Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size SUV / Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families seeking utility, practicality, and comfortable seating for multiple passengers
Key Competitors:
Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Nissan Pathfinder
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, spacious interior, available third-row seating, and decent capability for its class
Manual Benefit:
Empowers owners and independent technicians with the authoritative information needed for accurate diagnosis and repair, potentially saving significant costs compared to dealership service
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage for all engine variants, including diagnostics, disassembly, assembly, and overhaul
Transmission:
Detailed procedures for both automatic and manual transmissions, including hydraulic systems, control modules, and internal components
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, differentials, drive shafts, CV joints, and axle components
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including MacPherson struts, control arms, coil springs, shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic), steering rack/gearbox, intermediate shaft, and steering column components
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS, EBD, brake booster, master cylinder, calipers, pads, rotors, and brake lines
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting, ignition system, and accessory circuits
Body And Chassis:
Body structural repairs, door mechanisms, glass, trim, bumpers, underbody components, and chassis alignment
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems, refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, and climate controls
Restraints:
Airbag system, seat belts, and SRS module diagnostics and replacement procedures
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their interpretation, scan tool usage
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all components and systems, including torquing specifications and special tool requirements
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed instructions for removing and reinstalling all major components and sub-assemblies
Rebuilding:
Complete overhaul procedures for engines, transmissions, and other major mechanical assemblies
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, allowing for precise troubleshooting of electrical faults
Depth Level:
Comprehensive and in-depth, covering from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete component overhauls
Engine Option 1:
2.5L 4-cylinder (G4CS) - Primarily for base models, less common
Engine Option 2:
3.5L V6 (G6CU) - Lambda II V6, most common engine
3.5L V6 Horsepower:
Approx. 235-245 hp (varies slightly by year and market)
3.5L V6 Torque:
Approx. 230-235 lb-ft (varies slightly by year and market)
2.5L 4-Cylinder Horsepower:
Approx. 169-170 hp
2.5L 4-Cylinder Torque:
Approx. 170-175 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher may be specified for optimal performance)
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (Typically with 3.5L V6)
Optional Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (More common with 2.5L 4-cylinder, less common overall)
AWD Availability:
Available with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) configurations
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Refer to manual for specific ATF type (e.g., SP-III or equivalent for automatic transmissions, manual transmission fluid for manual gearboxes)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 106.3 inches (2700 mm)
Length:
Approx. 184.4 inches (4684 mm)
Width:
Approx. 74.4 inches (1890 mm)
Height:
Approx. 67.3 inches (1709 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,900 - 4,300 lbs (1769 - 1950 kg) depending on configuration
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3,500 lbs (1588 kg) for V6 models with towing package
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-star (for 2004 models, check specific year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-star (for 2004 models, check specific year)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags, check specific year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on later models
Front Airbags:
Standard front dual-stage airbags
Side Curtain Airbags:
Available side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags for all rows
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for all occupants
Infotainment System:
Basic infotainment systems with AM/FM radio, CD player, and optionally, a touch-screen navigation system on higher trims.
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker audio system, optional premium Infinity audio system available on some trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most models.
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack for connecting external music players.
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth hands-free calling system on later model years or as an aftermarket option.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) under ideal conditions (refer to manual for exact specification based on driving habits)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or at recommended intervals (e.g., 30,000 miles)
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect/Replace every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or annually, depending on environment
Spark Plugs:
3.5L V6 (Long-life Iridium): Typically around 100,000 miles (160,000 km). 2.5L 4-cylinder may have different intervals. Consult manual.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Inspect fluid condition regularly. Replacement interval typically 50,000 - 70,000 miles (80,000 - 112,000 km) for automatic transmissions, or sooner under severe use.
Engine Oil Type Capacity:
API SN/SM/SL, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (V6) / SAE 5W-30 (4-cyl). Capacity approx. 5.5-6.0 quarts (5.2-5.7 liters) for V6, 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) for 4-cyl. Verify with manual.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically phosphate-free or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology). Kia brand coolant or equivalent. Capacity approx. 8.5-9.5 quarts (8.0-9.0 liters) for V6.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Issue 1:
Vibration issues, particularly at highway speeds, possibly related to driveshafts or tires.
Common Issue 2:
Rear differential noise or premature wear in AWD models.
Common Issue 3:
Oil leaks from valve covers or oil pan gaskets.
Common Issue 4:
HVAC blower motor resistor failure leading to intermittent or non-functional fan speeds.
Common Issue 5:
Catalytic converter failure on some V6 models.
Kia SUV Legacy:
Kia's growing presence in the SUV market, building on earlier models like the Sportage
Generation:
First Generation Kia Sorento (2002-2009, with significant updates in 2007 for North American market)
Facelift Details:
A notable facelift occurred for the 2007 model year, introducing revised styling, improved interior, and updated powertrains, particularly the Lambda V6 engine.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary production was in South Korea (Hwasung Plant)
