Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox
Value Proposition:
Offered a compelling blend of style, practicality, and value, often undercutting competitors on price while providing a robust feature set.
Design Philosophy:
Styled by Peter Schreyer, featuring Kia's distinctive 'tiger nose' grille and a more aggressive, sporty stance than its predecessor.
Cabin Appointments:
Improved interior quality and design, with a focus on ergonomics and user-friendly controls.
Powertrain:
Engine (all variants), Transmission (manual and automatic), Drivetrain (FWD/AWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, EBD), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Engine Control Unit (ECU), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Body Control Module (BCM), SRS (Airbag) System
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Roof System, Bumpers
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, brake service, tune-ups, belt replacement, spark plug service
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical circuit testing, engine performance diagnosis
Repair Overhaul:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission repair and overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper and rotor service, exhaust system repair
Installation Adjustment:
Component replacement (e.g., alternators, starters, water pumps), calibration procedures, alignment specifications
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic flowcharts.
Transmission Type 1:
6-Speed Manual
Transmission Type 2:
6-Speed Automatic (H-Matic)
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronic control with adaptive shift logic.
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 stars
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Esc:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point active front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point seatbelts.
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input. Optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 6 speakers.
Rear Camera:
Optional rearview camera integrated with infotainment display.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.
Usb Port:
Optional USB port for media playback and device charging.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using conventional oil). Consult manual for synthetic oil intervals.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium plugs: 105,000 miles. Consult manual for specific type and interval.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 API SM or higher (or SAE 5W-30 for severe conditions)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change (2.0L Theta II)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Genuine Kia Super Long Life Coolant)
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ATF SP-III or equivalent
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Complaints:
Occasional reports of minor interior rattles, potential for early wear on certain suspension components, and some HVAC system issues.
Engine Specific Notes:
Theta II engines generally reliable, but proper maintenance (oil changes) is critical to prevent premature wear.
Kia History:
Kia Motors Corporation is South Korea's second-largest automaker, known for producing reliable and value-oriented vehicles since its founding in 1944.
Sportage Generations:
The 2010 Sportage is the third generation, marking a significant departure from the rugged, truck-based first generation and the more utilitarian second generation. This generation embraced a car-like unibody construction and a sleeker, more modern design.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily South Korea (Gwangmyeong), with potential assembly in other regions depending on the market.
Production Years Generation:
2004–2010 (Second Generation, often referred to as JE/KM which carried over to early 2010 models, with the all-new generation launching mid-2010 for the 2011 model year. This manual specifically covers the 2010 MY of this generation).
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
The Sportage often received good ratings from IIHS in its tested categories, contributing to its appeal as a safe choice.
Konsumen Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied by model year and specific components, but generally placed it in the average to above-average category for its segment during this period.
Emissions Standards:
Meets ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) or PZEV (Partial Zero Emission Vehicle) standards depending on specific market configuration.
