Families seeking a practical, versatile, and value-oriented SUV
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Edge, Chevrolet Equinox
Key Features
Seating Capacity:
Standard 7-passenger seating (with optional 6-passenger configuration)
Drivetrain Options:
Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Engine Options:
Primarily 2.4L 4-cylinder and 3.5L V6 gasoline engines
Design Philosophy:
The second-generation Sorento adopted a unibody construction, moving away from its body-on-frame predecessor for improved ride comfort and fuel efficiency.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage:
Complete Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Page Count
Page Count:
Not Specified, but implies comprehensive factory documentation
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Service & Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English (presumed, based on common availability for this market)
Format
Format:
Downloadable PDF
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, component testing, timing, cooling, lubrication systems
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection system (MPI), emissions control, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics, sensors, actuators
Variable, but typically good for diagrams and illustrations in factory manuals
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code V6:
Lambda II G6DH
Engine Displacement V6:
3.5 Liters (3470 cc)
Engine Configuration V6:
V6, DOHC, 24 Valves
Engine Bore Stroke V6:
92.0 mm x 87.1 mm
Engine Compression Ratio V6:
10.4:1
Engine Horsepower V6:
276 hp @ 6300 RPM (SAE Net)
Engine Torque V6:
248 lb-ft @ 5000 RPM (SAE Net)
Engine Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Performance
Fuel Economy V6 FWD:
Estimated 18 MPG City / 24 MPG Highway
Fuel Economy V6 AWD:
Estimated 17 MPG City / 23 MPG Highway
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
17.7 Gallons (67 Liters)
Secondary Engine Option
Engine Code I4:
Theta II G4KC
Engine Displacement I4:
2.4 Liters (2359 cc)
Engine Horsepower I4:
175 hp @ 6000 RPM
Engine Torque I4:
169 lb-ft @ 3750 RPM
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type V6:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission (A6LF2)
Optional
Transmission Type I4:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (M6GF2) or 6-Speed Automatic Transmission (A6GF1)
Features
Transmission Control:
Electronically controlled with overdrive
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Kia ATF SP-IV (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:
Approx. 8.5 Quarts (8.0 Liters)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
189.4 inches (4811 mm)
Width:
74.4 inches (1890 mm)
Height:
68.1 inches (1730 mm)
Wheelbase:
109.4 inches (2780 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 7.0 - 7.5 inches (178 - 190 mm)
Interior
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 142.9 cubic feet (4046 Liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 9.1 cubic feet (258 Liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 39.6 cubic feet (1121 Liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 75.1 cubic feet (2127 Liters)
Weights
Curb Weight V6 FWD:
Approx. 3900 - 4100 lbs (1769 - 1860 kg)
Curb Weight V6 AWD:
Approx. 4100 - 4300 lbs (1860 - 1950 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5500 - 5700 lbs (2495 - 2585 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3500 lbs (1588 kg) with appropriate equipment
Wheels And Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Standard Wheel Size:
17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels
Standard Tire Size:
P235/65R17 or P235/60R18
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 stars
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models with specific options)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Esc:
Standard Electronic Stability Control
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Hill Start Assist:
Available
Passive Features
Airbags:
Dual front, front side-impact, and full-length side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions
Latch System:
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system in rear seats
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Available touchscreen infotainment systems with AM/FM/CD/MP3, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, USB and auxiliary inputs, Bluetooth connectivity.
Navigation:
Optional integrated navigation system with voice recognition.
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker audio system, optional Infinity premium audio system.
Driver Assistance
Backup Camera:
Available rearview camera integrated into the infotainment display.
Parking Sensors:
Available rear parking sensors.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Standard Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming capability.
Smart Key System:
Available smart key with push-button start.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Severe driving conditions may require shorter intervals.
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 miles (19,000 km) or 12 months
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:
Recommended every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect more frequently.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Manual:
Recommended every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months
Coolant Replacement:
Initial at 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 24 months
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Iridium type: Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API SN or higher, SAE 0W-20 (preferred for fuel economy) or SAE 5W-20 (check owner's manual for regional variations and extreme temperatures)
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant (Asian Red or equivalent), ensuring it meets Hyundai/Kia specification MS 591-08
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Known Issues
Engine Issues:
Some reports of oil consumption in early models, potential for catalytic converter issues in high-mileage vehicles, occasional issues with fuel injectors on the 2.4L Theta II.
Transmission Issues:
Occasional reports of rough shifting or transmission hesitation, particularly in earlier production runs of the 6-speed automatic. Proper fluid maintenance is critical.
Suspension Issues:
Wear of suspension components like control arm bushings and sway bar links can occur over time, leading to noise or handling issues.
Electrical Issues:
Sporadic reports of battery drain or issues with power window motors and door lock actuators.
HVAC Issues:
Compressor clutch failures or refrigerant leaks can affect AC performance.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Kia History:
Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean automotive manufacturer, has a history dating back to 1944, evolving from a motorcycle and truck maker to a global player in passenger cars and SUVs.
Model Evolution
Sorento First Gen:
The first-generation Kia Sorento (2002-2009) was a body-on-frame SUV, known for its truck-like ruggedness and affordability.
Sorento Second Gen Launch:
The second generation (XM) debuted in 2009 for the 2010 model year, marking a significant shift to a unibody crossover platform for improved driving dynamics and passenger comfort.
Sorento 2012 Update:
The 2012 model year saw minor styling updates and potential feature enhancements, building upon the redesigned second-generation platform.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured at Kia's Hwaseong plant in South Korea, with potential assembly in other global locations depending on market.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
IIHS Awards:
Achieved 'Top Safety Pick' status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in various years for its safety performance.
Consumer Reports:
While ratings varied, Consumer Reports often highlighted its value and practicality, though sometimes noting average reliability scores in earlier model years.