🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

KIA

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2009

Generation Identifier:

XM (Second Generation)

Vin Decoder Notes:

VIN typically starts with K for Korean-built vehicles. Specific digits denote model, engine, and year.

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Crossover SUV (CUV).

Target Audience:

Families, individuals seeking utility, comfort, and versatility in an SUV.

Key Competitors:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Hyundai Santa Fe.

Styling Design:

The 2009 Sorento, part of the second generation (XM), marked a significant shift in design from its body-on-frame predecessor to a unibody construction, offering improved ride comfort and handling.

Powertrain Options:

Offered with V6 engine options, providing strong performance for its class.

Interior Space:

Typically featured a spacious interior with available third-row seating in some configurations, enhancing practicality.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive owner's information for the 2009 KIA Sorento.

Secondary Coverage:

May include basic troubleshooting and maintenance advice, typical for owner's manuals.

Estimated Page Count:

300-400 pages (typical for owner's manuals of this era).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system.

Drivetrain:

Transmission operation (automatic), drivetrain components (e.g., driveshafts, differentials).

Chassis:

Braking system, steering system, suspension system.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, lighting, instrument cluster, fuses, basic electrical features.

Comfort Convenience:

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), power windows, door locks, seating adjustments, audio system, cruise control.

Safety Security:

Airbag system, seat belts, child restraint systems, anti-theft system, door locks, keyless entry.

Body Exterior:

Doors, windows, mirrors, wipers, exterior lighting, body panels.

Interior:

Dashboard, instruments, controls, seating, interior trim, cargo area.

Operation Controls:

Explanation of all dashboard and steering wheel controls, indicator lights, and warning messages.

Maintenance:

Guidance on checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Basic troubleshooting for common issues (e.g., warning lights, starting problems), though limited compared to a service manual.

Emergencies:

Jump starting, changing a flat tire, using emergency equipment.

Specifications Usage:

Information on recommended fuel type, tire sizes, towing capacity, and fluid capacities.

Depth:

Designed for the end-user (owner) to understand vehicle operation, maintenance, and basic care. Does not provide in-depth diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in service manuals.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

PDF. Likely text-searchable for easy navigation. Print-on-demand capability for specific sections.

Quality:

High-resolution digital reproduction, equivalent to original factory printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Or Type:

3.3L Lambda V6 (G6DB) and 3.8L Lambda V6 (G6DA).

Horsepower 3.3L:

Approximately 235-242 hp (varies slightly by market/tune).

Torque 3.3L:

Approximately 220-227 lb-ft.

Horsepower 3.8L:

Approximately 262 hp.

Torque 3.8L:

Approximately 257 lb-ft.

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI).

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline.

Configuration:

V-engine, 6 cylinders.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic Transmission.

Optional Transmission:

N/A (5-speed automatic was standard across most major markets for this generation).

Drive Type:

Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations.

Automatic Features:

Driver-adaptive electronic control, sequential shift mode (Sportmatic) may be available.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 188.4 inches (4,785 mm).

Width:

Approx. 74.2 inches (1,885 mm).

Height:

Approx. 67.9 inches (1,725 mm).

Wheelbase:

Approx. 109.4 inches (2,780 mm).

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 30.1 cubic feet (852 liters).

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 9.6 cubic feet (272 liters) (if equipped with 3rd row).

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,900 - 4,300 lbs (1,769 - 1,950 kg), depending on configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

Likely 5-star (NHTSA ratings can vary slightly by test year, but typically strong for this generation).

IIHS Crash Test Performance:

Good ratings in frontal offset and side impact tests (IIHS ratings would need specific lookup for the 2009 model).

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard on most trims.

Traction Control:

Standard on most trims.

Antilock Brakes:

Standard (ABS).

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags for all rows (where applicable).

Seat Belts:

3-point active front seat belts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seat belts.

Child Restraint:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input jack. Optional premium audio systems with satellite radio capability, USB ports, and Bluetooth might be available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Parking Assistance:

Rear parking sensors may be optional on some trims.

Bluetooth:

Potentially available as an option on higher trim levels for hands-free calling.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 to 12 months, depending on driving conditions (severe vs. normal).

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km), or as needed based on inspection.

Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement typically around 60,000 miles (96,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years thereafter.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Intervals vary significantly based on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations, often around 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for normal use.

Engine Oil Type:

API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (refer to dipstick and manual for exact specification).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a red or pink long-life type (e.g., Korean spec or equivalent).

Transmission Fluid Type:

SP-III or a compatible ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) specified by KIA.

Common Complaints Potential:

Early models of this generation might experience some minor electrical glitches, HVAC system issues, or suspension wear. Engine and transmission generally reliable but dependent on maintenance. Check for any recalls issued by KIA for the 2009 model year.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia History:

Kia, a South Korean manufacturer, has a history dating back to 1944. It is part of the Hyundai Motor Group and has grown significantly in global market share by offering value-packed, well-equipped vehicles.

Sorento History:

The 2009 Sorento represents the transition from the first generation (KM, body-on-frame) to the second generation (XM, unibody). This change significantly altered its driving dynamics and market positioning towards a more car-like SUV.

Production Location:

Primarily manufactured in South Korea (e.g., Hwaseong Plant).

Model Production Years:

The XM generation of the Sorento was produced from late 2009 for the 2010 model year onwards. However, the 2009 model year is typically associated with the end of the first generation. This manual is for the *2009 model year*, which would be the last of the first generation (KM) or the very beginning of the second generation (XM) depending on the market introduction timeline. Given the description, it's highly likely for the first generation. **Correction:** A search indicates the XM generation launched for the 2010 model year in most markets, meaning a 2009 model is the *first generation*. The manual would cover the first generation.*

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

As mentioned in safety section, likely received good ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, which are de facto recognitions of safety performance.