🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2008

Engine Variants:

3.3L Lambda V6, 3.8L Lambda V6

Platform:

HM (Global Platform)

Internal Chassis Code:

XM

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2008 Kia Sorento positioned itself as a mid-size SUV offering a blend of comfort, utility, and available V6 power, often competing with vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Ford Edge.

Competitive Analysis:

Kia Sorento (2008) offered competitive pricing and a strong feature set for its class. Its primary advantage was often its value proposition, providing a capable and comfortable SUV at a lower price point than some key rivals. However, interior material quality and certain driving dynamics might have lagged slightly behind segment leaders.

Key Features:

Available 3.3L and 3.8L V6 engines, optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD), spacious interior, third-row seating option (depending on configuration), and a robust build quality for its segment.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All major mechanical, electrical, body, and chassis systems.

Page Count:

Extensive (Combined for both manuals, typically 1500+ pages total).

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual & Electronic Troubleshooting Manual (Combined Package)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (Likely PDF or proprietary electronic format).

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic), drivetrain (AWD/RWD), steering, suspension, brakes (ABS/EBD), climate control, body electrical, interior/exterior lighting, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, interior and exterior trim, body repair.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, component removal and installation, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, repair instructions, wiring harness repair, torque specifications, fluid capacities, replacement part information, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance tuning (within factory specs), transmission service and repair.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, in-depth electrical system troubleshooting, and detailed diagnostic procedures for all major vehicle systems.

Diagnostic Tools:

Manual provides information for using OBD-II scan tools, Kia-specific diagnostic tools (like KDS), and general troubleshooting methodologies for identifying and resolving issues.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics and wiring diagrams for all major systems, including power distribution, lighting, engine control, transmission control, ABS, airbags, and comfort systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Digital (PDF/eManual format), searchable text, hyperlinked sections, often includes high-resolution diagrams and illustrations.

Print Quality:

High-resolution digital images, clear text and diagrams suitable for printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Product).

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Product).

Completeness:

This package provides a comprehensive Factory Service Repair Manual and an Electronic Troubleshooting Manual, covering nearly all aspects of the vehicle's maintenance, repair, and diagnostics for the specified models and engines.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

3.3L Lambda V6 (G6DA)

3.3L Horsepower:

242 hp @ 6000 rpm

3.3L Torque:

223 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

3.8L Horsepower:

262 hp @ 6000 rpm

3.8L Torque:

250 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel System:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI).

Engine Layout:

V6, 60-degree bank angle.

Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy.

Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy.

Valve Train:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder, Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on 3.3L, Dual CVVT on 3.8L.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, Type 'Kia Long Life Coolant' (Blue color).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Standard:

5-speed Automatic Transmission.

Transmission Optional:

N/A (5-speed automatic was standard across 2008 models).

Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, adaptive shift logic.

Transmission Fluid Type:

SPII (Special Performance II) or equivalent (e.g., ATF SP-IV, check manual for exact specification).

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 9.1 liters (9.6 US quarts) for a complete refill, subject to variation. Check manual for precise capacity.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2710 mm (106.7 inches).

Length:

4675 mm (184.1 inches).

Width:

1890 mm (74.4 inches).

Height:

1755 mm (69.1 inches) with roof rails.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1900-2000 kg (4189-4409 lbs) depending on configuration (engine, AWD).

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) when properly equipped (check owner's manual for specific configurations and requirements).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 2620 kg (5776 lbs) for RWD models, higher for AWD models. Consult the vehicle's placard.

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 141 liters (5.0 cu ft) (if equipped with 3rd row).

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 1037 liters (36.6 cu ft) (with 3rd row folded).

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 2200 liters (77.7 cu ft) (with both rear rows folded).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Crash Rating Front Seat:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Crash Rating Rear Seat:

5 Stars

IIHS Roof Strength Rating:

Good

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Passive Features:

Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (for all rows), active head restraints, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, available premium Infinity audio system, auxiliary audio input.

Driver Assistance:

Cruise control, parking assist sensors (rear, optional), fog lights.

Connectivity:

Auxiliary audio input jack, available Bluetooth hands-free calling (on some higher trims).

Lighting:

Projector-beam headlamps, LED taillights, available automatic headlamps.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific engine and oil type.

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Engine Coolant Replacement Interval:

First at 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) (Iridium type).

Engine Oil Specification:

API SM or higher, ILSAC GF-4 or higher. Viscosity grade: SAE 5W-20 for 3.3L, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 for 3.8L (refer to manual).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 5.2-5.5 quarts (4.9-5.2 liters) for 3.3L, 5.5-5.8 quarts (5.2-5.5 liters) for 3.8L (check manual for exact capacity).

Brake Fluid Specification:

FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Kia Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent PSF.

Known Issues:

Potential for knocking/rattling noise from the engine (especially the 3.3L, sometimes related to timing chain tensioners or oil viscosity), occasional issues with power liftgate, and interior trim rattles in some vehicles. The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for the transmission may require updates or replacement in some cases.

Recommended Tire Pressure:

Typically 32 PSI (220 kPa) for all four tires. Refer to the tire and loading information label on the driver's side doorjamb for specific pressures.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Kia, a South Korean automotive manufacturer, has a history dating back to 1944. It has evolved into a global player known for offering reliable and value-driven vehicles.

Model Evolution:

The 2008 Sorento represents the second generation (2006-2009), a significant redesign from its body-on-frame predecessor. This generation adopted a unibody construction, improving ride comfort and handling, and was available with more powerful V6 engines.

Production Years:

2002-Present (Global). Second Generation: 2006-2009.

Manufacturing Location:

South Korea (Hwaseong Plant).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The 2008 Kia Sorento received generally positive reviews for its value and practicality. While it may not have won specific prestigious awards, it was recognized as a strong contender in the mid-size SUV segment for its price point and feature set.

Ratings:

Earned 5-star safety ratings from NHTSA in frontal and side impacts.

Certifications:

Complies with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).