Verdict
The Kia Sorento UM is the sharper used-buy proposition if diesel running suits you: RM150,518 buys 197 hp, a huge 441 Nm from 1,750 rpm and all-wheel drive, while its 320-litre boot is 133 litres larger. The RM60,980 step to the Kia Sorento MQ4 brings a longer 2,815-mm wheelbase, much stronger driver assistance and a properly modern cabin, but its 2.5-litre petrol makes 177 hp and 232 Nm through the front wheels. Its RM838 annual road tax also exceeds the UM’s RM599. Choose capability and luggage space, or pay for safety and daily-tech convenience.
Pick the Kia Sorento UM if you want 441 Nm diesel torque, all-wheel drive and a 320-litre boot for RM60,980 less.
Pick the Kia Sorento MQ4 if autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, LED headlamps and a modern touchscreen matter more than torque and boot capacity.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Sorento UM RM150,518; Kia Sorento MQ4 RM211,498.
- Output: Kia Sorento UM 197 hp and 441 Nm; Kia Sorento MQ4 177 hp and 232 Nm.
- Driveline: Kia Sorento UM all-wheel drive; Kia Sorento MQ4 front-wheel drive.
- Boot space: Kia Sorento UM 320 litres; Kia Sorento MQ4 187 litres.
- Wheelbase and weight: Kia Sorento UM 2,780 mm and 2,036 kg; Kia Sorento MQ4 2,815 mm and 1,719 kg.
- Driver assistance: Kia Sorento UM has passive cruise control and no autonomous braking; Kia Sorento MQ4 has adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go and…
UM
- RM60,980 lower price
- 441 Nm diesel torque with all-wheel drive
- 320-litre boot
- No autonomous braking, collision warning or blind-spot information system
- Halogen projector headlamps and a 3.8-inch radio/CD unit
- Manual front-seat adjustment and no reverse camera
MQ4
- Autonomous braking, blind-spot assistance and adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go
- 10.25-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 317 kg lighter with 18-inch wheels
- RM60,980 more expensive
- 232 Nm and front-wheel drive versus 441 Nm and all-wheel drive
- 187-litre boot is 133 litres smaller
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM150,518✓ | RM211,498 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM599✓ | RM838 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC commonrail turbodiesel with variable geometry turbo | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 2,199 cc | 2,497 cc |
| Horsepower | 197 hp at 3,800 rpm✓ | 177 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 441 Nm at 1,750 rpm✓ | 232 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Diesel | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 85.4 mm × 96 mm | 88.5 mm × 101.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 16 | 10.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-Speed Automatic | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | Kia |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | 7.8 L/100 km | — |
| Co2 | 205 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,780 mm | 4,810 mm |
| Width | 1,890 mm | 1,900 mm |
| Height | 1,685 mm | 1,695 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,780 mm | 2,815 mm |
| Weight | 2,036 kg | 1,719 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 71 litres | 67 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 320 litres✓ | 187 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/65R17 | 235/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/65R17 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Nexen Nfera RU1 | Goodyear EfficientGrip SUV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 6 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats in middle row | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats in Second and Third Row |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Projector | LED Projector with Automatic High Beam |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | 8-way Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-Folding and Sliding Middle Row, 50:50 Split-Folding Last Row | 60:40 Split-folding Second Row, 50:50 Split-folding Third Row |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Second Row Vents, Third Row Vents with Blower Control |
| Power Sockets | 2 Front, 1 Middle Row | 1 Front, 1 Second Row, 1 Boot, 3 Front USB, 1 Second Row USB, 2 Third Row USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row | 2 Front, 2 Second Row, 2 Third Row |
| Audio | 3.8" Radio, CD, MP3 player with 6 Speakers | 10.25" Touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Qi Wireless Charger |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
UM vs MQ4 FAQ
Is the Kia Sorento UM or Kia Sorento MQ4 better?
The Sorento MQ4 is better for active safety and cabin technology, with autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The Sorento UM is better for towing-style low-rpm shove, all-wheel-drive traction and luggage capacity, thanks to 441 Nm and a 320-litre boot.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Sorento MQ4 costs RM60,980 more than the Kia Sorento UM: RM211,498 against RM150,518. Its annual road tax is also RM239 higher, at RM838 versus RM599.
Which Sorento has more boot space?
The Kia Sorento UM has the larger boot at 320 litres. The Kia Sorento MQ4 has 187 litres, so it gives away 133 litres despite its 35-mm longer wheelbase.
