🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2012

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Mid-size Crossover SUV

Segment Competition:

Competes with vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Murano.

Design Philosophy:

Offered a balance of comfort, utility, and a more car-like driving experience compared to traditional body-on-frame SUVs.

Availability:

Available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with optional third-row seating for up to seven passengers.

Manual Benefit:

Provides professional-grade technical information for DIY mechanics and professional technicians, offering significant cost savings over dealership service.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

OEM Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Page Count:

Estimated 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive OEM manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Complete engine overhaul, diagnostics, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, emissions, starting and charging systems, engine mechanical components.

Transmission Systems:

Automatic transmission (e.g., 6-speed) overhaul, diagnostics, fluid service, control systems, manual transmission (if applicable) service.

Drivetrain Systems:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, hub assemblies.

Suspension Systems:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, bushings, springs, alignment procedures.

Steering Systems:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, alignment.

Brake Systems:

Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, brake calipers, rotors, pads, brake lines, bleeding procedures, parking brake.

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relays, lighting, power windows, door locks, mirrors, wipers, horns, body control modules (BCM).

HVAC Systems:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control unit, refrigerant service, blower motor, evaporator, condenser.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belt pre-tensioners, diagnostics and repair.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass, doors, bumpers, frame and chassis components, corrosion protection.

Infotainment And Electronics:

Audio system, navigation system (if equipped), display units, connectivity modules, basic diagnostics.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, tune-ups, lubrication.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), component testing.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step repair instructions with torque specifications, special tool requirements, diagrams and illustrations for all major components.

Overhaul Procedures:

Complete engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement.

Adjustment Procedures:

Wheel alignment, clutch adjustment (if applicable), idle speed adjustment.

Specifications And Measurements:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, tire pressures, alignment specifications.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive; covers everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Type:

PDF

File Compatibility:

Compatible with all Windows versions, Linux, and macOS.

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable for physical use.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type 1:

2.4L GDI Inline-4 (Theta II GDI)

Displacement 1:

2359 cc (143.9 cu in)

Horsepower 1:

175 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 1:

169 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm

Fuel System 1:

Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)

Engine Code 1:

G4KE

Engine Type 2:

3.5L GDI V6 (Lambda II GDI)

Displacement 2:

3470 cc (211.8 cu in)

Horsepower 2:

276 hp @ 6300 rpm

Torque 2:

248 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Fuel System 2:

Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)

Engine Code 2:

G6DC

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Automatic (Sportmatic)

Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, driver-adaptive shifting.

Transmission Type Manual:

6-Speed Manual (Market dependent, less common for 2012 Sorento)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV (or equivalent meeting specification)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

188.5 inches (4788 mm)

Width:

74.4 inches (1890 mm)

Height:

66.7 inches (1694 mm)

Wheelbase:

108.7 inches (2761 mm)

Curb Weight Minimum:

Approx. 3,840 lbs (1742 kg) for FWD 4-cylinder

Curb Weight Maximum:

Approx. 4,220 lbs (1914 kg) for AWD V6

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 9.6 cubic feet (272 liters)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 30.0 cubic feet (850 liters)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 72.5 cubic feet (2053 liters)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)

Tire Size Standard:

P235/65R17

Tire Size Optional:

P235/55R18, P235/45R19

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating AWD:

4 out of 5 stars (2012 Model)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for models with specific equipment, check manual for details)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Ebd:

Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution

Esc:

Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags Front:

Dual front advanced airbags

Airbags Side:

Dual front seat-mounted side-impact airbags

Airbags Rollover:

Full-length side curtain airbags (first and second rows)

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Optional touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth, and rearview camera.

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability, auxiliary input jack, and USB port.

Driver Assistance Features:

Available rearview camera, parking assist sensors (rear).

Bluetooth Connectivity:

Available Bluetooth hands-free phone system and audio streaming.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil)

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles

Engine Air Filter:

Replace every 30,000 miles or as needed based on conditions.

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 miles or annually.

Coolant Flush:

First flush at 105,000 miles, then every 52,500 miles thereafter.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Check every 30,000 miles. Replace at 105,000 miles and then every 52,500 miles for severe duty, or as per manual recommendations for normal duty.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic recommended)

Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters)

Engine Oil Capacity 3.5L:

Approx. 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters)

Coolant Type:

Asian Red Long Life Coolant (or equivalent meeting MS-591-08 specification)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Engine Issues:

Some reports of oil consumption in certain 2.4L engines, potential for carbon buildup in GDI engines requiring occasional cleaning.

Transmission Issues:

Occasional reports of rough shifting or hesitation; maintaining proper fluid levels and quality is crucial.

Electrical Issues:

Infrequent reports of minor electrical gremlins, often related to sensors or body control modules.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia History:

Kia Motors Corporation is a South Korean automobile manufacturer, founded in 1944, known for producing a wide range of vehicles from compact cars to SUVs and commercial vehicles.

Sorento Generation 2:

The 2012 Sorento belongs to the second generation (XM), introduced in late 2009 for the 2010 model year. This generation marked a significant shift from the Sorento's truck-based, body-on-frame roots to a unibody construction, offering improved ride comfort, handling, and fuel efficiency.

Manufacturing Location:

Hwaseong, South Korea (Primary)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Recipient of various safety accolades from organizations like IIHS and NHTSA for its generation.

Value Recognition:

Often praised for its value proposition, offering a good blend of features, space, and capability for its price point.