Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Crossover SUV
Key Competitors:
Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Chevrolet Equinox (larger variants)
Design Philosophy:
Second generation (XM) Sorento introduced a unibody platform, moving away from the previous body-on-frame design, offering improved ride comfort and fuel efficiency while retaining SUV capability.
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking a versatile SUV with seating for up to seven passengers (optional third row), capable of handling daily commutes and light off-roading.
Vehicle Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, HVAC, Electrical, Body, Chassis, Safety Systems, Diagnostic Procedures, Emissions Control
Estimated Page Count:
2000+
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
3.5L Lambda V6 GDI Engine (Lambda II), 6-Speed Automatic Transmission (A6LF1/A6LF2)
Chassis Suspension:
Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link Independent Suspension
Brakes:
Front Ventilated Disc, Rear Solid Disc (ABS, EBD, ESC, HAC, DBC)
Steering:
Rack and Pinion, Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)
Electrical HVAC:
Complex Electrical Schematics, HVAC system diagnostics, Climate Control units
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, Air filter replacement, Spark plug replacement, Coolant flush, Brake fluid flush, Transmission fluid change
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, Transmission overhaul, Suspension component replacement, Brake system repair, Steering system repair, Body panel replacement
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
OBD-II fault code interpretation, Symptom-based troubleshooting guides, Component testing procedures
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, Fluid capacities and types, Electrical component resistance values
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.
Engine Code:
G6DJ (3.5L Lambda II MPI)
Displacement:
3470 cc (3.5 Liters)
Configuration:
V6, DOHC, 24 Valves, MPI (Multi-Point Injection)
Horsepower:
276 hp @ 6300 RPM
Torque:
248 lb-ft @ 5000 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
MPI (Multi-Point Injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
ECU Type:
Kia ECU (specific model number varies, detailed in manual)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
9.6 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
38.4 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
80.3 cu ft
Curb Weight FWD:
4178 lbs
Curb Weight AWD:
4343 lbs
Towing Capacity:
2,000 lbs (2,500 lbs with optional towing package)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
4/5 Stars
IIHS Front Crash Rating:
Good
IIHS Side Crash Rating:
Good
IIHS Roof Strength Rating:
Good
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (ESC)
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Antilock Brakes:
Standard (ABS)
Brake Assist:
Standard (BAS)
Hill Start Assist:
Standard (HAC)
Airbags:
Front airbags, Front side-impact airbags, Full-length side curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input and USB port. Optional Infinity premium audio system.
Navigation System:
Optional touchscreen navigation system with Bluetooth connectivity.
Rearview Camera:
Optional rearview camera integrated with navigation or rearview mirror display.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone system.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry, optional push-button start with smart key.
Oil Change Interval:
7,500 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first)
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
30,000 miles or 24 months
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
100,000 miles (Iridium-tipped plugs)
Transmission Fluid Interval:
60,000 miles (severe duty) / 96,000 miles (normal duty), consult manual for exact specification
Engine Oil Specification:
API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 Synthetic
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.5 US quarts (5.2 liters) with filter change
Coolant Specification:
HOC (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or OAT, Pre-diluted 50/50 with distilled water. Kia P/N 00100-00022 (Blue)
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Diaqueen SP-III or equivalent (DEXRON VI compatible, consult manual)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Complaints:
Occasional reports of minor interior rattles, potential for water pump seal leaks (less common on 3.5L), and transmission software glitches requiring updates.
Common Repairs:
Routine brake pad and rotor replacement, suspension bushings, and battery replacement are typical wear items.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Generation:
Second Generation (XM) - 2010-2013
Platform Change:
Transition to unibody construction from body-on-frame for improved refinement and handling.
Production Start Year:
2004 (Globally), 2010 (Second Generation XM)
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (Hwaseong Plant), Slovakia (Zilina Plant)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Did not achieve Top Safety Pick status for the 2011 model year, though it performed well in crash tests.
Jdpower Dependability:
Varies by year and specific components, generally mid-pack for the segment at the time.
Emissions Certification:
Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for 2011 model year vehicles.
