This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the third generation (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020) Kia Sorento SUV in checking, cleaning or changing the engine air filter element for the Lambda II GDI 3.3 liter V6 engine. (The procedure should be the same or very similar for the Theta II GDI 2.4L I4 engine and the Theta II GDI 2.0L Turbocharged I4 engine.)

Owners of other Kia, Hyundai and Genesis vehicles such as the Soul, Seltos, Sportage, Niro, Telluride, Forte, Rio, Optima, Stinger, Cadenza, K900, Sedona, Kona, Venue, Santa Fe, Elantra, Sonata, Accent, Veloster, Ioniq, Nexo, G70, G80 and G90 may also find these instructions to be helpful.

The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) engine air filter element part number is Kia 28113-A9100.

A few other compatible replacement aftermarket engine air filters with their part numbers are as follows: Spearhead MT-943, EPAuto GP943, Premium Guard PA99071, EcoGard XA10460, Fram CA11943 and Wix WA10271.

Please double check the Amazon Part Finder website to verify the correct replacement filter for your vehicle. The appropriate filter may vary depending on the model year and the engine (3.3L V6, 2.0L Turbo I4 or Theta II 2.4L I4).

No tools are needed to access and replace the filter.

The first two steps are to open the hood and then move to the right (driver) side of the engine bay.

The black plastic engine air box is situated behind the 12V automotive battery and to the left of the engine bay fuse box.

There is a rectangular shaped access cover on the front edge of the air box assembly with the words "Pull Out To Open (Air Filter)" printed on it and two triangles (arrows) pointing up.

Swing down the hinged plastic flap to access the old filter.

Swing the lock tabs down from the "Locked" position to the "Unlocked" position.

You'll notice there are padlock icons and arrows indicating how to unlock the old air filter.

Grasp the small vertically orientated handle in the middle of the old air filter.

Check the filter slot for any large debris such as leaves, twigs or insects that might restrict the air flow.

If you have a wet/dry shop vacuum with a crevice attachment, clean out the filter slot.

If the old filter is dark grey or black and clogged with dirt, dust, pollen, soot, hair, insects, twigs, leaves, sand and other debris, it should be replaced with a new element.

I recommend buying the Spearhead MT-943 engine air filter since it has excellent reviews on Amazon.

If you'd prefer to have the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) filter, the part number is Kia 28113-A9100 (made by Leehan).

If the old air filter is relatively clean, just tap out the large debris and remove any fine dust with a wet/dry shop vacuum.

Slide the new air filter into the slot until it is fully seated in the housing.

You should feel or hear the two lock tabs "click" securely into place.

Flip up the hinged access cover towards the filter slot.

Double check that the filter cover is secured.

Be sure to write down the filter change in your vehicle's service records.

Please take a look at all of my 2016-2020 Kia Sorento DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.