Positioning:
The 2009 KIA Sportage represented KIA's commitment to offering a compact SUV with a blend of practicality, affordability, and increasingly modern styling and features. It competed in a crowded segment against vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape.
Competition:
The Sportage aimed to provide a value proposition with its standard features and available engine options, particularly the more powerful 2.7L V6. Its key selling points were often its price point and a decent warranty, though it sometimes lagged behind segment leaders in refinement and fuel efficiency.
Features:
Available with a choice of 2.0L inline-four or 2.7L V6 engines, front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and a comfortable ride. The 2009 model year was part of the second generation of the Sportage, offering improved interior space and design over its predecessor.
Engine:
Detailed coverage of both 2.0L (Beta II) and 2.7L (Mu) engines, including diagnostics, repair procedures, specifications, and component breakdowns.
Transmission:
Comprehensive coverage of both manual and automatic transmissions, including shift control, hydraulic systems, component overhauls, and electronic diagnostics.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including differentials, drive shafts, CV joints, and transfer case (if applicable to AWD models).
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, springs, and alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, including ABS, EBD, brake fluid specifications, caliper and master cylinder overhaul, pad and rotor replacement, and bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic), including pump, rack and pinion assembly, fluid specifications, and troubleshooting.
Electrical:
Extensive coverage of the entire electrical system, including wiring diagrams, component location, charging system, starting system, lighting, body control module (BCM), and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Climate Control:
HVAC system, including refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, actuators, and diagnostic procedures.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim components, seats, door mechanisms, glass, and weatherstripping.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belt mechanisms, and associated sensors and control modules.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures, including oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections, and spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic charts and troubleshooting guides for identifying and resolving common and uncommon vehicle faults.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems, including component removal, disassembly, reassembly, and installation.
Diagnostics:
Detailed guidance on using diagnostic tools, interpreting scan data, and performing specific diagnostic tests for various electronic control units (ECUs).
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, diagnostic values, component tolerances, and fluid capacities.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission overhauls, electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repairs. This is a professional-level resource.
2.0L Engine:
Engine Code: Beta II (G4GC). Displacement: 1998 cc. Configuration: Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve. Fuel System: Multi-point fuel injection. Power (approx): 140-142 hp @ 6000 rpm. Torque (approx): 136-137 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm.
2.7L Engine:
Engine Code: Mu (G6BA). Displacement: 2656 cc. Configuration: V6, DOHC, 24-valve. Fuel System: Multi-point fuel injection. Power (approx): 175-180 hp @ 6000 rpm. Torque (approx): 182-184 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm.
Performance Notes:
The V6 offered a noticeable increase in power and torque, particularly beneficial for acceleration and towing. The 2.0L engine was more focused on fuel efficiency.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 58 liters (15.3 US gallons).
Length:
Approx. 4,375 mm (172.2 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,795 mm (70.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,670 mm (65.7 in) (without roof rails)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,630 mm (103.5 in)
Passenger Volume:
Generous for its class, facilitating comfortable seating for five adults.
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 667 liters (23.6 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approx. 1,517 liters (53.6 cu ft)
Curb Weight:
Ranges from approximately 1,500 kg to 1,700 kg (3,300 lbs to 3,750 lbs) depending on engine and drivetrain.
Towing Capacity:
Check local regulations and specific model documentation; typically modest for this vehicle class.
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for the 2009 model year in the US).
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for the 2009 model year in the US).
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) often standard or optional depending on trim.
Passive Safety Features:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, active front headrests, 3-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic or synthetic blend oil.
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), or more frequently under dusty conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
2.0L: Iridium plugs, typically 100,000 miles (160,000 km). 2.7L: Regular plugs, typically 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
Timing Belt Or Chain:
The 2.0L Beta II engine uses a timing belt, typically requiring replacement at 90,000 - 100,000 miles (145,000 - 160,000 km). The 2.7L Mu V6 engine uses a timing chain, which generally does not require scheduled replacement but can develop issues over time.
Engine Oil Type 2.0L:
API SL or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic recommended. Capacity: Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter.
Engine Oil Type 2.7L:
API SL or higher, SAE 5W-30 synthetic recommended. Capacity: Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, extended life type. (e.g., HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology). Capacity: Approx. 7.0 - 8.0 liters depending on engine.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
KIA SPIII or equivalent ATF. Capacity: Approx. 7.4 liters (7.8 US quarts) for refill, higher for complete overhaul.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90. Capacity: Approx. 2.0 - 2.5 liters.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Power steering fluid (specific type might be recommended by KIA; often Dexron III ATF compatible, check manual).
Common Issues:
Potential for ABS sensor failures, minor oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, early wear on some suspension components (bushings), and occasional issues with the electronic stability control (ESC) system. The V6 engine can sometimes exhibit timing belt tensioner noise if not replaced at recommended intervals.
Brand Heritage:
KIA, a South Korean automotive manufacturer, has a history dating back to 1944. It has evolved from a bicycle and motorcycle maker to a global automotive player known for its value-driven vehicles and improving quality and design.
Sportage Evolution:
The 2009 Sportage is part of the second generation (KM, 2004-2010), which marked a significant departure from the body-on-frame first generation. This generation moved to a unibody construction, offering a more car-like driving experience and improved safety.
Production Location:
Primarily manufactured in South Korea (Gwangmyeong) and Slovakia (Žilina).