Segment:
Mid-size Crossover SUV
Key Selling Points 2012:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, available third-row seating, strong V6 engine option, value proposition.
Competitors:
Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Edge, Chevrolet Equinox, Nissan Murano.
Manual Advantage:
Provides in-depth technical information beyond the scope of the owner's manual, enabling DIY repairs and advanced diagnostics.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (hydraulic, ABS, ESC), wheels and tires.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC system, body electrical.
Electrical And Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, power accessories, control modules (ECU, TCU, BCM), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair:
Engine component repair (cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), transmission overhaul, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems, including symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Depth:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, torque specifications, component testing, wiring schematics, and overhaul instructions suitable for professional technicians.
Type:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 1st: 3.650, 2nd: 2.235, 3rd: 1.444, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.765, 6th: 0.685, Reverse: 3.483)
Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV or equivalent
Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 8.4 quarts (7.9 liters) for a drain and fill.
Drive Modes:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available.
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 stars (for AWD models)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard
Traction Control:
Standard
Anti-Lock Braking System:
Standard
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution:
Standard
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (all rows).
Seatbelts:
3-point active front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point seatbelts for all rear seating positions.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Available Systems:
Optional touch-screen navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, USB/Auxiliary audio input.
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker audio system, optional Infinity premium audio system.
Camera System:
Available rearview camera.
Parking Assist:
Available rear parking sensors.
Smartphone Integration:
Basic integration via Bluetooth for calls and audio streaming.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for severe driving conditions.
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plugs:
Iridium type, replace at 105,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace at 60,000 miles or as per severe service schedule.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 105,000 miles, then every 45,000 miles or 3 years thereafter.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20, API SM or higher, ILSAC GF-4 or higher
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.1 US quarts (5.8 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, long-life coolant (e.g., Hyundai/Kia Green).
Common Problems:
Potential issues include oil consumption in some V6 engines, HVAC system failures (blend door actuators), and occasional electronic module glitches. Steering column clunk can also be reported.
Kia Motors History:
Founded in 1944, Kia is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Known for its aggressive styling, value, and improving quality over the years.
Sorento Generations:
The 2012 Sorento is part of the second generation (XM, 2010-2015), which represented a significant shift from the body-on-frame SUV of the first generation to a unibody crossover SUV.
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (Hwasung Plant)
