Vehicle Segment:
        
        
            Mid-size SUV / Sport Utility Vehicle
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Families, adventurers, those seeking utility and passenger capacity in an SUV.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet TrailBlazer.
        
     
    
    
        
            Seating Capacity:
        
        
            Typically offered in 5-seat or optional 7-seat configurations.
        
     
    
        
            Body Styles:
        
        
            Five-door SUV.
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain Options:
        
        
            Available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Operation:
        
        
            Detailed explanation of engine components, function, and basic operation.
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain Operation:
        
        
            Explanation of 2WD/4WD system, differentials, and drivetrain maintenance.
        
     
    
        
            Brake System:
        
        
            Description of ABS, brake fluid, and proper brake system usage.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Steering:
        
        
            Information on suspension components, power steering operation, and tire care.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Overview of battery, lighting, fuses, and basic electrical component functions.
        
     
    
        
            Comfort Convenience:
        
        
            Detailed operation of climate control, audio system, power windows/locks, seats, and mirrors.
        
     
    
        
            Safety Features:
        
        
            Explanation of airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems (ISOFIX/LATCH), and child safety locks.
        
     
    
        
            Instrument Panel Controls:
        
        
            Identification and function of all dashboard gauges, warning lights, and controls.
        
     
    
    
        
            Fluid Checks:
        
        
            Instructions for checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid levels.
        
     
    
        
            Tire Pressure Maintenance:
        
        
            Recommended tire pressures and procedures for checking and inflating tires.
        
     
    
        
            Wiper Blade Replacement:
        
        
            Guidance on replacing windshield and rear wiper blades.
        
     
    
        
            Lamp Replacement:
        
        
            Instructions for replacing exterior and interior light bulbs.
        
     
    
        
            Fuse Replacement:
        
        
            Location of fuse boxes and guidance on replacing blown fuses.
        
     
    
        
            Emergency Procedures:
        
        
            Information on safe operation during emergencies, including flat tire changes and jump-starting.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting Guide:
        
        
            Basic troubleshooting tips for common dashboard warning lights and minor issues.
        
     
    
    
        
            Detail Level:
        
        
            Owner-focused; covers routine checks, basic maintenance, and operation of vehicle features.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Capabilities:
        
        
            Limited to identifying warning lights and basic operational anomalies; does not include advanced diagnostic codes.
        
     
    
        
            Repair Procedures:
        
        
            No detailed mechanical or electrical repair procedures are covered; intended for the owner, not a technician.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code:
        
        
            G6CU (for 3.5L V6)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            3.5L V6 SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            3497 cc (213.4 cu in)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            Approx. 192-200 hp @ 5500 rpm (depending on market and specific tune)
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            Approx. 217-220 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (depending on market and specific tune)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded Gasoline
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Tank Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 17.5 gallons (66 liters)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type:
        
        
            4-speed Automatic Transmission
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Alternative:
        
        
            5-speed Automatic Transmission (often paired with more powerful engines if available, though less common for 2005 base models)
        
     
    
    
        
            Drivetrain Control:
        
        
            Electronically controlled 4WD system with driver-selectable modes (e.g., 2WD, 4WD Auto, 4WD Lock).
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            Approx. 188.4 inches (4785 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            Approx. 74.4 inches (1890 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            Approx. 67.9 inches (1725 mm) (without roof rails)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approx. 106.7 inches (2710 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Ground Clearance:
        
        
            Approx. 7.9 inches (201 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
        
        
            N/A (if 7-seat configuration exists, this is minimal)
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
        
        
            Approx. 46.2 cu ft (1308 liters) (with 3rd row folded, if applicable)
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
        
        
            Approx. 80.1 cu ft (2268 liters) (with 2nd and 3rd rows folded, if applicable)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight:
        
        
            Approx. 4,200 - 4,500 lbs (1905 - 2041 kg), varies by drivetrain and options.
        
     
    
        
            Towing Capacity:
        
        
            Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) when properly equipped.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Crash Test:
        
        
            Likely 4-star rating (driver) and 5-star rating (passenger) for frontal impact (based on typical ratings for this class/era).
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Side Impact Test:
        
        
            Likely Good rating (based on typical ratings for this class/era).
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Optional or standard depending on trim level, Traction Control System (TCS).
        
     
    
        
            Electronic Stability Control:
        
        
            Optional or standard depending on trim level, Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags Front:
        
        
            Driver and front passenger airbags.
        
     
    
        
            Airbags Side:
        
        
            Optional front side-impact airbags.
        
     
    
        
            Airbags Curtain:
        
        
            Optional side-curtain airbags for all rows.
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
        
     
    
        
            Child Anchors:
        
        
            LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for child seats.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Standard AM/FM/CD player, often with 6 speakers. Higher trims may feature premium audio systems.
        
     
    
        
            Display Screen:
        
        
            Basic LCD or LED display for radio/CD information. No integrated navigation system typically.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Standard on most trims.
        
     
    
        
            Rear Parking Sensors:
        
        
            Optional on some higher trim levels.
        
     
    
    
        
            Auxiliary Input:
        
        
            May be available as an option on higher trims or aftermarket.
        
     
    
        
            Bluetooth:
        
        
            Not typically available on the 2005 model year; requires aftermarket integration.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement Interval:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Replacement Interval:
        
        
            Initial replacement at 60,000 miles (96,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) thereafter.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Interval:
        
        
            Check every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or under severe driving conditions.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Specification:
        
        
            API SN or higher, SAE 5W-30 synthetic or synthetic blend recommended.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters) with filter change for 3.5L V6.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Specification:
        
        
            Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Kia Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent).
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Specification:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4.
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Mounts:
        
        
            Premature wear of engine mounts can lead to vibration and clunking noises.
        
     
    
        
            Oxygen Sensors:
        
        
            Failure of oxygen sensors can affect fuel economy and engine performance.
        
     
    
        
            Exhaust System Corrosion:
        
        
            Susceptible to rust and corrosion, especially in areas with road salt.
        
     
    
        
            Window Regulators:
        
        
            Some reports of power window regulators failing over time.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Manufacturer:
        
        
            Kia Corporation, South Korean automobile manufacturer.
        
     
    
    
        
            First Generation Start:
        
        
            First generation (JC) launched in 2004 for the 2005 model year.
        
     
    
        
            Platform:
        
        
            Built on a body-on-frame chassis, derived from the Kia Carnival minivan platform (though often debated/rebranded).
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Locations:
        
        
            Primarily South Korea (Hwaseong Plant).