Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size SUV / Crossover
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Hyundai Santa Fe.
Value Proposition:
The 2008 Kia Sorento offered a blend of SUV capability, comfortable seating for up to seven passengers (optional), and competitive pricing within its segment.
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking versatile transportation, and those desiring a capable, yet affordable, SUV.
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul for all engine variants, including cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, and emission control systems.
Transmission:
Repair and overhaul procedures for both automatic and manual transmissions, including torque converter, clutch systems, and gearbox components.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including driveshafts, differentials, hubs, and transfer case (if applicable).
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including McPherson struts, control arms, coil springs, shock absorbers, and wheel bearings.
Brakes:
Disc brake systems (front and rear), ABS, EBD, brake boosters, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, and hydraulic lines.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and steering column components.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, component testing, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, lighting, instruments, and body control modules.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, including refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, and controls.
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass, interior trim, exterior trim, and chassis frame alignment.
Interior Systems:
Seats, airbags, seatbelts, dashboard assembly, instrument cluster, and interior lighting.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, including oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, and belt inspections.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation, and component testing procedures.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement, adjustment, and repair for all major vehicle systems.
Rebuilding:
Complete engine and transmission rebuilding procedures, including disassembly, inspection, component replacement, and reassembly.
Torque Specs:
Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners and components.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle circuits.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostic procedures.
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.4L (2359cc)
Engine 1 Type:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 175 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 169 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.3L (3342cc)
Engine 2 Type:
V6, DOHC, 24-valve
Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 235 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 233 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Emission Standards:
Likely meets EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 or similar emissions standards for the model year.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 17.0 gallons (64.4 L)
Length:
Approx. 187.5 inches (4763 mm)
Width:
Approx. 74.4 inches (1890 mm)
Height:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 106.1 inches (2695 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.1 inches (206 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3800 - 4200 lbs (1724 - 1905 kg) depending on configuration.
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 12.4 cu ft (351 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 30.0 cu ft (850 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 77.0 cu ft (2180 L)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Likely 4-star (check specific year reports for confirmation)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Likely 4-star (check specific year reports for confirmation)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
Likely 5-star (check specific year reports for confirmation)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
Likely 5-star (check specific year reports for confirmation)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Likely 4-star (check specific year reports for confirmation)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags (for all rows on 7-seater models).
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Air Filter Replacement:
Typically every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Depends on spark plug type (e.g., Iridium plugs could last up to 100,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 (preferred for fuel economy) or SAE 5W-30. Verify viscosity based on climate.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a long-life silicate-free OAT (Organic Acid Technology) type. Kia genuine coolant or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Kia SP-III Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon ATF.
Engine Issues:
Some reports of oil consumption in certain 2.4L Theta II engines. Potential for timing chain stretching or wear in higher mileage vehicles.
Transmission Issues:
Occasional reports of rough shifting or transmission shudder, particularly in earlier models or with insufficient fluid maintenance.
Suspension Issues:
Wear on front sway bar links and bushings can lead to clunking noises over bumps.
Electrical Issues:
Intermittent issues with power windows, door locks, or infotainment system may occur; fuse box integrity is important.
Kia Heritage:
Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean automobile manufacturer, has a history dating back to 1944, evolving from a manufacturer of bicycle parts to a global automotive player known for value and increasingly sophisticated vehicles.
Sorento Generation:
2008 marks the second generation (XM) of the Kia Sorento, which debuted for the 2003 model year. This generation introduced a unibody construction, shifting from the body-on-frame design of the first generation, improving ride comfort and handling.
Production Location:
Primary production for the North American market was at the Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) plant in West Point, Georgia, USA. Other global production facilities also exist.
