Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking a versatile and affordable SUV with a focus on practicality and value.
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Hyundai Tucson.
Vehicle Strengths:
Affordability, comfortable ride, spacious interior for its class, availability of V6 power, and capable AWD system. The 2.7L V6 offers a good balance of power and refinement for daily driving and occasional heavier loads.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides professional-grade repair and maintenance information, empowering owners to perform complex tasks accurately, saving on dealership service costs and ensuring longevity.
Engine:
Complete engine mechanical and electrical systems for the 2.7L V6, including assembly, disassembly, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, and starting/charging.
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (likely the F4A51 or similar), including overhaul, diagnostics, fluid service, and shift control.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including driveshafts, differentials, and transfer case (if applicable).
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, including shock absorbers, struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, and alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, including pump, rack and pinion, fluid, and alignment.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), including hydraulic components, ABS, parking brake, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical:
Complete vehicle electrical system, including battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, gauges, power accessories, body control module (BCM), and HVAC controls.
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, interior trim, and chassis components.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, including refrigerant handling, compressor, evaporator, condenser, and climate controls.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS) and Seat belt systems, including diagnostic procedures and component replacement.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, and belt inspections.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) explanations.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems, including component removal, installation, and adjustment.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including detailed component specifications and torque values.
Specifications:
All critical manufacturer specifications, torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and diagnostic parameters.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V6
Displacement:
2656 cc (2.7 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
86.7 mm x 75.0 mm (estimated)
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 24 valves (4 valves per cylinder)
Horsepower:
173 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by market)
Torque:
178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by market)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (Regular)
Catalytic Converter:
Standard
Evaporative Emission Control:
EVAP system
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars (2006 model year data)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (2006 model year data)
IIHS Small Overlap Front Driver:
Good (for 2006 models tested)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available (often with AWD models)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
Front pretensioner seatbelts, three-point rear seatbelts.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
Replace at every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (likely iridium-tipped plugs).
Coolant Replacement:
Initial fill typically lasts 5 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km); subsequent flushes every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (check manual for severe service intervals).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 or SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change (approximate, refer to manual for exact capacity).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, long-life coolant (typically OAT or HOAT type - consult manual for specific color/type).
Transmission Fluid Type:
KIA Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III/Mercon if specified).
Power Steering Fluid:
Power Steering Fluid (specific type may be required, consult manual).
Engine:
Occasional reports of oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan gaskets. Catalytic converter issues or O2 sensor failures can impact performance and emissions.
Transmission:
Some owners report hard shifting or delayed engagement. Regular fluid changes are crucial.
Suspension:
Worn front struts/shocks can lead to a rough ride. Bushings in control arms may wear out over time, affecting handling.
Electrical:
Rear wiper motor failure, power window regulator issues, and occasional issues with door lock actuators.