🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

XM

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size SUV / Crossover

Key Competitors:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Hyundai Santa Fe.

Value Proposition:

The 2008 Kia Sorento offered a blend of SUV capability, comfortable seating for up to seven passengers (optional), and competitive pricing within its segment.

Target Audience:

Families, individuals seeking versatile transportation, and those desiring a capable, yet affordable, SUV.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (specific number not provided in description)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul for all engine variants, including cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, and emission control systems.

Transmission:

Repair and overhaul procedures for both automatic and manual transmissions, including torque converter, clutch systems, and gearbox components.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including driveshafts, differentials, hubs, and transfer case (if applicable).

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, including McPherson struts, control arms, coil springs, shock absorbers, and wheel bearings.

Brakes:

Disc brake systems (front and rear), ABS, EBD, brake boosters, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, and hydraulic lines.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and steering column components.

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, component testing, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, lighting, instruments, and body control modules.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, including refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, and controls.

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass, interior trim, exterior trim, and chassis frame alignment.

Interior Systems:

Seats, airbags, seatbelts, dashboard assembly, instrument cluster, and interior lighting.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks, including oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, and belt inspections.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation, and component testing procedures.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component replacement, adjustment, and repair for all major vehicle systems.

Rebuilding:

Complete engine and transmission rebuilding procedures, including disassembly, inspection, component replacement, and reassembly.

Torque Specs:

Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners and components.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle circuits.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Printability:

High-resolution, printable pages. Allows for selective printing of needed sections.

Binding Type For Print:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type For Print:

N/A (Digital Download)

Searchable Text:

Likely searchable text due to PDF format, enabling quick information retrieval.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.4L (2359cc)

Engine 1 Type:

Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve

Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

Approx. 175 hp @ 6000 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 169 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2 Displacement:

3.3L (3342cc)

Engine 2 Type:

V6, DOHC, 24-valve

Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

Approx. 235 hp @ 6000 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 233 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Emission Standards:

Likely meets EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 or similar emissions standards for the model year.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 17.0 gallons (64.4 L)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

5-speed Manual (primarily with 2.4L engine)

Transmission Type Opt:

5-speed Automatic (with overdrive)

Transmission Features:

Tiptronic (on some automatic models for manual shifting control).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 187.5 inches (4763 mm)

Width:

Approx. 74.4 inches (1890 mm)

Height:

Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 106.1 inches (2695 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8.1 inches (206 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3800 - 4200 lbs (1724 - 1905 kg) depending on configuration.

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 12.4 cu ft (351 L)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 30.0 cu ft (850 L)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 77.0 cu ft (2180 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Likely 4-star (check specific year reports for confirmation)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Likely 4-star (check specific year reports for confirmation)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:

Likely 5-star (check specific year reports for confirmation)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:

Likely 5-star (check specific year reports for confirmation)

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Likely 4-star (check specific year reports for confirmation)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags (for all rows on 7-seater models).

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Base models featured a standard AM/FM/CD audio system. Higher trims offered optional premium audio systems, satellite radio capability, and an auxiliary input jack.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control on most trims.

Connectivity Features:

Auxiliary audio input, USB ports may be present on higher trims or as an accessory upgrade.

Climate Control:

Manual air conditioning standard; optional dual-zone automatic climate control on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).

Air Filter Replacement:

Typically every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Depends on spark plug type (e.g., Iridium plugs could last up to 100,000 miles).

Engine Oil Type:

API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 (preferred for fuel economy) or SAE 5W-30. Verify viscosity based on climate.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a long-life silicate-free OAT (Organic Acid Technology) type. Kia genuine coolant or equivalent.

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

Kia SP-III Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Kia Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon ATF.

Engine Issues:

Some reports of oil consumption in certain 2.4L Theta II engines. Potential for timing chain stretching or wear in higher mileage vehicles.

Transmission Issues:

Occasional reports of rough shifting or transmission shudder, particularly in earlier models or with insufficient fluid maintenance.

Suspension Issues:

Wear on front sway bar links and bushings can lead to clunking noises over bumps.

Electrical Issues:

Intermittent issues with power windows, door locks, or infotainment system may occur; fuse box integrity is important.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Heritage:

Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean automobile manufacturer, has a history dating back to 1944, evolving from a manufacturer of bicycle parts to a global automotive player known for value and increasingly sophisticated vehicles.

Sorento Generation:

2008 marks the second generation (XM) of the Kia Sorento, which debuted for the 2003 model year. This generation introduced a unibody construction, shifting from the body-on-frame design of the first generation, improving ride comfort and handling.

Production Location:

Primary production for the North American market was at the Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) plant in West Point, Georgia, USA. Other global production facilities also exist.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

The 2008 Sorento, like many vehicles of its era, likely received good safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, reflecting its robust construction and safety feature set.

Consumer Ratings:

Consumer satisfaction varied, with positive remarks on value and space, but some criticisms regarding engine refinement and interior material quality compared to segment leaders.