🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

KIA

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2006

Product Type:

Owner's Manual

Vin Decoder Prefix:

5

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size SUV (body-on-frame construction for this generation)

Target Audience:

Families, individuals seeking utility, towing capability, and off-road potential (depending on drivetrain).

Key Competitors:

Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevrolet TrailBlazer.

Vehicle Platform:

Based on the Hyundai Santa Fe platform (shared components), but with a traditional body-on-frame chassis for enhanced durability and towing.

Value Proposition:

Offered a blend of SUV practicality with a more robust chassis and higher towing capacity than many unibody competitors in its class.

📋 Manual Details

Language:

English

Region Applicability:

North America (likely, based on common product offerings)

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 350-400 pages (typical for a mid-size SUV owner's manual of this era)

Manual Classification:

Owner's Manual (primary), with elements of a basic service guide

Digital Format:

PDF (instant download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

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

Drivetrain:

Transmission operation (automatic), transfer case operation (if applicable, for AWD), driveline components.

Chassis:

Braking system (operation, warning lights), steering system (operation, warning lights), suspension system (basic checks), wheels and tires (inflation, rotation).

Electrical:

Instrument panel and gauges, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system, basic warning lights and indicators.

Body:

Doors, windows, seats, cargo area, exterior features, interior trim, maintenance of body panels.

Safety:

Airbag system operation, seat belts, child restraint systems (LATCH), vehicle security system.

Operation:

Starting and driving the vehicle, using climate control, operating infotainment system, securing cargo, towing preparation.

Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), checking tire pressure, replacing windshield wiper blades, replacing light bulbs (common types), jump starting, changing a flat tire.

Troubleshooting:

Explanation of warning lights and indicator messages, basic troubleshooting for common operational issues.

Diagnostic Level:

Owner-level diagnostics and basic checks. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or scan tool data interpretation.

Repair Scope:

Focuses on user-serviceable items and operational guidance. Does not cover in-depth mechanical or electrical repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text, enabling easy keyword searches for specific topics.

Readability:

Designed for clear display on computer monitors and printable pages.

Physical Binding:

N/A (digital download)

Physical Paper:

N/A (digital download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V6, SOHC, 24-valve

Engine Code:

3.5L V6 (identifier like G6CU or similar common Kia/Hyundai V6)

Displacement:

3.5 Liters (approx. 3497 cc)

Horsepower:

Approx. 200-205 hp @ 5500-5800 RPM

Torque:

Approx. 217-220 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 RPM

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

ECU Type:

ECM (Engine Control Module) with OBD-II diagnostics.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Type:

N/A (5-speed automatic was standard for most markets/engines)

Drivetrain Options:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with electronically controlled transfer case.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III or equivalent ATF (refer to manual for exact specification, e.g., SP-III for Hyundai/Kia transmissions)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 188.7 inches (4793 mm)

Width:

Approx. 74.4 inches (1890 mm)

Height:

Approx. 67.5 inches (1715 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 110.2 inches (2800 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,300 - 4,500 lbs (1950 - 2040 kg), depending on configuration.

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) when properly equipped.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash:

Likely 4-star rating for driver and front passenger (common for SUVs of this era, refer to actual NHTSA data for confirmation).

NHTSA Side Impact:

Likely 4-star rating (refer to actual NHTSA data for confirmation).

IIHS Frontal Offset:

May vary, but generally good to acceptable for its class. (refer to actual IIHS data for confirmation).

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) likely standard or optional on higher trims.

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) likely standard.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all wheels.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, side-impact airbags (likely optional or standard on higher trims), side curtain airbags (optional on higher trims).

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for rear seating positions.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player, with optional premium audio systems and subwoofer. SiriusXM Satellite Radio may be available on higher trims.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control depending on trim level.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control for highway driving.

Auxiliary Input:

Auxiliary input jack for portable audio devices may be present on some models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific recommendation based on driving conditions.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or approximately every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Transmission Fluid:

Inspect periodically, replace around 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on usage and fluid condition. Refer to manual.

Engine Oil:

5W-20 or 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (refer to manual for exact viscosity and API service classification, e.g., API SN or higher).

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Kia brand coolant or equivalent (e.g., Mopar HOAT coolant).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to manual for specific type).

Engine Component:

While generally robust, some owners have reported issues with camshaft position sensors or occasional coolant leaks from the water pump or hoses.

Transmission Component:

The automatic transmission is generally reliable, but proper fluid maintenance is crucial. Some instances of transmission shudder or premature wear can occur with neglected maintenance.

Chassis Component:

Due to its body-on-frame construction, rear differential seals or transfer case leaks might be a concern with age and mileage. Rear wheel bearings can also be a wear item.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Motors History:

Kia, founded in 1944, began as a manufacturer of bicycle parts and steel tubing before moving into commercial vehicles and eventually passenger cars. It became part of the Hyundai Motor Group in 1998.

Sorento Generations:

This 2006 model belongs to the first generation of the Kia Sorento (2002-2009), which was characterized by its body-on-frame construction and truck-like capabilities. Subsequent generations transitioned to unibody platforms.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured at Kia's Hwaseong plant in South Korea.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

While specific awards for the 2006 model year are not widely publicized, Kia vehicles of this era generally focused on providing competitive safety features for their price point.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports ratings for this generation of Sorento varied, often highlighting its value and towing capacity but sometimes noting average reliability in certain areas compared to segment leaders.