CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Kia Sorento

Kia Sorento — 2002–present, 5-door suv, '''Petrol:'''; 2.4 L ''Sirius II'' I4; 3.3 L ''Lambda'' V6; 3.5 L ''Sigma'' V6; 3.8 L ''Lambda'' V6; '''Diesel:'''; 2.5 L ''A'' I4. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Kia Sorento
Engine'''Petrol:'''; 2.4 L ''Sirius II'' I4; 3.3 L ''Lambda'' V6; 3.5 L ''Sigma'' V6; 3.8 L ''Lambda'' V6; '''Diesel:'''; 2.5 L ''A'' I4
Transmission5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic

About the Kia Sorento

Kia Sorento is a 5-door SUV in the compact suv (2002–2009); mid-size crossover suv (2009–present) class, with source data covering 2002–present. The available vehicle data lists '''Petrol:'''; 2.4 L ''Sirius II'' I4; 3.3 L ''Lambda'' V6; 3.5 L ''Sigma'' V6; 3.8 L ''Lambda'' V6; '''Diesel:'''; 2.5 L ''A'' I4 as an engine configuration, paired with 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic and a Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (2002–2009); Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (2009–present); Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (2002–present) layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Kia Sorento guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for '''Petrol:'''; 2.4 L ''Sirius II'' I4; 3.3 L ''Lambda'' V6; 3.5 L ''Sigma'' V6; 3.8 L ''Lambda'' V6; '''Diesel:'''; 2.5 L ''A'' I4 and 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Kia Sorento specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make Kia
Model Sorento
Model years 2002–present
Body style 5-door SUV
Vehicle class Compact SUV (2002–2009); Mid-size crossover SUV (2009–present)
Manufacturer Kia
Production 2002–present
Market / country CA, DE, ES, FI, GB, IE, LU, MY, NL, NZ, TH, UA, US

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Kia Sorento includes '''Petrol:'''; 2.4 L ''Sirius II'' I4; 3.3 L ''Lambda'' V6; 3.5 L ''Sigma'' V6; 3.8 L ''Lambda'' V6; '''Diesel:'''; 2.5 L ''A'' I4.. Transmission information includes 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic.. The listed drivetrain/layout is Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (2002–2009); Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (2009–present); Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (2002–present).

Engine '''Petrol:'''; 2.4 L ''Sirius II'' I4; 3.3 L ''Lambda'' V6; 3.5 L ''Sigma'' V6; 3.8 L ''Lambda'' V6; '''Diesel:'''; 2.5 L ''A'' I4
Transmission 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic
Drivetrain / layout Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (2002–2009); Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (2009–present); Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (2002–present)

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase 2710 mm (107 in)
Length 4570-4590 mm in 1
Width 1865-1885 mm in 1
Height 1731-1810 mm in 1
Kerb / curb weight 1680-1970 kg 0

Ownership, maintenance and fluids

Maintenance specifications are configuration-dependent. When an exact manufacturer oil grade or capacity is not available, the page directs owners to the vehicle manual rather than guessing.

Battery 1.62 kWh lithium-ion (HEV); 13.68 kWh lithium-ion (PHEV)

Kia Sorento chassis and equipment

Chassis Body-on-frame (2002–2010); Unibody (2009–present)

Kia Sorento other specifications

Image 2024 Kia Sorento X-Line SX Prestige (facelift), front 12.20.24.jpg
Name First generation
Caption Pre-facelift Kia Sorento LX (US)
Model Code BL
Aka Naza Sorento (Malaysia)

