Available on some automatic transmissions (manual mode)
Fluid Type
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine Gear Oil GL-4 SAE 75W-85 or API GL-4, SAE 75W-90
Fluid Capacity
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8.7 liters (9.2 US quarts) for full refill
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 2.2 liters (2.3 US quarts)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4675 mm (184.1 inches)
Width:
1890 mm (74.4 inches)
Height:
1745 mm (68.7 inches) (without roof rails)
Wheelbase:
2710 mm (106.7 inches)
Front Track:
1615 mm (63.6 inches)
Rear Track:
1620 mm (63.8 inches)
Ground Clearance:
195 mm (7.7 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight Approx:
1800 - 1950 kg (3968 - 4300 lbs) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Approx. 2510 kg (5534 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3500 lbs (1588 kg) with V6 and proper tow package
Interior
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 107.1 cu ft
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 12.5 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 33.6 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 78.0 cu ft
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
★★★★☆ (4-Star)
IIHS Front Crash Test:
Good
IIHS Side Crash Test:
Good
IIHS Rear Crash Protection:
Good
Active Features
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel disc with ABS)
Ebs:
Standard
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Dual front advanced airbags
Airbags Side:
Front side-impact airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Full-length side curtain airbags (front and second row)
Seat Belts:
3-point active seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input jack, available SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Optional Infotainment:
Available touch-screen navigation system with integrated Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
Driver Assistance
Parking Assist:
Available rear parking assist sensors
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional, for hands-free calling
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Synthetic:
7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first
Oil Change Interval Conventional:
3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months if driven under severe conditions
Air Filter Replacement:
15,000 miles (24,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement I4:
100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Iridium type)
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Iridium type)
Coolant Replacement:
100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable (engines use timing chains)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type V6:
SAE 5W-20 (API SM or ILSAC GF-4 certified)
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
5.5 liters (5.8 US quarts) with filter change
Engine Oil Type I4:
SAE 5W-20 (API SM or ILSAC GF-4 certified)
Engine Oil Capacity I4:
4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green) - Ethylene Glycol based
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Known Issues
Common Problems:
CV joint wear, front suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints), potential for AC compressor issues, oil consumption in some V6 engines at higher mileage
Diagnostic Challenges:
Electrical gremlins, intermittent sensor failures, specific transmission shift quality concerns requiring software updates or component checks.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Kia Establishment:
Founded in 1944, initially as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts. Entered automotive manufacturing in the late 1960s.
Model Evolution
Sorento Introduction:
First generation introduced in 2002. The 2008 model represents the second generation (KM platform), launched for the 2007 model year.
Generation 2 Key Changes:
Unibody construction (from body-on-frame), new engine options (Lambda V6), enhanced styling, improved interior quality, increased safety features.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Hwasung, South Korea
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Safety Awards:
Awarded top safety picks from NHTSA and IIHS
Ratings
Kbb Consumer Rating:
Generally positive consumer reviews for value and utility.