Segment:
        
        
            Mid-size SUV crossover
        
     
    
        
            Competitors:
        
        
            Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, Hyundai Santa Fe
        
     
    
    
        
            Strengths:
        
        
            Value for money, spacious interior, strong feature set for its price point, versatile seating options
        
     
    
    
        
            Seating Capacity:
        
        
            Available in 5-seater and 7-seater configurations
        
     
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            Direct Injection (GDI) for improved efficiency and power
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain Options:
        
        
            Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control, engine management
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Automatic transmission (6-speed), clutch, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM)
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, differentials, drive shafts, CV joints
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front struts, rear shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, stabilizer bars, wheel bearings
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), brake fluid
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system (hydraulic), steering column, steering rack, tie rods
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, wipers, power windows, power locks, horn, body control module (BCM)
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, heater core
        
     
    
        
            Interior:
        
        
            Seats, dashboard, door panels, trim, airbags
        
     
    
        
            Exterior:
        
        
            Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, mirrors, glass
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Component removal and installation, engine assembly/disassembly, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component repair
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Step-by-step guides for diagnosing common and complex issues, circuit diagrams for electrical faults
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Using diagnostic tools, interpreting sensor data, performing system tests
        
     
    
        
            Specifications:
        
        
            Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, alignment settings
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            6-speed automatic transmission (6AT)
        
     
    
        
            Gear Ratios:
        
        
            Refer to manual for detailed ratios (e.g., 1st: 4.057, 2nd: 2.407, 3rd: 1.596, 4th: 1.192, 5th: 1.000, 6th: 0.774, Reverse: 3.402)
        
     
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            N/A for 2.4L GDI engine in 2012 model year
        
     
    
    
        
            Features:
        
        
            Electronically controlled, adaptive shift logic, manual shift mode
        
     
    
    
        
            Fluid Type:
        
        
            Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV or equivalent API GL-4 compatible automatic transmission fluid
        
     
    
    
        
            Capacity Qt:
        
        
            Approximately 7.5 - 8.5 quarts (when draining and refilling)
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
        
            Passenger Volume Cu Ft:
        
        
            Approximately 143.1 cu ft (7-seater)
        
     
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row Cu Ft:
        
        
            Approximately 10.0 cu ft
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row Cu Ft:
        
        
            Approximately 39.6 cu ft
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row Cu Ft:
        
        
            Approximately 75.1 cu ft
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight Lbs:
        
        
            Approximately 3800 - 4100 lbs (depending on FWD/AWD and trim)
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:
        
        
            Refer to vehicle placard (typically around 5700 lbs)
        
     
    
    
        
            Towing Capacity Lbs:
        
        
            3500 lbs (with optional towing package)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Overall Rating:
        
        
            4/5 stars (for 2012 model year)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Rating:
        
        
            Good in front, side, and rear impact tests (Top Safety Pick awarded in some configurations)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard Anti-lock Braking System
        
     
    
        
            Esc:
        
        
            Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
        
     
    
        
            Hill Start Assist:
        
        
            Available on some trims
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (for all rows)
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
        
     
    
        
            Child Anchors:
        
        
            LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability. Optional Infinity premium audio system.
        
     
    
        
            Connectivity:
        
        
            Auxiliary audio input jack, USB port, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming.
        
     
    
        
            Navigation:
        
        
            Optional factory-installed navigation system with touchscreen interface.
        
     
    
    
        
            Rearview Camera:
        
        
            Optional rear-view camera integrated with infotainment display.
        
     
    
        
            Parking Sensors:
        
        
            Optional rear parking assist sensors.
        
     
    
    
        
            Climate Control:
        
        
            Dual-zone automatic climate control available on higher trims.
        
     
    
        
            Keyless Entry:
        
        
            Standard keyless entry; optional push-button start with smart key.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe driving may require shorter intervals)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 100,000 miles (iridium-tipped plugs)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            Refer to manual; typically at 60,000 miles or under severe driving conditions.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            SAE 0W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            4.5 quarts (4.25 liters) with filter change
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Pre-mixed 50/50 ethylene glycol coolant (Asian Red/Pink) or Kia Super Long Life Coolant
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            Refer to manual, typically ATF DEXRON-III or equivalent
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Hesitation:
        
        
            Potential for carbon buildup in direct injection engines, can affect performance.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Shifting:
        
        
            Occasional reports of rough or hesitant shifting, may require software updates or internal inspection.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Noise:
        
        
            Worn sway bar links or bushings can cause knocking or rattling noises over bumps.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Gremlins:
        
        
            Rare instances of minor electrical issues reported, often related to sensors or wiring harnesses.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Manufacturer:
        
        
            Kia Motors Corporation
        
     
    
        
            Founding:
        
        
            Established in 1944, initially as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts
        
     
    
    
        
            Generation:
        
        
            Second Generation (UM)
        
     
    
        
            Introduction Year Of Model:
        
        
            The Sorento nameplate was introduced in 2002. The 2012 model year represents a significant redesign for the second generation.
        
     
    
    
        
            Assembly Locations:
        
        
            Hwasung Plant, South Korea
        
     
    
        
            Production Years Of Generation:
        
        
            2009-2015 (for the second generation)