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Part-time all wheel drive. WARN vacuum-operated front wheel hubs, similar to Ford Explorer and Ranger. Rear corporate solid axle with a clutch-type limited slip differential.

Figure: Kia Sportage front differential (84KB)

Figure: Kia Sportage rear differential (57KB)

automatic all wheel drive

In AUTO mode vehicle operates similar to the conventional 2WD vehicles under normal operating conditions. However, if the system determines that there is a need for the 4WD mode, the engine’s driving power is distributed to all four wheels automatically without driver intervention.

When "4WD LOCK" button causes "central differential lock" and should not be used on normal roads.

This mode automatically begins to deactivate at speed above 30 km/h (19 mph) and is shifted to 4WD AUTO mode at speed above 40 km/h (25 mph). If the vehicle decelerates to speeds below 30 km/h (19 mph), however, the transfer mode is shifted into 4WD LOCK mode again.

"Dynamax" AWD system by "Magna International Inc."

Source 1: https://www.kia.sk/en/article/kia-launches-new-dynamax-awd-system-for-sportage

Source 2: https://www.sae.org/mags/aei/8707/

Source 3: https://www.kianewscenter.com/news/all/kia-america-announces-2025-sorento-pricing/s/kia-launches-new-dynamax—awd-system-for-sportage/s/b7217ab9-efed-4dcd-847c-5628054b6875

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button-operated Part-time all wheel drive. Optional Torque on Demand automatic all wheel drive system. Limited-slip rear differential on LX model (needs verification).

Figure: Kia Sorento front axle (63KB)

Figure: Kia Sorento rear axle (66KB)

Figure: Kia Sorento transfer box (64KB)

NOTE: 2002-2008 depending on trim level: Sorento XS or XE packages have different 4wd systems:

— 2002/03 trim levels: Base LX, EX, EX(lux package) —

— 2004-2008 trim levels: Base XE, XS, XT —

XS (04/08)- Only come with a switchable (Auto AWD /4lo) 'Torque on Demand' automatic all wheel drive system; Allowing the driver to select between: Auto AWD - usually rear wheel drive it automatically directs power to the front wheels for improved traction, and 4WD-Lo for low-range gear transmission, (This TOC awd was also an optional extra with the 02/03 EX 'luxury package')

XE (04/08)- Came with (2WD/4WD-Hi/4WD-LO) switch. A Part-time all wheel drive * *. Allowing the driver to select between: 2WD (Rear wheel drive), 4WD-HI for hi-range gear transmission, and 4WD-Lo for low-range gear transmission,

• * It should also be noted that Kias 'Part-time' AWD system '4WD-Hi/4WD-LO' lacked a Central differential, (or its equivalent mechanism) and should not be used on normal road conditions)

— 2009-present trim levels: Base LX, EX and SX. —

Optional for the LX and EX (on V6 engine choices), and standard for the SX and SXL trims. Is a 'Torque On Demand' all-wheel-drive system with Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology. The system drives the front wheels under normal conditions, and automatically directs power to the rear wheels for improved traction in slippery conditions or when tackling corners.