Battery, charging system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM), multiplex communication systems
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant, blower motor, controls, cabin air filter
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belt pretensioners, ABS, EBD, ESC, traction control, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, use of diagnostic tools (OBD-II)
Repair Overhaul:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair
Installation Replacement:
Replacement of major components like engine, transmission, starter, alternator, power steering pump, AC compressor, radiators, catalytic converter
Multi-point Injection (MPI) with Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) for some variants
Fuel Type Diesel:
Diesel fuel
Fuel System Diesel:
Common Rail Diesel Injection (CRDi) with Variable Geometry Turbocharger (eVGT)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Gas:
6-speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Type Diesel:
6-speed Manual Transmission or 6-speed Automatic Transmission
Optional
Transmission Options:
6-speed Automatic (standard on 2.4L gasoline, optional on 2.2L diesel); 6-speed Manual (standard on some 2.2L diesel trims)
Features
Automatic Transmission Features:
Sequential shifting capability, electronic control
Manual Transmission Features:
Clutch operation, gear engagement
Atf Specification:
Refer to manual for specific ATF type (e.g., SP-IV or equivalent)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4690 mm (184.6 in)
Width:
1890 mm (74.4 in)
Height:
1710 mm (67.3 in) (without roof rails)
Wheelbase:
2700 mm (106.3 in)
Front Track:
1630 mm (64.2 in)
Rear Track:
1637 mm (64.5 in)
Interior
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 110.4 cu ft (3126 L)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 9.6 cu ft (272 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 30.7 cu ft (869 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 74.2 cu ft (2101 L)
Weights
Curb Weight Base:
Approx. 1700-1800 kg (3748-3968 lbs) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Refer to vehicle's VIN plate or manual
Towing Capacity:
Up to 2000 lbs (907 kg) with trailer brakes (check specific model and region)
Tongue Weight:
Up to 200 lbs (90 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for 2012 model year, specific ratings may vary by configuration)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for 2012 model year)
Active Features
Electronic Stability Control Esc:
Standard
Traction Control System TCS:
Standard
Anti-Lock Braking System ABS:
Standard
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution Ebd:
Standard
Hill Start Assist Control Hac:
Available on some trims
Downhill Brake Control Dbc:
Available on AWD models
Passive Features
Airbags:
Dual front, front side-impact, side curtain (3-row coverage)
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Tpms:
Available
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Available touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth, USB/Aux inputs. Base models may have simpler audio systems.
Audio System:
Optional Infinity premium audio system with subwoofer
Driver Assistance
Rearview Camera:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available (front and rear)
Keyless Entry Start:
Available (push-button start and smart key)
Connectivity
Bluetooth Connectivity:
Standard on most trims for hands-free calling and audio streaming
Usb Aux Ports:
Standard for audio input
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Check manual for severe conditions.
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change
Air Cleaner Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually
Spark Plug Replacement Gas:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) for iridium type plugs
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years for automatic transmission (severe conditions may require more frequent changes). Refer to manual for specifics.
Brake Fluid Change Interval:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km), whichever comes first
Coolant Change Interval:
Initial change at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 5 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 2 years thereafter.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type Gas:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified synthetic or synthetic blend oil
Engine Oil Capacity Gas:
Approx. 4.5-4.8 liters (4.8-5.1 quarts) with filter change
Engine Oil Type Diesel:
SAE 5W-30, API CJ-4 or ACEA C3 certified synthetic oil
Engine Oil Capacity Diesel:
Approx. 7.5-7.7 liters (7.9-8.1 quarts) with filter change
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 approved brake fluid
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze coolant, long-life type (e.g., Hyundai/Kia Super Long Life Coolant)
Known Issues
Engine Issues:
Some reports of oil consumption in early Theta II engines, potential for carbon buildup in GDI engines, issues with knock sensors.
Transmission Issues:
Occasional complaints of rough shifting or delayed engagement in automatic transmissions. Torque converter issues reported in some instances.
Suspension Steering Issues:
Premature wear of suspension components like ball joints and bushings, especially in vehicles driven in harsh conditions. Steering rack leaks possible.
Electrical Issues:
Issues with power window motors, battery drain due to parasitic draw, and malfunctioning sensors (e.g., ABS sensors).
Brake Issues:
Warped brake rotors and premature wear of brake pads, especially under heavy braking or towing.
Paint Exterior Issues:
Some reports of paint chipping or clear coat delamination, particularly on hoods and roof lines.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Kia Motors Foundation:
Founded in 1944, initially as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts. Kia entered the automotive industry in the 1960s.
Model Evolution
Sorento First Generation:
Launched in 2002, body-on-frame SUV. XM generation is the second generation, moving to unibody construction for improved ride and handling.
Xm Generation Introduction:
Introduced for the 2011 model year, replacing the previous generation's body-on-frame design with a modern unibody platform. This marked a significant shift towards a more car-like driving experience.
Production
Production Location:
Hwasung, South Korea; West Point, Georgia, USA (for North American market)
Production Years Xm Generation:
2010-2015
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
IIHS Top Safety Pick Award:
The 2012 Kia Sorento was recognized as an IIHS Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its strong performance in crash tests.
Ratings
NHTSA Crash Test Performance:
Achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), indicating excellent occupant protection in various crash scenarios.
Certifications
Fuel Economy Ratings:
EPA estimated fuel economy varied by engine and drivetrain; for example, the 2.4L FWD automatic was rated around 21 MPG city / 30 MPG highway. (Specific ratings are in the manual).