🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Model Generation:

UM (Third Generation)

Model Year:

2015, 2016

Chassis Code:

UM

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Crossover SUV

Key Competitors 2015 2016:

Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Traverse, Hyundai Santa Fe.

Key Selling Points For Sorento:

Value proposition, attractive styling, available third-row seating, improved interior quality, strong warranty.

Design Philosophy:

European-influenced styling, 'Tiger Nose' grille prominent.

Interior Space:

Available 5 or 7-passenger seating configurations.

Powertrain Options:

Multiple engine choices catering to different performance and efficiency demands.

Availability:

Wide global availability with regional variations in specifications.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

North America (USDM, Canadian specifications)

Secondary Coverage:

May include general global specifications applicable to the UM platform.

Estimated Pages:

Thousands (specific count varies by engine/drivetrain, but generally comprehensive)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual (WSRM)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust), Transmission (automatic, manual where applicable), Drivetrain (FWD, AWD systems, differentials, driveshafts).

Chassis:

Brakes (hydraulic, ABS, ESC, parking brake), Suspension (front, rear), Steering (power steering system), Wheels and Tires.

Electrical:

Body electrical systems (lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors), Powertrain control module (PCM) and related sensors, HVAC electrical, Audio and infotainment systems, Instrument cluster and warning lamps, Battery and charging system.

Body And Interior:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, seats, airbags, seatbelts, body sealing, corrosion protection.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, inspections.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, diagnostic procedures for specific systems.

Repair:

Component removal and installation (engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical components), component testing and repair, body panel repair.

Specifications And Data:

Torque specifications for fasteners, diagnostic data (e.g., sensor readings), fluid capacities, wiring diagrams, schematic diagrams.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers basic maintenance to full component rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics. Includes factory-level repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, enabling efficient navigation of information.

Printability:

Designed for high-quality printing of individual pages or entire sections.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital format, no physical binding)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format, no physical paper)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Gasoline 1:

GDI (2.4L DOHC Inline-4)

Engine Displacement Gasoline 1:

2359 cc (143.9 cu in)

Engine Horsepower Gasoline 1:

Approx. 185 hp @ 6000 rpm (USDM)

Engine Torque Gasoline 1:

Approx. 178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (USDM)

Engine Code Gasoline 2:

GDI (3.3L DOHC V6)

Engine Displacement Gasoline 2:

3342 cc (204.0 cu in)

Engine Horsepower Gasoline 2:

Approx. 290 hp @ 6400 rpm (USDM)

Engine Torque Gasoline 2:

Approx. 252 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (USDM)

Engine Code Diesel 1:

2.2 CRDi (Diesel - common in global markets, less so in USDM for these years)

Engine Displacement Diesel 1:

2199 cc (134.2 cu in)

Engine Construction:

Aluminum alloy block and cylinder head for gasoline engines.

Engine Timing:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), Variable Valve Timing (VVT), timing chains.

Fuel Delivery:

Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended minimum for USDM).

Emission Controls:

Catalytic converter, Oxygen sensors (O2S), secondary air injection (on some models).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

6-speed Automatic Transmission (6AT)

Optional Transmission:

6-speed Manual Transmission (less common for 2015-2016 USDM models, more prevalent in other markets).

Transmission Control:

Electronically controlled with shift logic optimization.

Drivetrain Options:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) standard, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) optional.

AWD System Type:

Electronically controlled clutch pack for torque distribution (likely Magna or similar).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 189.4 inches (4810 mm)

Width:

Approx. 74.4 inches (1890 mm)

Height:

Approx. 66.5 inches (1689 mm) (without roof rails)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 109.4 inches (2780 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 149.0 cu ft (variable by configuration)

Seating Capacity:

5 or 7 passengers

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 10.0 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 34.0 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 75.2 cu ft

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3800 - 4300 lbs (1725 - 1950 kg), varies by configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 5600 - 5900 lbs (2540 - 2675 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2270 kg) with V6 engine and appropriate tow package.

