🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2008

Generation:

Second Generation (XM)

Vin Prefix:

KNY

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2008 Kia Sorento was positioned as a mid-size SUV, offering a blend of practicality, value, and a range of powertrain options, competing with vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Ford Edge.

Competitive Analysis:

The Sorento of this era was noted for its competitive pricing and extensive feature list for the money, often offering a more refined interior and smoother ride compared to some of its predecessors or competitors. Its design was more car-like than truck-based compared to earlier generations.

Key Features:

Available V6 engine, optional all-wheel drive, three-row seating (on some configurations), comfortable ride quality, comprehensive safety features for its class.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Features, Controls, Maintenance Schedules, Do-It-Yourself Activities, Towing, Safety Considerations

Page Count:

Estimated 300-400 pages (typical for this model year and type of manual)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Electronic (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Vehicle Operation, Interior and Exterior Controls, Instrument Panel and Indicators, Climate Control System, Audio System, Safety Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts), Lighting, Wipers, Power Accessories, Driver Assistance Features, Engine Information, Transmission Operation, Fuel System, Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Wheels and Tires, Maintenance Procedures, Warning Lights, Emergency Procedures

Procedures Included:

Starting and Driving, Refueling, Operating Controls, Climate Control Adjustments, Using Audio System, Checking Fluids, Tire Pressure Checks, Wiper Blade Replacement, Bulb Replacement (headlights, taillights), Jump Starting, Tire Changing, Emergency Towing, Basic Troubleshooting of Warning Lights, Understanding Maintenance Schedule

Technical Depth:

Consumer-level understanding of vehicle features, controls, and basic maintenance. Focuses on safe operation and routine upkeep, not in-depth mechanical repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High resolution, suitable for printing with clear text and legible diagrams.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

3.3L V6 (Lambda G6DB)

Horsepower 3.3L V6:

235 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 3.3L V6:

226 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated, Multi-point Fuel Injection, DOHC V6

Emissions Certification:

Tier 2 Bin 5 / California LEV-II (depending on market)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Cooling System Type:

Pressurized liquid cooling system

Ignition System Type:

Distributorless Electronic Ignition (DIS)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Automatic Transmission (with Sportmatic Shifting)

Optional Transmission:

N/A for 2008 US Market (primarily automatic)

Transmission Features:

Electronic control, adaptive shift logic, torque converter lock-up

Transmission Fluid Type:

Kia SPIIIL (SP-III) or equivalent automatic transmission fluid

Drive Type:

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

📐 Dimensions

Length:

187.4 inches (4760 mm)

Width:

74.4 inches (1890 mm)

Height:

67.3 inches (1710 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.3 inches (2700 mm)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 10.6 cu ft (depending on configuration)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 30.3 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 77.1 cu ft

Curb Weight FWD:

Approx. 4189 lbs (1899 kg)

Curb Weight AWD:

Approx. 4370 lbs (1982 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 5667 lbs (2570 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 3500 lbs (1588 kg) with optional towing package

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

5 Stars (Driver and Passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test Rating:

5 Stars (Front and Rear Passengers)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Not rated for 2008; subsequent models earned Top Safety Pick awards.

Active Safety Features:

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

Passive Safety Features:

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

Child Safety Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Optional AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input jack. Higher trims may feature a premium Infinity audio system with subwoofer and external amplifier. Navigation systems were available on some higher trims.

Driver Assistance Features:

Rear parking sensors were available on select trims.

Connectivity Options:

Auxiliary audio input jack. Bluetooth connectivity was not widely available on base models for this year.

Comfort Features:

Dual-zone automatic climate control (optional), heated front seats (optional), power adjustable driver's seat (optional), leather seating surfaces (optional), sunroof (optional)

🔧 Maintenance

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 more frequent changes.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months (normal driving).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months (normal driving).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Refer to severe service schedule, typically around 30,000-45,000 miles (48,000-72,000 km) or if used for towing or frequent short trips.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified (refer to manual for exact specification)

Engine Coolant Specification:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, Kia Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent) with a 50/50 mix of coolant and deionized water

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Known Issues Common:

Potential for premature wear on suspension components (e.g., control arm bushings, sway bar links), occasional issues with power window regulators, potential for catalytic converter failure (especially in higher mileage vehicles), and some reports of minor electrical glitches. The 3.3L V6 engine is generally reliable, but timing belt replacement should be performed according to schedule if not a timing chain engine (check specific engine variant).

Tire Size Standard:

235/65R17

Tire Size Optional:

235/60R18

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)

Wheel Offset:

ET45 to ET50 (approximate)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Kia Motors Corporation, established in 1944, is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Known for its rapid growth and global presence, Kia has evolved from producing basic vehicles to offering a wide range of modern, stylish, and technologically advanced cars and SUVs.

Model Evolution:

The 2008 Sorento represents the second generation (XM) of the model, which debuted for the 2003 model year. This generation marked a significant shift from a body-on-frame, truck-based platform to a unibody construction, offering improved handling, ride comfort, and fuel efficiency. The exterior design was modernized, and a more car-like interior was introduced.

Production Location:

Hwasung, South Korea; West Point, Georgia, USA (from 2009 onwards, for North American market).

Production Years 2Nd Gen:

2003-2009 (Global), 2003-2013 (North America - facelift in 2011)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The 2008 Kia Sorento generally received positive reviews for its value proposition, comfortable ride, and practical interior, especially when considering its price point. While it may not have won specific major awards, it was considered a strong contender in its segment for budget-conscious SUV buyers.