion, with ample torque to handle just about any scenario.

And while it’s far from a canyon carver, the Sorento’s athleticism doesn’t come at the expense of comfort. The cabin is quiet and spacious, with enough room for six in the 2+2+2 seating configuration.

That said, the third row is best reserved for children or short trips – a limitation that’s worth noting if you frequently ferry more than five adults.

If you view the Sorento as a affordable alternative to premium European SUVs like the BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE, its price begins to make sense. Sure, it doesn’t have the same level of material richness or switchgear tactility, but it makes up for that with thoughtful design, solid build quality, and a suite of modern features.

From the clean, ergonomic interior to the crisp 10.25-inch infotainment display, the Sorento’s cabin feels contemporary and user-friendly. It’s not as plush as a luxury SUV, but it doesn’t try to or pretend to be, unlike many of the newcomers in the segment. And then there’s the way it looks – classy and confident, with a hint of butch ruggedness.

A Reminder, Not a Hard Sell

Let’s be clear: the Sorento isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for the most value-packed family SUV, the Mazda CX-8 might be the more sensible choice. But if you’re someone who values a "conti" experience without stepping into full-blown luxury territory, the Sorento deserves a second look.

It’s the left-field choice – the underdog that offers something unique in a sea of predictable alternatives. And for that alone, it’s worth reminding people that the Kia Sorento exists, and it shouldn’t be dismissed so easily.

Also read: Review: 2023 Kia Sorento 2.2D AWD - Not cheap but you get what you pay for