I heard it's not easy to drain/refill ATF for Sorento because it's designed to last a 'lifetime'!(~100k miles)

I don't have the facility nor the tools nor the time nor the 'know how', so I just let my local dealer do it for ~$200.

BTW, do you have super high mileage or do you tow? Why do you want to change the ATF now? 2020 is pretty new.

 

35K miles and tow a small camper. Nothing lasts a lifetime so taking a proactive approach.

 

Its no more than a gallon with drain and fill. Its the procedure where the difficulty lies and ideally close to level surface. Unless you're planning on doing it at least twice. Call around various dealer and get quotes for the best one.

 

When I reached 100K KM (about 60K miles) I did a drain and fill on mine. I used the same fluid mentioned above. The fluid did not look so bad so i didn't think i needed to do it a second time. It was done a second time anyways as the dealer had to drain it when they did my engine.

It's not hard at all if you have some mechanical knowhow and tools. Remove your underengine cover to access the the drain plug is on the bottom of the transmission and the level plug at the front, and the fill plug is on the top. To get access to the fill, remove the air intake "trunk" with the 2 body clips. if you have a swivel for a ratchet you can easily access the fill location. once empty, fill until it dribbles from the the level plug. then put the level plug in and add 200 ml.

a long funnel which is bendy is best to get the fluid in. otherwise, you'll have to also remove the battery and the battery tray.

of course, the 8 speed might be different then the 6 speed in mine.

edited for clarity

 

once empty, fill to the level plug. then put the plug in and add 200 ml.

??? Could you describe where it was you added the additional 200ml of fluid when the fill plug was already installed?

 

Update to my original post. I did the drain and refill on my 2020 Sorento 3.3V6 and it took just less than one gallon of ATF. I used the MaxLife AFT as the replacement fluid. The original AFT (35K miles) was dark but not totally black and did not have any burnt smell. There was some debris on the magnetic drain plug, again no more then expected. Hardest part of the process is remove/reinstall the 17 bolts on the belly pan. Did an oil/filter change while I had it off. Thanks to all for the helpful comments above.

 

Am I incorrect in reading the owners manual saying the 2020 3.3 transmission holds 8.24 us quarts. If so it takes 3 drain and fills of 1 gallon to get most of the old fluid out. Right now you are running with over 50% old fluid. Some do all 3 in one day running a few mins thru the gears between changes. Others do a drain and fill every 10K-20K miles or so to keep a high percentage of fluid up to date.

 

You are correct that a full replacement is 8.24 quarts. I was happy to just replace the 50% since the original fluid didn't look too bad. Manual calls for replacement of fluid at 60K for sever service so doing the D&F at 35k and maybe every 20K there after should extend the life of the trans. Anything is better then "it good forever" as KIA indicates.

 

It'll keep the quality up with that influx of new fluid. But at least you know.

 

NOTE: Make sure you can get the fill plugs out prior to removing the drain plug.

 

Now THERE is some useful advice!!!