Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Crossover SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking a versatile and practical SUV with comfortable seating for up to seven passengers.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Murano.
Seating Capacity:
Available in 5-seat and 7-seat configurations.
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) options.
Systems Covered:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (Front Wheel Drive, All Wheel Drive), Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Hydraulic & ABS), Body & Frame, Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC), Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, Components), Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Safety Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts), Audio System, Navigation System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors), Lighting System, Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting Charts, Specifications & Tolerances, Maintenance Schedules.
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive service manual of this era and vehicle complexity)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures for all engine components including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, timing systems. Includes torque specifications and clearances.
Engine Management:
Information on engine control unit (ECU/PCM) functions, sensor inputs, actuator outputs, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and troubleshooting strategies. Includes fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions control strategies.
Transmission:
Comprehensive coverage for automatic and manual transmissions, including removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly, and installation. Details on torque converter, valve body, clutch packs, gearsets, and electronic controls. Includes fluid types and capacities.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system diagnosis, repair, and replacement procedures. Covers disc brakes, calipers, pads, rotors, brake lines, master cylinder, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components, and electronic stability control (ESC) integration.
Electrical:
Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including detailed wiring diagrams for all circuits, component locations, fuses, relays, power distribution, and diagnostic procedures for electrical faults. Includes starter, charging system, battery, lighting, and power accessories.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad and rotor replacement, and tire rotation.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all mechanical and electrical components of the vehicle, from minor adjustments to major overhauls.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides to identify and resolve common and uncommon vehicle issues.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including explanations of OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) systems, common diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and recommended scan tool usage for specific systems.
Rebuilding Procedures:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilding, including specifications for machining, clearances, and assembly sequences. Covers major component overhauls.
Engine Code 1:
G4KF (2.4L Theta II GDI)
Engine Displacement 1:
2359 cc (2.4 Liters)
Engine Configuration 1:
Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves
Fuel Delivery 1:
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 191 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque 1:
Approx. 181 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
Engine Code 2:
G6DH (3.3L Lambda II MPI)
Engine Displacement 2:
3342 cc (3.3 Liters)
Engine Configuration 2:
V6, DOHC, 24 Valves
Fuel Delivery 2:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 290 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque 2:
Approx. 252 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 70 Liters (18.5 US Gallons)
Transmission Type Standard:
6-speed Automatic Transmission (with Sportmatic manual shift mode)
Transmission Type Optional:
6-speed Manual Transmission (typically for base models or specific markets)
Transmission Features:
Adaptive Shift Control, Grade Logic Control, Sportmatic manual shifting option.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV or equivalent recommended.
Length:
Approx. 4690 mm (184.6 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1890 mm (74.4 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1745 mm (68.7 inches) (without roof rails)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 inches)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 130.2 cu ft (3687 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 10.0 cu ft (282 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 34.0 cu ft (963 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 78.3 cu ft (2217 L)
Curb Weight 2.4L:
Approx. 1750 kg (3858 lbs)
Curb Weight 3.3L:
Approx. 1850 kg (4079 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by configuration, typically around 2500-2600 kg (5511-5732 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) when properly equipped (with 3.3L V6 engine and AWD).
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Five-Star rating (for most configurations from NHTSA in US market)
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC) (on AWD models).
Passive Safety Features:
Front dual-stage airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, roof-mounted side curtain airbags (for all rows), active front headrests, 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH child-seat anchors.
Infotainment System:
Available UVO infotainment system (later iterations with enhanced features), touchscreen displays, USB/Auxiliary audio inputs, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Navigation:
Optional navigation system with real-time traffic updates.
Driver Assistance Features:
Optional features may include a rearview camera, parking sensors, and advanced lighting systems (e.g., Xenon HID headlights on higher trims).
Connectivity Options:
USB ports, auxiliary audio jack, Bluetooth.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Consult manual for severe driving conditions.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement Gdi:
Approximately 60,000 miles (96,000 km) - specific type of iridium plug.
Spark Plug Replacement Mpi V6:
Approximately 105,000 miles (168,000 km) - specific type of iridium plug.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years. Consult manual for specific coolant type.
Engine Oil Type 2.4L:
SAE 0W-20 API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified (Synthetic).
Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
Approx. 4.8 US Quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Type 3.3L V6:
SAE 5W-20 API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified (Synthetic).
Engine Oil Capacity 3.3L V6:
Approx. 5.7 US Quarts (5.4 Liters) with filter change.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 specification.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Refer to manual; typically a specific hydraulic power steering fluid or ATF. Some models may use electric power steering which requires no fluid.
Common Issues Engine:
Some owners have reported issues with the GDI engine, including potential carbon buildup on intake valves, oil consumption, and occasional rough idling. The MPI V6 is generally considered more robust.
Common Issues Transmission:
Occasional complaints of rough shifting or hesitation in the automatic transmission. Regular fluid maintenance is crucial.
Common Issues Electrical:
Reports of minor electrical gremlins, such as issues with sensors, door lock actuators, or infotainment system glitches. Wiring harness integrity should be checked in case of persistent faults.
Common Issues Suspension:
Wear in suspension components like control arm bushings or struts can lead to noise or premature tire wear.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Generation Start Year:
2004
Second Generation Start:
2009
Xm Generation Code:
Second Generation (2009-2015)
Design Philosophy Xm:
Designed by Kia's European design studio, featuring a more modern and European-inspired exterior and interior design compared to its predecessor. Increased focus on refinement and driving dynamics.
Primary Assembly Locations:
Hwasung Plant, South Korea; West Point, Georgia, USA (for North American market).
Safety Award Example:
Kias across multiple segments, including the Sorento, have frequently earned IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) Top Safety Pick ratings in various years. The 2013 model likely followed this trend.
Value Recognition:
The Sorento is often recognized for its strong value proposition, offering a good blend of features, utility, and affordability within its class.