Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking versatility, moderate off-road capability, and practicality in a compact package.
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, Nissan Xterra.
Value Proposition:
Offered a compelling blend of utility, SUV styling, and affordability, often with optional all-wheel drive.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control systems (ECM), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, starting and charging system.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (MT) and automatic transmission (AT) repair, overhaul, and diagnostics; transfer case (if applicable).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS, parking brake), wheel and tire information, driveline components (axles, driveshafts, CV joints).
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), instrument cluster, HVAC controls, audio system, power distribution (fuses, relays), wiring diagrams, diagnostic connectors.
Body:
Body panels, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, glass, bumpers, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts).
General Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, component inspections.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical circuit testing.
Special Instructions:
Specific procedures for specialized tasks, torque specifications, special tool requirements, safety precautions.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level repair and diagnostic information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers. Includes detailed diagrams, specifications, and procedures for everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Format Details:
Digital (PDF) format is common, offering searchability, zoom capabilities, and ease of printing specific sections. Physical copies may exist but are rarer for this model year.
Quality:
High-resolution diagrams and clear text, consistent with original factory documentation.
Binding:
N/A (for digital format). If a physical copy, likely a comb-bound or spiral-bound professional workshop manual.
Paper Quality:
N/A (for digital format). Original manuals would be printed on durable paper suitable for workshop environments.
Standard Transmission V6:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (4-Speed AUTO)
Standard Transmission I4:
5-speed Manual Transmission (5-Speed MT)
Optional Transmission I4:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (4-Speed AUTO)
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or Optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Transfer Case AWD:
Viscous coupling unit for AWD system.
Length:
4345 mm (171.1 in)
Height:
1730 mm (68.1 in) (without roof rails)
Wheelbase:
2630 mm (103.5 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 190 mm (7.5 in)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 370 Liters (13.1 cu ft)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 770 Liters (27.2 cu ft)
Curb Weight I4 FWD:
Approx. 1500 kg (3307 lbs)
Curb Weight V6 AWD:
Approx. 1680 kg (3704 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 2100 kg (4630 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Typically around 1000-1500 kg (2200-3300 lbs) depending on engine and market
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Likely 'Good' to 'Acceptable' based on period testing.
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Likely 'Good' to 'Acceptable' based on period testing.
IIHS Side Impact:
Varies by specific test and year, generally moderate ratings for this generation.
ABS:
Standard on most models.
Traction Control:
Optional or standard on higher trims/AWD models.
Electronic Stability Control Esc:
Optional or standard on higher trims/AWD models.
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, optional front side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats, 3-point seatbelts for rear seats.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced body structure, though specific rollover resistance ratings may vary.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement I4:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as per severe service schedule.
Timing Belt Replacement:
The 2.7L V6 uses a timing chain, the 2.0L I4 uses a timing chain. No regular belt replacement required.
Engine Oil Type:
API SN, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (refer to owner's manual for specific recommendation based on climate)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 Quarts) for V6, 4.0 Liters (4.2 Quarts) for I4
Coolant Type:
Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol), typically a pink or orange long-life formulation. Refer to Kia specifications.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Atf:
Kia SP-III or equivalent. (e.g., Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluids often work, but SP-III is preferred).
Manual Transmission Fluid Mtf:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 (refer to manual).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Kia PSF (Power Steering Fluid) or Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid.
Common Complaints Engine:
Variable valve timing (VVT) system issues in some engines, occasional oil leaks, spark plug misfires (if not maintained).
Common Complaints Transmission:
Automatic transmission shifting problems or delayed engagement, wear in manual clutch components.
Common Complaints Suspension Steering:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings leading to clunking noises or steering wander. Strut mounts can also wear out.
Common Complaints Brakes:
Premature wear of brake pads and rotors, especially if frequently driven in stop-and-go traffic or hilly terrain. ABS sensor issues are possible.
Common Complaints Electrical:
Window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor resistor issues, minor electrical shorts, gauge cluster problems.
Maintenance Focus Areas:
Regular fluid changes, inspection of suspension and steering components, checking for oil and coolant leaks, proactive replacement of wear items like belts and brake components.
Kia Origins:
Kia Motors Corporation, South Korea, founded in 1944, initially as a manufacturer of bicycle parts and steel tubing. Entered the automotive market in the 1960s.
Sportage Generation:
This represents the second generation of the Kia Sportage (JE), launched in 2004. It was built on a monocoque (unibody) platform, a significant departure from the body-on-frame of the first generation, making it more car-like in its driving dynamics.
Platform Sharing:
Shared its platform with the Hyundai Tucson of the same era.
Production Period:
2004-2010 (Second Generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea, Slovakia, potentially other global assembly plants.