Kia Sorento generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope Years Engine Transmission Drivetrain
Generation 1 2002–present Not specified Not specified Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (2002–2009); Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (2009–present); Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (2002–present)
First generation 2002–2009 (South Korea and Europe)2003–2009 (North America) '''Petrol:'''; 2.4 L ''Sirius II'' I4; 3.3 L ''Lambda'' V6; 3.5 L ''Sigma'' V6; 3.8 L ''Lambda'' V6; '''Diesel:'''; 2.5 L ''A'' I4 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive; Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Second generation 2010–2014 (South Korea and Europe)2011–2015 (North America) '''Petrol:'''; 2.4 L ''Theta II'' MPi I4; 2.4 L ''Theta II'' GDi I4; 3.3 L ''Lambda II'' GDI V6; 3.5 L ''Lambda II'' MPi V6; '''Petrol/LPG:'''; 2.7 L ''Mu'' V6; '''Diesel:'''; 2.0 L ''R II'' CRDi I4; 2.2 L ''R II'' CRDi I4 5-speed manual; 6-speed manual; 5-speed automatic; 6-speed automatic Front-engine, front-wheel-drive; Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Third generation 2015–2020 (South Korea and Europe)2016–2020 (North America) '''Petrol:'''; 2.0 L ''Theta II'' T-GDi I4; 2.4 L ''Theta II'' MPi I4; 2.4 L ''Theta II'' GDi I4; 3.3 L ''Lambda II'' MPi V6; 3.3 L ''Lambda II'' GDi V6; 3.5 L ''Lambda II'' MPi V6; '''Diesel:'''; 2.0 L ''R II'' CRDi I4; 2.2 L ''R II'' CRDi I4 6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic; 8-speed automatic Front-engine, front-wheel-drive; Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Fourth generation 2021–present '''Petrol:'''; 2.5 L ''Smartstream G2.5'' MPi I4; 2.5 L ''Smartstream G2.5'' GDi I4; 2.5 L ''Smartstream G2.5'' T-GDi I4; 3.5 L ''Smartstream G3.5'' MPi V6; '''Petrol hybrid/plug-in hybrid:'''; 1.6 L ''Smartstream G1.6'' T-GDi I4; '''Diesel:'''; 2.2 L ''Smartstream D2.2'' CRDi I4 6-speed automatic; 8-speed automatic; 8-speed ''Smartstream'' DCT Front-engine, front-wheel-drive; Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Kia Sorento

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load35 PSI front35 PSI rear
Fully loaded37 PSI front38 PSI rear
Load condition Front Rear Status
Normal 35 PSI 35 PSI Estimate
Fully loaded 37 PSI 38 PSI Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Kia Sorento

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Kia Sorento have?
The available source data lists the Kia Sorento engine as '''Petrol:'''; 2.4 L ''Sirius II'' I4; 3.3 L ''Lambda'' V6; 3.5 L ''Sigma'' V6; 3.8 L ''Lambda'' V6; '''Diesel:'''; 2.5 L ''A'' I4. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.
What tire pressure should I use for the Kia Sorento?
For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 35 PSI front and 35 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.
What is the best engine oil for the Kia Sorento?
There is no single best engine oil for every Kia Sorento configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.
What body style is the Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento is classified as a 5-door SUV.
What years was the Kia Sorento produced?
The available vehicle record places the Kia Sorento in the 2002–present period. Exact availability can vary by market.
What are the dimensions of the Kia Sorento?
The available source data lists length 4570-4590 mm in 1, width 1865-1885 mm in 1, height 1731-1810 mm in 1, and wheelbase 2710 mm (107 in).
What transmission does the Kia Sorento have?
The available source data lists 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic transmission options for the Kia Sorento.
Is the Kia Sorento FWD, RWD or AWD?
The listed drivetrain/layout for the Kia Sorento is Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (2002–2009); Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (2009–present); Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (2002–present).
Who makes the Kia Sorento?
The manufacturer listed for the Kia Sorento is Kia.
When was the Kia Sorento produced?
The available source data describes production as 2002–present.
How much does the Kia Sorento weigh?
The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 1680-1970 kg 0. Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.
Where was the Kia Sorento built?
The available source record lists assembly information as South Korea: Hwaseong (Hwaseong Plant); Malaysia: Gurun (Naza); Russia: Izhevsk (Izh Auto).
What class of car is the Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento is listed in the Compact SUV (2002–2009); Mid-size crossover SUV (2009–present) class.
What platform does the Kia Sorento use?
The available source data lists the platform/chassis as Hyundai-Kia N3.
What battery does the Kia Sorento use?
The available source data lists battery information as 1.62 kWh lithium-ion (HEV); 13.68 kWh lithium-ion (PHEV). Exact battery size and fitment should be matched to the engine and market.
Which markets or countries sold the Kia Sorento?
The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Kia Sorento with CA, DE, ES, FI, GB, IE, LU, MY, NL, NZ, TH, UA, US. Market availability and specifications can differ.
What cars are related to the Kia Sorento?
The available source data identifies related models as Hyundai Santa Fe (CM); Hyundai Veracruz/ix55. Relationships can vary by market and generation.
How often should I check the tire pressure on the Kia Sorento?
Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Kia Sorento?
No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.
Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Kia Sorento is fully loaded?
It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.