🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2012

Engine Options:

2.4L GDI I4, 3.5L V6

Chassis Code:

XM

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size Crossover SUV (CUV)

Target Audience:

Families seeking versatile transportation, comfortable for long journeys, with practical cargo space and available AWD.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Edge, Chevrolet Equinox, Nissan Murano.

Competitive Advantage:

Often positioned with a strong value proposition, offering competitive features and capacity for the price point.

Seating Capacity:

Standard 5-seater, with optional 3rd-row seating for 7 passengers (depending on trim).

Drivetrain Options:

Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Mechanical Systems, Electrical Systems, Diagnostics, Body and Chassis

Engine Coverage:

2.4L Theta II GDI (G4KC), 3.5L Lambda II V6 (G6DC)

Transmission Coverage:

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (A6MF2)

Electronic Troubleshooting Coverage:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Electrical Schematics, Component Testing, Wiring Diagrams

Service Repair Manual Pages:

Approximately 2500+ pages (Estimated)

Electronic Troubleshooting Manual Pages:

Approximately 1000+ pages (Estimated)

Service Repair Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Electronic Troubleshooting Manual Type:

Factory Electronic Troubleshooting Manual (ETM)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

Searchability:

Searchable Text

Printability:

Printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system, exhaust system.

Engine Performance:

Engine control module (ECM) operation, sensor inputs, actuator outputs, diagnostic strategies.

Transmission Mechanical:

Transmission assembly, gear sets, clutch packs, valve body, torque converter, transmission fluid cooler.

Transmission Electronic:

Transmission control module (TCM) operation, shift solenoids, speed sensors, pressure sensors.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, differentials, drive axles, prop shafts.

Suspension:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints), rear suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs.

Steering:

Power steering system (hydraulic), steering gear, steering column, tie rods.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), brake fluid specifications.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, power distribution, fuses, relays.

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, glass, seats, interior trim, HVAC system, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors).

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, child seat anchors (LATCH).

Infotainment And Comfort:

Audio system, navigation system (if equipped), climate control operation.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting symptom-based guides, DTC interpretation and diagnosis, live data analysis, component testing procedures.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembly, repair, and reassembly of all major vehicle components and systems.

Component Replacement:

Removal and installation procedures for engine components, transmission, suspension parts, brake components, electrical modules, etc.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all electrical circuits, including power distribution, grounds, signal paths, and component connections.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance and minor repairs to major overhauls and advanced diagnostics.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information required for using scan tools (e.g., GDS - Global Diagnostic System), interpreting sensor data, and performing actuator tests.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners and critical components.

Tolerances And Clearances:

Specific measurements for critical engine and drivetrain components.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Image Resolution:

High resolution, suitable for professional printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Name:

Theta II GDI

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.4 Liters (2359 cc)

Engine 1 Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder

Engine 1 Valvetrain:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 Valves

Engine 1 Fuel System:

Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

175 hp @ 6000 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

169 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2 Name:

Lambda II

Engine 2 Displacement:

3.5 Liters (3470 cc)

Engine 2 Configuration:

V6

Engine 2 Valvetrain:

DOHC, 24 Valves

Engine 2 Fuel System:

Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

276 hp @ 6300 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

248 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Automatic (A6MF2)

Transmission Features:

Sequential manual shifting mode (Sportmatic).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

188.4 inches

Width:

74.4 inches

Height:

68.1 inches

Wheelbase:

108.5 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.2 inches

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

9.6 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

39.6 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

73.9 cu ft

Curb Weight 2.4L:

3,748 - 4,001 lbs

Curb Weight 3.5L:

3,935 - 4,189 lbs

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (with V6 engine and optional towing package)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 stars (Overall, Frontal, Side); 3 out of 5 stars (Rollover) - 2012 Model

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC) (AWD models).

Passive Safety Features:

Dual front airbags, Front side-impact airbags, Side curtain airbags (all rows), Active front head restraints, Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Available AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input and USB port, optional navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity (hands-free phone and audio streaming).

Driver Assistance Features:

Standard rearview camera (on some trims), available parking assist sensors.

Connectivity Features:

Bluetooth for phone and audio, USB port for device charging and audio playback.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil recommended).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Engine Coolant Replacement:

First replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Transmission Fluid Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles or 48 months (severe driving conditions may require more frequent service).

Brake Fluid Replacement:

Every 24 months or 30,000 miles.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 0W-20 (API SN or higher recommended).

Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:

Approximately 4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change.

Engine Oil Capacity 3.5L:

Approximately 6.1 US quarts (5.8 Liters) with filter change.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Kia ATF SP-IV or equivalent.

Coolant Type:

Korean Long Life Coolant (KLLC), typically a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water.

Common Issues 2.4L:

Oil consumption concerns in some early GDI engines (often resolved with software updates or specific oil control ring designs), potential for carbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection.

Common Issues 3.5L:

Generally robust, but can experience typical wear items like spark plugs, ignition coils, and catalytic converter issues over time.

Transmission Issues:

Occasional reports of harsh shifting or delayed engagement, often addressable with software updates or fluid service.

Brake Issues:

Normal wear items include brake pads and rotors. Some owners report squealing or premature wear on front brakes.

Electrical Issues:

Infrequent reports of minor electrical gremlins, such as issues with infotainment systems or power accessories.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Heritage:

Kia Motors Corporation, established in 1944, is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Known for its value-oriented and increasingly design-focused vehicles.

Sorento Generation 2 Xm:

The 2012 Sorento belongs to the second generation (XM), which debuted for the 2011 model year. This generation marked a significant shift from body-on-frame construction to a unibody platform, improving ride comfort and handling. It also featured a more modern design and updated powertrains.

Production Location:

Hwasung, South Korea.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Award 2012:

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick (for models built after a certain date in 2011).

Value Recognition:

Consistently recognized by automotive reviewers and organizations for its strong value proposition and feature set within its class.