The current Sorento, version by version
| On sale here | Batteries | |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5-litre V6 petrol | August 2020, dropped in 2026 | 12-volt |
| 2.2-litre diesel | From August 2020 | 12-volt |
| 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid | From October 2021 | 12-volt and high-voltage |
| 1.6-litre hybrid | From April 2022 | 12-volt and high-voltage |
Kia Sorento battery replacement
Slow cranking on a diesel or V6, or a hybrid that won't power up in the morning, usually starts with the 12-volt battery. Kia covers the original one in full for 2 years from the warranty start, with no kilometre limit. Have it tested along with the charging before it's replaced. Car battery replacement covers the job.
The high-voltage battery is another matter. On cars before model year 2027, Kia's capacity warranty runs 7 years or 150,000 km, whichever comes first, and covers capacity falling below 70%. The motor, on-board charger and power control units have 7 years or 150,000 km as well.
Kia Sorento problems
It's a heavy seven-seater, and Kia lists the diesel with an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox, so tell the mechanic about towing or regular full loads. Brakes and tyres carry that weight.
Kia's warranty treats particulate filters, oxygen sensors and catalytic converters as limited-life parts and leaves them out. If your diesel mostly does short runs, ask the mechanic whether it has a particulate filter and how it's coping, and read the DPF warning light page if a light comes on.
Sorento servicing
The diesel is on Kia's standard 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever comes first. Kia's terms set shorter schedules for turbo petrols, and the Owner's Manual has the final say for the hybrids. Kia's website shows a car's requirements when you enter the VIN.
A qualified independent mechanic servicing to Kia's schedule and specifications doesn't by itself void the warranty. Keep the job card and invoices showing the date, odometer and oil used, since Kia's terms ask for them. Tell us which Sorento it is and what it needs. A local mechanic who specialises in your car.
Where we'd start with a Sorento
Work out which version you've got from the table, then have the 12-volt battery tested at the next service whatever the version. On a hybrid or plug-in, we'd ask the mechanic straight out how often they work on high-voltage systems. On a diesel that tows, we'd mention the towing every time so the brakes and gearbox get the look they need.