The Kia Sorento brake light utilizes 1157, P21/5W, and 2357 bulb sizes depending on the specific version of the lighting component. Available information covers a span of time starting from 2003 through 2024.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The 1157 is the most frequently specified brake bulb across Kia Sorento model years, appearing in the 2003-2009 and 2021-2024 model years for the brake light position.
The 1157 is a dual-filament bulb rated at 12V with a 21W high filament and 5W low filament, mounted on a BAY15d bayonet base, which allows it to serve both brake and tail light functions within a single housing.
The 2018 Kia Sorento departs from the 1157 specification, using the 2357 bulb instead for the brake light position.
The 2357 shares the same BAY15d bayonet base as the 1157, making it physically compatible with the same socket, but it operates at higher wattages of 26.9W and 8W, producing greater light output.
Although the 1157 and 2357 share the same base type, substituting one for the other is not straightforward, as the difference in wattage affects brightness output and may affect compatibility with the vehicle's electrical system.
Both the 1157 and 2357 are ANSI-standardized bulbs recognized in the United States and Canada, meaning they conform to defined performance and dimensional standards within those markets.
The Center High Mount Stop Light on the 2003-2009 Kia Sorento uses the 168 bulb, a single-filament miniature wedge type rated at 12V and 4.9W.
The 168 bulb follows a T10 wedge form factor, which is a significantly smaller and lower-wattage design than the dual-filament 1157 or 2357 used in the main brake light positions.
The 168 is also an ANSI-standard bulb for the US and Canadian markets, consistent with the other bulb types specified for the Sorento.
The 1157 and 168 serve distinct functions and are not interchangeable, as they differ in base type, filament count, wattage, and physical form factor.