Key Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Nissan Pathfinder
Vehicle Purpose:
Versatile SUV offering a balance of on-road comfort, off-road capability, and seating for up to seven passengers.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), transfer case, driveline
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, body electrical, power distribution, body control module (BCM)
Body:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, HVAC system, doors, windows, seats, body seals
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical circuit diagrams, wiring schematics
Repair:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, adjustments, torque specifications, specialized tool usage
Depth Level:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and body repairs.
Engine Code Gasoline:
G6CU (3.5L V6 DOHC)
Engine Displacement Gasoline:
3.5 Liters (3497 cc)
Engine Configuration Gasoline:
V6
Engine Aspirated Gasoline:
Naturally Aspirated
Horsepower Gasoline:
202 hp @ 5500 rpm (approximate)
Torque Gasoline:
217 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery Gasoline:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type Gasoline:
Unleaded Regular
Emission Controls:
Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Automatic
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed Manual (less common, primarily for specific markets/trims)
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled with overdrive
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia SPIII ATF (or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON)
Length:
4675 mm (184.1 inches)
Width:
1890 mm (74.4 inches)
Height:
1745 mm (68.7 inches)
Wheelbase:
2700 mm (106.3 inches)
Ground Clearance:
195 mm (7.7 inches)
Curb Weight FWD:
1960 kg (4321 lbs) approx.
Curb Weight AWD:
2040 kg (4497 lbs) approx.
Towing Capacity:
1500 kg (3307 lbs) to 2000 kg (4409 lbs) (depending on market/configuration)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
358 Liters (12.6 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
1250 Liters (44.2 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
2218 Liters (78.3 cu ft)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
4-star (driver and front passenger) - (Note: Ratings vary by testing agency and year)
IIHS Front Crash Rating:
Good (for vehicles of similar design at the time of testing)
Electronic Stability Control:
Available on some trims
Traction Control:
Standard on AWD models, available on FWD
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Front side-impact airbags
Airbags Curtain:
First and second-row curtain airbags (available)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 capability, SiriusXM satellite radio (optional). Up to 8 speakers available.
Navigation:
Optional DVD-based or hard drive-based navigation system available on higher trims.
Parking Sensors:
Rear parking sensors available on some trims.
Auxiliary Input:
Standard 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack.
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning standard, automatic climate control available on higher trims.
Seat Features:
Power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats (available).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (Long-life spark plugs).
Engine Oil Type:
API SM/SN or ILSAC GF-4/GF-5, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on climate).
Engine Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, Kia genuine coolant or equivalent (e.g., Prestone 50/50)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads and rotors, suspension bushings, CV joints, wheel bearings.
Engine Potential Issues:
Occasional issues with oil leaks, particularly from valve cover gaskets or oil pan seals. Some reports of crankshaft position sensor failures.
Transmission Potential Issues:
Slight hesitation on gear changes, particularly at higher mileage. Regular fluid changes are crucial.
HVAC Potential Issues:
Blend door actuator failure, refrigerant leaks. Blower motor resistor failure.
Brand Focus:
Kia, a South Korean manufacturer, has grown significantly in global market share by offering value-oriented vehicles with improving quality and features.
First Generation Start:
2001
Second Generation Start:
2006
Design Philosophy Gen2:
The second generation (2006-2009) saw a significant redesign, moving to a unibody construction for improved ride comfort and handling, a more car-like driving experience, and a more modern exterior and interior design.
Assembly Locations:
South Korea