🛡️ Safety Features

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Some Sorento models for these years may have earned IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ ratings depending on specific features and testing.

NHTSA Overall Rating:

Typically rated well by NHTSA (e.g., 4 or 5 stars overall), but specific ratings vary by year and test procedures.

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard (ESC, VSM - Vehicle Stability Management).

Anti Lock Brakes:

Standard (ABS).

Brake Assist:

Standard (BAS).

Electronic Brake Force Distribution:

Standard (EBD).

Traction Control:

Standard (TCS).

Driver Assistance Options:

Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) - availability depends on trim level.

Airbags:

Front (dual-stage), front-seat side, full-length side curtain airbags. Driver's knee airbag may be standard or optional.

Seatbelts:

3-point active front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point rear seatbelts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

UVO Voice-Activated Infotainment System, touchscreen display (various sizes depending on trim), available navigation.

Audio Features:

AM/FM/CD/MP3, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, USB/Auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth wireless technology.

Speaker System:

Standard 6-speaker system, optional premium Infinity® audio system with subwoofer.

Parking Assistance:

Rearview camera, parking assist sensors (front and rear optional).

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Not commonly available on 2015-2016 models, became more prevalent in later generations.

Smartphone Integration:

Basic integration via Bluetooth for calls and audio streaming. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto not available on these model years.

Remote Access:

Available UVO eServices (subscription-based) for remote vehicle diagnostics, emergency assistance, etc.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe driving conditions may require shorter intervals.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months (severe conditions). Check condition every 7,500 miles.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months. Check condition more frequently in dusty environments.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Check condition periodically. Replacement typically recommended around 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) or as per severe service schedule.

Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 10 years. Subsequent replacements every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 or higher. Viscosity grade: SAE 0W-20 recommended for most gasoline engines.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5-4.8 quarts (4.3-4.5 liters) for 2.4L, Approx. 5.5-5.8 quarts (5.2-5.5 liters) for 3.3L V6.

Coolant Specification:

Antifreeze/coolant meeting KSM 2142 or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based, P-HOAT or OAT formula).

Transmission Fluid Specification:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Engine Potential Issues:

Some reports of oil consumption on early models of the 2.4L GDI engine. Proper diagnosis and adherence to oil change intervals are crucial.

Transmission Potential Issues:

Occasional reports of rough shifting or hesitation, often addressable with software updates or fluid service.

Electrical Potential Issues:

Infotainment system glitches, battery drain issues are sometimes reported, often related to software or accessory draw.

Suspension Potential Issues:

Early wear on certain suspension components (e.g., control arm bushings) on higher mileage vehicles, especially in areas with poor road conditions.

Brake Wear:

Normal wear and tear, but regular inspections of pads and rotors are recommended.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Origins:

Founded in 1944, Korea's oldest manufacturer of vehicles, originally producing bicycles and motorcycles. Kia entered the automotive market in the late 1960s.

Sorento Introduction:

First generation Sorento (2002-2009) was a body-on-frame SUV. The second generation (2009-2015) transitioned to unibody construction. The third generation (UM, 2015-2020) refined the unibody platform with significant updates.

Third Generation Um:

Launched in late 2014 for the 2015 model year. Introduced a completely new platform and styling, significantly improving refinement, interior quality, and driving dynamics.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Hwaseong, South Korea. Also produced in other Kia global facilities for various markets.

Production Years:

Third generation (UM) produced from late 2014 to 2020.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Kbb Best Family Cars:

The Sorento often appeared on lists of good family vehicles for its space, features, and value.

Edmunds Best SUVs:

Recognized for its overall value and practicality in SUV comparisons.

Consumer Reports:

Generally received average to above-average ratings for predicted reliability for these years, with specific scores varying by powertrain and year.

J.D. Power Dependability:

Kia as a brand often ranks well in J.D. Power dependability studies, reflecting the Sorento's overall build quality.

Warranty:

Kia's industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile basic limited warranty often cited as a major advantage.