The two bulb types present across these specifications are the 168 and the 12961, both of which share the T10 miniature wedge form factor despite originating from different standardization systems.
The 168 is an ANSI-standardized bulb used in the United States and Canada, rated at 12V and 4.9W, and it appears across both front and rear side marker positions on the Kia Sorento for model years 2003-2009, as well as the 2018 rear side marker.
The 12961 is a Philips part number designation for a T10 miniature wedge bulb with a W2.1x9.5d base, rated at 12V and 5W, representing a marginally higher wattage than the 168.
Although the 168 and 12961 share the T10 wedge form factor, they are listed under separate fitment entries, and substitution between them is not indicated by these specifications.
The front side marker position on the 2020 Kia Sorento specifies the 12961 bulb exclusively for trims equipped with projector headlamps, meaning the headlamp configuration is a determining factor in bulb selection for that model year.
The same trim-conditional fitment applies to the rear side marker on the 2020 Sorento, where the 12961 is again specified only for the projector headlamp variant.
The rear side marker positions for the 2022-2023 Sorento use the 12961 without any listed trim condition, distinguishing those entries from the conditional 2020 fitment.
The W2.1x9.5d base designation on the 12961 refers to a wedge-type base with a 9.5mm pin spacing and a 2.1mm wire contact width, which is the standard physical interface for T10 wedge bulbs.