Market Segment:
Mid-size SUV / Crossover
Key Competitors:
Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Edge, Chevrolet Equinox.
Vehicle Appeal:
Practicality, spacious interior, comfortable ride, value for money.
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Kia owners seeking in-depth knowledge.
Diagnostic Capability:
Enables accurate diagnosis of engine-related issues, reducing guesswork and unnecessary part replacements.
Engine Mechanical:
Cylinder block, cylinder head, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, camshafts, valve train (valves, springs, lifters), timing system (belts/chains, tensioners, guides)
Engine Management System:
Fuel injection system (injectors, fuel rail, pressure regulator), ignition system (coils, spark plugs), throttle body, mass air flow sensor, oxygen sensors, engine control module (ECM/ECU) operations and diagnostics
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, cooling fan operation and diagnosis
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil filter, oil pan, oil passages, lubrication system pressure checks
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, oxygen sensor bungs (engine-related aspects)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, drive belt inspections/replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, sensor testing, component testing
Major Engine Repairs:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, cylinder head gasket replacement, piston and ring replacement, bearing replacement, timing chain/belt replacement, valve adjustments (if applicable)
Component Replacement:
Replacement procedures for specific engine components like the water pump, oil pump, starter motor, alternator, fuel injectors, ignition coils
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive - Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine overhaul and advanced diagnostics.
Engine Name:
Theta II G 2.4 DOHC MPI
Displacement:
2359 cc (2.4 Liters)
Cylinders Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 Valves
Horsepower Peak:
Approx. 175 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Peak:
Approx. 169 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Bore X Stroke:
88.0 mm x 97.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Kia Genuine Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent)
Oil Viscosity Recommendation:
SAE 5W-20 (check owner's manual for specific climate variations)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approx. 4.7 US quarts (4.4 Liters)
ECU Type:
ECM (Engine Control Module) - specific model number would be in manual
Timing Mechanism:
Timing Chain
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 Stars (for 2012 model, check specific tests)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for some model years, verify for 2012)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard
Traction Control System:
Standard
Antilock Braking System:
Standard
Airbags:
Front, front-side, and side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point ELR seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Infotainment System Available:
Available touchscreen infotainment system with CD/MP3 player, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, USB/auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth connectivity.
Driver Assistance Features:
Available rearview camera, parking assist sensors.
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or based on oil life monitoring system.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (depending on driving conditions)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 105,000 miles (Long-life iridium type)
Coolant Flush Replacement:
Initial replacement at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (check owner's manual for severe conditions)
Engine Oil Spec:
API SN/ILSAC GF-5 or higher, SAE 5W-20
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene Glycol based (long life type), Pink color for Kia Genuine
Brake Fluid Spec:
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Issues:
Some reports of oil consumption; potential for carbon buildup in direct injection variants (though this is MPI); rare instances of timing chain tensioner or guide wear.
Transmission Issues:
Generally reliable, but fluid changes are critical for longevity. Some early reports of rough shifting addressed by software updates.
Brand Focus:
Kia is known for offering feature-rich vehicles at competitive price points, with a growing reputation for reliability and design.
Generation Xm Introduction:
The XM generation Sorento was introduced for the 2011 model year, representing a significant shift from the body-on-frame previous generation to a unibody crossover design.
Production Location:
Hwasung, South Korea