What Size Bulbs Does a 2005 Kia Sorento Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Easy (Plug and Play)
Est. Replacement Cost
$15 - $40 (Halogen) / $30+ (LED)
What Lighting System Does the 2005 Kia Sorento Have?
The 2005 Kia Sorento features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H7 LED low beams and H1 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The Sorento has been available from 2003 to 2019, and the 2005 model falls in the early-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2005 Kia Sorento?
To upgrade the 2005 Kia Sorento headlights to LED, you will need a H7 LED LED kit for the low beams and a H1 LED LED kit for the high beams. Start with the low beams since they are used most often and have the biggest impact on nighttime visibility. For the fog lights, a 881 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2005 Kia Sorento
The H7 bulb uses a spring clip or wire retainer that holds the bulb in the socket. To remove the old bulb, disconnect the wiring harness first, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it out. Older model years like the 2005 Sorento typically offer easy access to the headlight bulbs from behind the headlight assembly under the hood. Most owners can complete the swap in under 10 minutes per side. When installing the new bulb, avoid touching the glass with bare fingers. Skin oils create hot spots that shorten bulb life. Wear clean gloves or handle the bulb by its plastic base only. The fog lights are accessed from underneath the front bumper. You may need to remove a few plastic clips or screws from the fender liner to reach the 881 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 12 Positions at Once
2005 Kia Sorento Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H7 LED | Buy H7 LED |
High Beam | H1 LED | Buy H1 LED |
Fog Light | 881 LED | Buy 881 LED |
Brake Light | 168 LED | Buy 168 LED |
Side Marker | 168 LED | Buy 168 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 2357NA LED | Buy 2357NA LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 1156NA LED | Buy 1156NA LED |
Reverse Light | 1156 | Buy 1156 |
License Plate | 168 | Buy 168 |
Map Light | 168 | Buy 168 |
Parking Light | 2357NA | Buy 2357NA |
Trunk Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2005 Kia SorentoHow Long Do 2005 Kia Sorento Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2005 Kia Sorento have an expected lifespan of 500 to 1,000 hours, which works out to roughly 2 to 3 years of normal use. Signs of a failing halogen bulb include noticeably dimmer output, a yellowish tint compared to the other headlight, or intermittent flickering. At 21 years old, the original bulbs on your Sorento are likely overdue for replacement. Even if they still illuminate, reduced brightness significantly impacts nighttime safety. When one headlight burns out, replace both sides at the same time. Bulbs from the same batch age at similar rates, and mismatched brightness is distracting to oncoming drivers.
What Bulbs Are Compatible with the 2005 Kia Sorento?
The H7 low beam bulb on the 2005 Kia Sorento is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact H7 size. Using the wrong bulb size can cause improper beam patterns that reduce your visibility and blind other drivers. It can also cause overheating inside the headlight housing, potentially warping the plastic lens or reflector. Always verify the bulb number before purchasing.
2005 Kia Sorento Headlight FAQ
Did Kia Sorento Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 2003 to 2019, the Kia Sorento has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2005 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2018. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2005 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Sorento Years
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Other Vehicles That Use H7 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a H7 LED low beam bulb: