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All Wheel Drive: all wheel drive explained, differential, electronic differential lock (EDL), haldex, jeep 4wd systems, low range, proactive AWD, quattro evolutions, safety concerns, terrain response system, testdrive, Torque-vectoring AWD, torque split ratio, torsen, viscous coupling

Brands: 4motion, quattro, super select, xDrive

Videos: Diagonal spin test, electronic differential lock test, quattro vs. xdrive test, Viscous Coupling Test

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Recent changes

Sportage I

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)
kia-sportage-front-differential

Figure: Kia Sportage rear differential (57KB)
kia-sportage-rear-differential

You have better pictures or videos of Kia Sportage I that you can contribute? Please send them to !

Sportage II (2005 - 2010)

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.

Do you think this information about Kia Sportage Ii (2005 - 2010) is incorrect? Please send us what you know to or leave a comment below.

Sportage III (2010 - 2015)

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Have you seen a better description of Kia Sportage Iii (2010 - 2015) on the web? Please send us the link to or post it in a comment below!

Sportage IV (2014 -...)

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

Source 1: http://www.magna.com/media/press-releases-news/news-page/2010/07/13/kia-launches-new-dynamax—awd-system-for-sportage

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

Do you own Kia Sportage Iv (2014 -...)? Can you please make a photo of the car's 4x4 transmission, switches, dashboard lights, etc. and send it to ?

Sorento 2002-...

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)
kia-sorento-front-axle

Figure: Kia Sorento rear axle (66KB)
kia-sorento-rear-axle

Figure: Kia Sorento transfer box (64KB)
kia-sorento-transfer-box

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)

Do you own Kia Sorento 2002-...? Can you please make a photo of the car's 4x4 transmission, switches, dashboard lights, etc. and send it to ?

Sorento 2009-Present

— 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.

Have you seen a better description of Kia Sorento 2009-Present on the web? Please send us the link to or post it in a comment below!
There are 6 comments
MikeK
May 16, 2022 - 05:32

2018 kia sportage, replacing the 4x4 actuator.
It's a relatively small part, is it an easy replacement??? Literally looks like it's one plug in 4 bolts so it can't be all that d*** complex, problem is I can't find any service bulletins or anything on how to replace it or if there's something special I need to know. If It's as easy as unplugging it pulling it out and putting it back in and replugging it in and then clearing the code, I see no reason to pay a shop as I used to be a mechanic...

Terry
October 18, 2019 - 07:33

I have a 2003 Kia Sorento EX 4x4 with 4.66 limited slip differential. I want a Torsen, can there be any for my model?

Charles Haynes
December 16, 2014 - 13:44

I have a 2015 KIA sorento awd it has locked up two time what is causing this to happen

Reply to Charles Haynes
jim
July 25, 2019 - 12:45

rear awd differential coupler has issues could be warranty or around $1000 cdn

Kevin
December 06, 2014 - 15:06

Hi . My 2004 Kia sorento lx has the switch from 2 wd to 4 wd and 4 low. This year ( 200 000 km) will not switch from 2 to 4 wd. I have taken it to a mechanic and he was able to engage it with an air compressor. After changing the air pump the front diff would not engage. He suspects it is the diaphragm/ bladder that the pump is filling is worn and not sealing properly. He believes it would be to expensive to replace these parts. Is this correct? How difficult would it be to switch these worn vacuume parts out. The rest of the vehicle is fine. Really only need it in the winter. Need the 4x4. Thank you for your input.

piggiu
February 22, 2013 - 14:04

Kia Sportage III (2010-> ) : "Dynamax" AWD system by "Magna International Inc."
Source 1: www.magna.com
Source 2: www.sae.org

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