🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2008

Platform Code:

XM

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size SUV / Crossover

Target Audience:

Families, individuals seeking versatile transport with available AWD and seating for up to 7 passengers.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Hyundai Santa Fe.

Versatility:

Optional third-row seating, available all-wheel-drive (AWD).

Value Proposition:

Generally offered competitive features and space for its price point.

Design:

Rugged SUV styling with a focus on practicality and passenger comfort.

📋 Manual Details

Market Coverage:

Global (with potential regional variations for specific markets)

Engine Coverage:

Varies by market, likely includes 2.4L I4 and 3.3L/3.8L V6 gasoline engines, and potentially diesel variants for other markets.

Transmission Coverage:

Automatic and Manual transmissions (if applicable to the model year and engine combinations covered).

Estimated Page Count:

Greater than 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF), downloadable

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, valve train, pistons, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, intake and exhaust systems.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emission control systems, engine diagnostics.

Transmission:

Automatic Transmission (AT) and Manual Transmission (MT) overhauls, diagnostics, fluid service, shift control systems.

Drivetrain:

Front and Rear Axles, Drive Shafts, CV Joints, Differentials, Transfer Case (if applicable).

Suspension:

Front and Rear Suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, wheel bearings, alignment procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system (hydraulic or electric), steering column, steering rack, tie rod ends, wheel alignment.

Brakes:

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

Electrical System:

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

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, mirrors, seals, exterior trim.

Body Interior:

Interior trim panels, seats, dashboard, center console, HVAC controls, airbags, seat belts.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant, diagnostics, climate control.

Body Electronics:

Power windows, power locks, central locking, sunroof, audio systems, wipers, horn.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) components and diagnostics, seat belt pre-tensioners.

Chassis Control:

Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) (if equipped).

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system testing.

Repair:

Detailed repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension and brake component replacement.

Installation:

Installation procedures for replacement parts and accessories.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, fluid capacities, electrical component resistance values, diagnostic parameter ranges.

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and complex problems.

Depth:

Comprehensive (covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds).

Illustrations:

High-resolution illustrations, photos, and diagrams for clarity.

Format Features:

Printable pages, searchable text for easy navigation.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Quality:

High Resolution

Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Usdm Base:

G4CP (2.4L I4, Theta II)

Engine Code Usdm Optional 1:

G6CU (3.3L V6, Lambda)

Engine Code Usdm Optional 2:

G6DM (3.8L V6, Lambda)

2.4L I4 Horsepower:

Approx. 176 hp @ 6000 rpm

2.4L I4 Torque:

Approx. 169 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

3.3L V6 Horsepower:

Approx. 242 hp @ 6000 rpm

3.3L V6 Torque:

Approx. 227 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

3.8L V6 Horsepower:

Approx. 262 hp @ 6000 rpm

3.8L V6 Torque:

Approx. 257 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Emission Controls:

Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors, EGR (where applicable).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Base:

5-Speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (less common, usually paired with 2.4L engine)

Drive Modes:

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

Transfer Case:

Electronically controlled on AWD models.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 187.4 inches

Width:

Approx. 74.2 inches

Height:

Approx. 67.1 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 108.5 inches

Seating Capacity:

5 or 7 passengers

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 30.0 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 12.5 cu ft (with 3rd row upright)

Curb Weight Base:

Approx. 3,900 - 4,100 lbs (depending on engine/drivetrain)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 5,500 - 5,800 lbs

Towing Capacity:

Up to 3,500 lbs (V6 models)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

5-Star (2008 Model Year)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

5-Star (2008 Model Year)

NHTSA Side Driver:

5-Star (2008 Model Year)

NHTSA Side Passenger:

4-Star (2008 Model Year)

IIHS Front Impact:

Good (2008 Model Year)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (2008 Model Year)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Electronic Stability:

Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Airbags Front:

Dual Front Airbags

Airbags Side:

Front Side-Impact Airbags

Airbags Curtain:

Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags (Standard on most trims)

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input. Optional Infinity audio system available on higher trims.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on select trims.

Connectivity:

Auxiliary audio input jack. Bluetooth connectivity was not widely standard in 2008, often an option or not available on base models.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control

Rear Parking Sensors:

Optional rear parking assist sensors.

Backup Camera:

Not commonly available or standard in 2008 for this model.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type used, refer to manual for specifics).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement 2.4L:

Approx. 90,000 miles (if original type)

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Approx. 90,000 miles (if original type)

Transmission Fluid Change At:

Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (refer to manual for specific fluid type and interval based on usage).

Engine Oil Viscosity 2.4L:

SAE 5W-20 (API SN or higher)

Engine Oil Viscosity V6:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (API SN or higher, refer to manual)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, long-life coolant (refer to manual for specific Kia specification).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Transmission Fluid At:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent

Cv Axle Boots:

Premature wear or tearing of CV axle boots leading to joint failure.

Engine Mounts:

Degradation of engine mounts, causing vibration, especially at idle.

Fuel Pump Module:

Occasional failures of the fuel pump module, leading to stalling or no-start conditions.

HVAC Blower Motor:

Blower motor failures or intermittent operation.

Wheel Bearings:

Early wear of front wheel bearings, resulting in humming or grinding noises.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Heritage:

Kia Motors Corporation, established in 1944, is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles, known for its diverse range of passenger cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles.

Sorento Generation 1:

The first generation Sorento (JC) was introduced in 2002 as a body-on-frame SUV, transitioning to a unibody crossover for the second generation (XM) introduced for the 2010 model year. The 2008 model year belongs to the first generation.

Sorento Facelift 1St Gen:

The first generation received a significant facelift for the 2007 model year, improving styling, interior, and powertrain options, which largely carried over to the 2008 model.

Production Plant:

Hwaseong, South Korea (Primary plant for this generation)

Production Years:

2002-2009 (First Generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Awarded 5-Star frontal crash test ratings by NHTSA for driver and passenger, and 5-Star side impact ratings for both front and rear occupants for the 2008 model year, indicating strong safety performance.

Value For Money:

Often cited in consumer reviews for providing a good balance of features, space, and affordability within its segment.