Segment:
Mid-size SUV, often marketed as a family-oriented vehicle with available third-row seating.
Competitors 2008:
Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Body Styles:
4-door SUV, often with optional third-row seating.
Drivetrain:
Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, component inspection, rebuilding procedures, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, valves.
Engine Fuel:
Fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, fuel rail, pressure regulation.
Engine Ignition:
Ignition system components, spark plugs, ignition coils, timing control.
Engine Cooling:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant passages, fan clutch/electric fan, hoses.
Engine Lubrication:
Oil pump, oil filter, oil pan, lubrication passages, oil pressure.
Engine Electrical:
Starter motor, alternator, battery, wiring diagrams related to engine control.
Engine Emissions:
EGR system, catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, emission control systems, evaporative emission control (EVAP).
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, belt inspections/replacements.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common engine faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Repair Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul. Engine rebuild procedures for major internal components.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all engine fasteners.
Clearances Tolerances:
Specifications for engine component clearances (e.g., piston ring gap, bearing clearances).
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers detailed mechanical repairs, diagnostics, and specifications necessary for professional-level service.
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (3778 cc)
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft), 24 valves (4 per cylinder).
Bore X Stroke:
95.5 mm x 87.0 mm (approximate)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1 (approximate)
Horsepower:
242 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
250 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) managing fuel, ignition, and emissions.
Length:
4740 mm / 186.6 in (approximate)
Width:
1890 mm / 74.4 in (approximate)
Height:
1750 mm / 68.9 in (approximate)
Wheelbase:
2745 mm / 108.1 in (approximate)
Curb Weight AWD:
4350 lbs / 1973 kg (approximate, AWD)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
5732 lbs / 2600 kg (approximate)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
10.4 cu ft (approximate)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
34.0 cu ft (approximate)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
77.1 cu ft (approximate)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
4 Stars (2008 model year, typical for its class and era)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
4 Stars (2008 model year, typical for its class and era)
NHTSA Side Impact Driver:
5 Stars (2008 model year, typical for its class and era)
NHTSA Side Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (2008 model year, typical for its class and era)
NHTSA Rollover:
4 Stars (typical for SUVs)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (ESC or VSM - Vehicle Stability Management)
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side Curtain:
Standard (front and second-row, often third-row as well)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for all seating positions.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Severe duty may require shorter intervals.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual, typically around 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type (Iridium recommended for longevity).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years. Filter replacement recommended.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 API SM or higher (check owner's manual for specific recommendation).
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.7 US quarts / 6.3 Liters (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Asian Red or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Issues:
While generally reliable, some owners have reported issues with oil consumption, minor coolant leaks (water pump, thermostat housing), and occasional throttle body issues.
Transmission Issues:
Some models experienced sporadic transmission shifting issues, often resolved with fluid changes or software updates.
Suspension Component Wear:
Control arm bushings and sway bar links can wear over time, leading to suspension noise.
HVAC System:
Blend door actuator failures can cause HVAC system malfunctions.
Kia Heritage:
Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, is a South Korean automobile manufacturer known for its value-oriented and increasingly stylish vehicles.
Sorento Generation:
This is the second generation (BL) Sorento, introduced for the 2007 model year, replacing the first generation (JC).
Platform:
Unlike the body-on-frame first generation, the BL Sorento transitioned to a unibody construction, sharing its platform with the Kia Optima.
Production Start Year:
2006 (for the 2007 model year)
Production End Year Bl:
2009 (leading into the third generation UM)
Manufacturing Location:
Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea; also assembled in Malaysia (NAZA).
IIHS Crash Test Rating:
Good in frontal offset, acceptable/marginal in side impact for the 2008 model year, varying by specific trim and testing procedure.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied, with some model years receiving average or below-average scores, particularly for powertrain components.