Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe
Strengths:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, available third-row seating, good value for money.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential technical information for DIY repairs and maintenance, saving on dealership service costs.
Engine:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Management (ECU), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Emission Control
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (6-speed), Manual Transmission (6-speed), Drivetrain, Differentials, Axles
Brakes:
Front & Rear Brakes (Disc), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), Parking Brake
Suspension Steering:
Front Suspension (MacPherson Strut), Rear Suspension (Multi-link), Steering System (Power Steering), Wheel Alignment
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Body Electrical, Power Accessories, ECUs, Fuses & Relays, Wiring Diagrams
Body Chassis:
Body Exterior, Body Interior, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), Doors, Windows, Seats, Frame, Bumpers
Chassis Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link independent suspension, steering column, power steering pump, steering rack, wheel bearings, hubs.
Body Frame:
Unibody construction, front/rear bumper assembly, fenders, hood, doors, tailgate, roof panel, body seals, interior trim panels.
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement, Fluid Checks & Top-offs, Brake Pad/Disc Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Troubleshooting Guides, Electrical Troubleshooting Charts, Component Function Tests
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Scan Tool Usage, Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing, Data Stream Analysis
Troubleshooting Charts:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability, electrical, and HVAC issues.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring schematics.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all systems, including power distribution, grounds, and component interconnects.
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
4/5 Stars (for AWD models)
ABS:
Standard (4-Wheel Disc Brakes)
Esc:
Standard (Electronic Stability Control)
Traction Control:
Standard (Traction Control System - TCS)
Airbags:
Front, Side-Curtain, and Front-Seat Mounted Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Head Unit Options:
Base AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, optional upgraded audio systems with subwoofer, optional navigation system.
Connectivity:
Auxiliary audio input, USB port (on some trims), Bluetooth connectivity (on some trims).
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors.
Backup Camera:
Optional rearview camera integrated into navigation system.
Keyless Entry:
Standard on most trims, keyless ignition available on higher trims.
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning standard, dual-zone automatic climate control optional.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (Synthetic Oil)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles (160,000 km) for Iridium spark plugs
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 L) with filter (2.4L G4KE engine)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-20 (Recommended, API SN or higher)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.4 US quarts (7.0 L)
Coolant Type:
Long-life, Pre-mixed, Blue (Ethylene Glycol based)
Engine Knock Sensor:
Some owners reported issues with the knock sensor leading to check engine lights. Manual covers diagnosis and replacement.
Oil Consumption:
While not widespread, some Theta II engines experienced oil consumption issues. The manual details oil check procedures.
Cv Axle Boots:
Occasional tearing of CV axle boots can lead to issues. Manual covers inspection and replacement.
Kia History:
Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean automotive manufacturer, founded in 1944.
Sorento Introduction:
The Sorento was first introduced in 2002 as a body-on-frame SUV.
Xm Generation:
The XM generation, launched for the 2010 model year (North America), transitioned to a unibody platform, becoming a more car-like crossover SUV.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in South Korea (Hwaseong) and Slovakia (Žilina).
