Market Position:
The 2013 Kia Sorento, particularly the 3.5L V6 model, positioned itself as a versatile mid-size SUV offering value, family-friendly features, and respectable performance for its class.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Chevrolet Equinox, often differentiating through its feature set and warranty.
Key Features:
Available with 3rd-row seating (in some configurations), capable powertrain, modern styling, and a good balance of comfort and utility.
Coverage Areas:
Mechanical, Electrical, Body, Diagnostics, Maintenance, Repair
Page Count:
Estimated 3000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Manual Purpose:
Designed for professional technicians but comprehensive enough for advanced DIY mechanics. Provides detailed explanations and procedures.
Format:
PDF (Downloadable)
Systems Covered:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Drivetrain (FWD/AWD), Transmission (Automatic), Brakes (ABS/ESC), Steering, Suspension (Front/Rear), Climate Control, Body Electrical, Body Panels, SRS (Airbag) System, Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Electrical System:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all major electrical circuits including lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors, audio, HVAC, engine controls, and safety systems. Includes fuse and relay locations, as well as diagnostic procedures for electrical faults.
Brake System:
Front and rear brake component descriptions, service procedures for pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake bleeding, ABS system diagnostics, and parking brake adjustments.
Suspension And Steering:
Detailed information on front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings), steering system components (rack and pinion, power steering pump), alignment specifications, and replacement procedures.
Procedures Included:
Routine Maintenance, Component Removal and Installation, Disassembly and Assembly, Troubleshooting Charts, Diagnostic Procedures, Wiring Diagrams, Torque Specifications, Component Specifications, Special Tool Requirements, Emissions Control System Repair
Body And Trim Procedures:
Procedures for removal and installation of interior and exterior trim components, bumpers, doors, hood, liftgate, and glass. Includes specifications for panel alignment and repair techniques.
Engine Rebuild Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for engine disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and reassembly, including specifications for critical components like crankshaft bearings, connecting rod bearings, piston rings, and valve components.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance and fluid changes to complex engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and structural repairs.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Comprehensive diagnostic trouble code (DTC) lists, symptom-based troubleshooting flowcharts, and detailed explanations of how various systems operate to aid technicians in diagnosing issues accurately.
Torque Specifications:
Extensive list of torque specifications for all fasteners throughout the vehicle, crucial for proper assembly and preventing damage.
Primary Engine:
3.5-liter Lambda II V6 (G6DC)
Horsepower:
Approximately 276 hp @ 6300 rpm (Manufacturer Spec)
Torque:
Approximately 248 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (Manufacturer Spec)
Fuel System:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 90.0 mm (approximate)
Compression Ratio:
10.4:1 (approximate)
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 24 Valves
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Description:
Naturally aspirated, all-aluminum V6 engine with dual continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) for optimized performance and fuel efficiency.
Length:
188.4 inches (4785 mm)
Width:
74.4 inches (1890 mm)
Height:
67.3 inches (1709 mm)
Wheelbase:
108.5 inches (2755 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
9.6 cubic feet (271 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
32.0 cubic feet (906 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
75.5 cubic feet (2138 L)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4,000 - 4,200 lbs (1814 - 1905 kg) depending on drivetrain
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 5,732 lbs (2600 kg)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars (for 2013 model year, overall)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (Good ratings in most crash tests)
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC) (on AWD models)
Passive Features:
Front Airbags, Front Side-Impact Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags (for all rows), Active Front Headrests, Three-point Seatbelts with Pretensioners
Infotainment System:
UVO infotainment system (optional), AM/FM/CD/MP3, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, USB/Auxiliary Input Jacks, Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone Connectivity
Driver Assistance Features:
Backup Camera (optional), Parking Assist Sensors (optional)
Connectivity:
Bluetooth streaming audio and hands-free calling
Climate Control:
Manual Air Conditioning, Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control (optional)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Check manual for severe conditions.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual for specific mileage (typically around 60,000-100,000 miles for iridium plugs used in this era).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 Synthetic (API SN or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.9 US quarts (6.5 liters)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV or equivalent (check manual for exact specification)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol Type, Blue Color (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Use only Kia Genuine PSF-4 or equivalent synthetic power steering fluid.
Known Issues:
Potential for oil consumption issues in some 3.5L Lambda engines (related to piston rings/cylinder wear), minor electrical glitches, HVAC system performance, occasional transmission shifting concerns. The manual provides diagnostic steps for these and other potential issues.
Brand Heritage:
Kia, a South Korean automotive manufacturer, has grown significantly in global presence and reputation, emphasizing value, design, and increasingly, performance and technology.
Model Evolution:
The 2013 Sorento represents the second generation (XM) of the model, which debuted in 2009 and received a significant mid-cycle refresh for the 2014 model year. The 2013 model year is part of this second generation and benefited from updates introduced in earlier years of this generation.
Production Location:
Hwasung, South Korea