Segment:
Mid-size SUV / Crossover
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking a versatile vehicle for daily driving, light off-roading, and hauling.
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-7.
Versatility:
Offers a blend of passenger comfort and cargo space, often with available third-row seating in higher trims.
Value Proposition:
Positioned as a strong value offering in its segment, providing a good balance of features, performance, and affordability.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust, engine control systems (ECM/ECU), turbocharging (if applicable), transmission (manual and automatic), transfer case, differential.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (hydraulic, ABS, EBD), wheels, tires, driveline (driveshafts, axles).
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrument cluster, audio systems, HVAC controls, power accessories (windows, locks, seats), charging system, starting system, CAN bus communication, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Body And Interior:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, seating, airbags, seat belts, glass, weatherstripping.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission, differential), filter replacements, lubrication points.
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based troubleshooting charts, diagnostic procedures for various systems, interpretation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams for fault finding.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and tire rotations to full engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and body repair procedures.
Searchability:
Typically includes searchable text for easy navigation and information retrieval.
Printable:
Yes, designed to be printable page by page or in sections.
Binding Suggestion:
For printed copies, spiral binding or a three-ring binder is recommended for ease of use in a workshop environment.
Paper Quality:
For printed copies, durable, matte finish paper (e.g., 20-24 lb bond) is ideal to withstand workshop conditions and reduce glare.
Engine Name:
Kia Theta II G4KE
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2359 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
88.0 mm x 97.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.4:1
Horsepower:
Approx. 175 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies slightly by market/region)
Torque:
Approx. 169 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm (varies slightly by market/region)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (Minimum)
Engine Control Unit:
Kia (Model specific, refer to manual for exact designation)
Emissions Control:
Catalytic converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system, O2 sensors, evaporative emission control system (EVAP).
Engine Name Optional:
Kia Sorento (UM) - 3.3L V6 Lambda II G6DF
Engine Type Optional:
V-type 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24-valve
Displacement Optional:
3.3 Liters (3342 cc)
Horsepower Optional:
Approx. 242 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies slightly by market/region)
Torque Optional:
Approx. 227 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (varies slightly by market/region)
Transmission Type Std:
5-Speed Manual (Common on base trims)
Transmission Type Opt:
5-Speed Automatic (Common on higher trims and V6 models)
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with electronically controlled coupling.
Transfer Case AWD:
Integrated into AWD system, provides power distribution to rear wheels.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent.
Length:
Approx. 179.1 inches (4550 mm)
Width:
Approx. 74.4 inches (1890 mm)
Height:
Approx. 67.3 inches (1710 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 106.1 inches (2695 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.1 inches (206 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,700 - 4,100 lbs (1680 - 1860 kg), varies by configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Refer to vehicle placard or manual for specific GVWR.
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 30.5 cu ft (864 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 10.6 cu ft (300 liters) (if equipped with 3rd row)
Max Cargo Volume:
Approx. 74.2 cu ft (2101 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver), 4-Star (Passenger) for 2009 models (refer to NHTSA for exact ratings).
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models tested, refer to IIHS for specific ratings).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Ebs:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution.
Esc:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS).
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (covering first and second rows).
Seat Belts:
3-point active front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters; 3-point rear seat belts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input. Optional upgrades include SiriusXM Satellite Radio, premium audio systems (e.g., Infinity), and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
Navigation System:
Optional factory-installed navigation system with touchscreen interface.
Rear Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Backup Camera:
Optional rearview camera integrated into the navigation system or rearview mirror.
Usb Port:
Optional USB port for audio device connectivity.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Severe driving conditions may require more frequent changes.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months. Inspect every 7,500 miles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months. Inspect every 7,500 miles.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 5 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years thereafter.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium-tipped spark plugs: Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 (preferred) or 5W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.7 U.S. quarts (4.4 liters) with filter for 2.4L engine.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology), Kia/Hyundai Long Life Coolant (Blue).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Theta Ii Engine Concerns:
While less prevalent than in later generations, some Theta II engines have experienced issues related to oil consumption and potential bearing failures. Regular oil level checks are crucial.
Automatic Transmission Shifting:
Some owners have reported occasional rough shifting or delayed engagement, which may require software updates or transmission fluid service.
Suspension Noises:
While not widespread, some units may develop squeaks or rattles from the suspension components, often due to worn bushings or ball joints.
Kia History:
Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean automobile manufacturer, has a history dating back to 1944, evolving from a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts to a major global automotive player known for value and improving quality.
Sorento Generation 1:
The first generation Kia Sorento (first introduced in 2002) was a body-on-frame SUV, offering a more rugged and traditional SUV experience. The 2009 model year marks the transition to the second generation Sorento, which adopted a unibody construction for improved ride comfort and handling, aligning it more closely with the crossover segment.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary manufacturing for the 2009 Sorento was at Kia's Hwasung plant in South Korea. Depending on the market, some assembly may have occurred in other regions.
Production Years Gen 2:
The second-generation Sorento (for which this manual applies) was produced from late 2008 through 2013.
