Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints), rear suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs.
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic), steering gear, steering column, tie rods.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), brake fluid specifications.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, power distribution, fuses, relays.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, glass, seats, interior trim, HVAC system, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors).
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, child seat anchors (LATCH).
Infotainment And Comfort:
Audio system, navigation system (if equipped), climate control operation.
Procedures Included
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting symptom-based guides, DTC interpretation and diagnosis, live data analysis, component testing procedures.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembly, repair, and reassembly of all major vehicle components and systems.
Component Replacement:
Removal and installation procedures for engine components, transmission, suspension parts, brake components, electrical modules, etc.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all electrical circuits, including power distribution, grounds, signal paths, and component connections.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance and minor repairs to major overhauls and advanced diagnostics.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information required for using scan tools (e.g., GDS - Global Diagnostic System), interpreting sensor data, and performing actuator tests.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners and critical components.
Tolerances And Clearances:
Specific measurements for critical engine and drivetrain components.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Print Quality
Image Resolution:
High resolution, suitable for professional printing.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine 1 Name:
Theta II GDI
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2359 cc)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Engine 1 Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 Valves
Engine 1 Fuel System:
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
175 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
169 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Secondary Engine
Engine 2 Name:
Lambda II
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3470 cc)
Engine 2 Configuration:
V6
Engine 2 Valvetrain:
DOHC, 24 Valves
Engine 2 Fuel System:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
276 hp @ 6300 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
248 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Automatic (A6MF2)
Features
Transmission Features:
Sequential manual shifting mode (Sportmatic).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
188.4 inches
Width:
74.4 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Wheelbase:
108.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.2 inches
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
9.6 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
39.6 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
73.9 cu ft
Weights
Curb Weight 2.4L:
3,748 - 4,001 lbs
Curb Weight 3.5L:
3,935 - 4,189 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lbs (with V6 engine and optional towing package)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 stars (Overall, Frontal, Side); 3 out of 5 stars (Rollover) - 2012 Model
Active Features
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC) (AWD models).
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Dual front airbags, Front side-impact airbags, Side curtain airbags (all rows), Active front head restraints, Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment Features:
Available AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input and USB port, optional navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity (hands-free phone and audio streaming).
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Standard rearview camera (on some trims), available parking assist sensors.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Bluetooth for phone and audio, USB port for device charging and audio playback.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil recommended).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Engine Coolant Replacement:
First replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 48 months (severe driving conditions may require more frequent service).
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 24 months or 30,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 0W-20 (API SN or higher recommended).
Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
Approximately 4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity 3.5L:
Approximately 6.1 US quarts (5.8 Liters) with filter change.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia ATF SP-IV or equivalent.
Coolant Type:
Korean Long Life Coolant (KLLC), typically a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water.
Known Issues
Common Issues 2.4L:
Oil consumption concerns in some early GDI engines (often resolved with software updates or specific oil control ring designs), potential for carbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection.
Common Issues 3.5L:
Generally robust, but can experience typical wear items like spark plugs, ignition coils, and catalytic converter issues over time.
Transmission Issues:
Occasional reports of harsh shifting or delayed engagement, often addressable with software updates or fluid service.
Brake Issues:
Normal wear items include brake pads and rotors. Some owners report squealing or premature wear on front brakes.
Electrical Issues:
Infrequent reports of minor electrical gremlins, such as issues with infotainment systems or power accessories.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Kia Heritage:
Kia Motors Corporation, established in 1944, is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Known for its value-oriented and increasingly design-focused vehicles.
Model Evolution
Sorento Generation 2 Xm:
The 2012 Sorento belongs to the second generation (XM), which debuted for the 2011 model year. This generation marked a significant shift from body-on-frame construction to a unibody platform, improving ride comfort and handling. It also featured a more modern design and updated powertrains.
Production
Production Location:
Hwasung, South Korea.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Safety Award 2012:
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick (for models built after a certain date in 2011).
Value Recognition:
Consistently recognized by automotive reviewers and organizations for its strong value proposition and feature set within its class.