2003 Kia Sorento Oil Capacity, Types, & Filters
Your ultimate DIY maintenance guide for the 2003 Kia Sorento oil change is here! No more searching – find all the critical oil specs for your 2003 Kia Sorento, including exact engine oil capacity, the manufacturer recommended oil viscosity and type, and the correct OEM and aftermarket oil filters.
We cover all available engine options categorized by their specific engine codes, ensuring you get pinpoint accuracy for your specific vehicle configuration. Keep reading to discover everything required for a successful 2003 Kia Sorento oil change!
Scroll Table ➜
| Engine & Code | Oil Capacity | Oil Viscosity/Type | Oil Filter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cylinder 3497cc Z | 4.6 quarts (with filter) | SAE 10W-30 (-25 To 40°C) SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50 (Above -25°C) SAE 15W-40, SAE 15W-50 (Above -15°C) SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above -10°C) SAE 5W-20 (Below -10°C) SAE 5W-30 (Below 10°C) SAE 5W-40 (Below 20°C) | Kia 26300-35505 |
Select Your 2003 Kia Sorento Engine Option
3.5L 6-cylinder Engine Code 3497cc Z
Engine:
3.5L 6-cylinder 3497cc Z [aka 3.5L V6 (Gas)]
Body & Trims:
EX, LX
Oil Capacity:
4.6 quarts (with filter)
Oil Viscosity/Type:
SAE 10W-30 (-25 To 40°C)
SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50 (Above -25°C)
SAE 15W-40, SAE 15W-50 (Above -15°C)
SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above -10°C)
SAE 5W-20 (Below -10°C)
SAE 5W-30 (Below 10°C)
SAE 5W-40 (Below 20°C)
OEM Oil Filter:
Oil Filter Replaces:
26300-35056, 26300-35500, 26300-35501, 26300-35502, 26300-35503, 26300-35503N, 26300-35504, 26300-3E010, S2630-035505
2003 Kia Sorento 3.5L 6-cylinder 3497cc Z oil change details
Oil Grade:
SJ
Oil Capacity:
4.6 quarts. (with filter). This is the capacity with the oil filter installed. Always check the oil level after refilling.
Oil Viscosity/Type:
SAE 10W-30 (-25 To 40°C)
SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50 (Above -25°C)
SAE 15W-40, SAE 15W-50 (Above -15°C)
SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above -10°C)
SAE 5W-20 (Below -10°C) - Use is restricted based on specific driving and climate conditions.
SAE 5W-30 (Below 10°C) - Use is restricted based on specific driving and climate conditions.
SAE 5W-40 (Below 20°C) - Use is restricted based on specific driving and climate conditions.
Oil Drain Plug Torque:
25-33 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug)
Notes:
N/A
People also ask – 2003 Kia Sorento
What is the oil capacity of a 2003 Kia Sorento?
Depending on the specific engine option, the 2003 Kia Sorento oil capacity ranges from 4.6 to 4.6 quarts. Here is the exact oil capacity breakdown for each available engine configuration:
• 3.5L 6-cylinder (3497cc Z): 4.6 quarts. (with filter). This is the capacity with the oil filter installed. Always check the oil level after refilling.
Always check your dipstick after refilling to ensure the proper level.
What type of oil does a 2003 Kia Sorento use?
Across its 1 available engine configurations, the 2003 Kia Sorento uses the following motor oil viscosities: SAE 10W-30 (-25 To 40°C)SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50 (Above -25°C)SAE 15W-40, SAE 15W-50 (Above -15°C)SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above -10°C)SAE 5W-20 (Below -10°C)SAE 5W-30 (Below 10°C)SAE 5W-40 (Below 20°C). Using the correct manufacturer-approved oil weight is crucial for engine health. Here are the specific oil type requirements by engine:
• 3.5L 6-cylinder (3497cc Z):Grade: SJ
SAE 10W-30 (-25 To 40°C)
SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50 (Above -25°C)
SAE 15W-40, SAE 15W-50 (Above -15°C)
SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above -10°C)
SAE 5W-20 (Below -10°C) - Use is restricted based on specific driving and climate conditions.
SAE 5W-30 (Below 10°C) - Use is restricted based on specific driving and climate conditions.
SAE 5W-40 (Below 20°C) - Use is restricted based on specific driving and climate conditions.
What is the best oil filter for the 2003 Kia Sorento?
The proper oil filter depends on your exact engine code. The 2003 Kia Sorento utilizes the following premium aftermarket Wix oil filters across its lineup: 51334-EA. Here is the specific OEM and aftermarket filter data for each engine:
• 3.5L 6-cylinder (3497cc Z):OEM Filter: Kia 26300-35505
Wix Filter: 51334-EA
How often should I change the oil in my 2003 Kia Sorento?
For modern models running full synthetic oil, oil change intervals are typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. However, for older Kia Sorento generations (1985-2010) or those using conventional/synthetic-blend fluid, changing the oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is highly recommended to prevent sludge buildup. Regardless of engine (3.5L 6-cylinder), you should change your oil at least once a year even if you don’t reach the mileage limit.