Segment:
        
        
            Compact Crossover SUV
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Families, individuals seeking practical and stylish transportation
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors 2011 2012:
        
        
            Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson
        
     
    
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Bold 'tiger nose' grille, swept-back headlights, aerodynamic profile, distinctive C-pillar
        
     
    
        
            Practicality:
        
        
            Spacious interior for its class, versatile cargo space, available AWD
        
     
    
        
            Value Proposition:
        
        
            Offered a strong combination of style, features, and affordability compared to established rivals
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Systems:
        
        
            Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, engine management (ECM/PCM)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Systems:
        
        
            Manual and Automatic Transmission (including clutch, gears, torque converter, valve body, shift solenoids, control modules)
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain Systems:
        
        
            Front Wheel Drive (FWD), All Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, drive shafts, CV joints, transfer case (if applicable)
        
     
    
        
            Brake Systems:
        
        
            Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, Brake booster, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Steering Systems:
        
        
            Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, springs, control arms, bushings), power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Systems:
        
        
            Battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), horn, wipers, power windows, locks, mirrors, seats
        
     
    
        
            Body And Chassis:
        
        
            Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, frame, welding procedures, corrosion protection
        
     
    
        
            HVAC System:
        
        
            Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control modules, refrigerant system
        
     
    
        
            Safety Systems:
        
        
            Airbag system (SRS), seatbelt pre-tensioners, crash sensors
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), scan tool procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, belt and hose inspection/replacement, spark plug replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Engine assembly/disassembly, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/master cylinder repair, electrical component diagnostics and replacement, body panel repair
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all vehicle systems
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Detailed explanations of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their associated causes and remedies
        
     
    
        
            Specifications:
        
        
            Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, clearances, and tolerances
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams:
        
        
            Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics for all major systems
        
     
    
        
            Technical Bulletins:
        
        
            Likely includes manufacturer Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) relevant to the model years
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth Of Coverage:
        
        
            Comprehensive Factory-Level Repair and Diagnostics
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Tools Required:
        
        
            Requires OBD-II scan tool, multimeter, pressure gauges, specialized diagnostic equipment (as per manufacturer)
        
     
    
        
            Skill Level Required:
        
        
            Intermediate to Advanced Automotive Technician Skillset
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Engine Displacement Gasoline 1:
        
        
            2.4L (2359 cc)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Code Gasoline 1:
        
        
            G4KC
        
     
    
        
            Engine Configuration Gasoline 1:
        
        
            Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower Gasoline 1:
        
        
            Approximately 175 hp @ 6000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque Gasoline 1:
        
        
            Approximately 169 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke Gasoline 1:
        
        
            88.0 mm x 97.0 mm (approximate)
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio Gasoline 1:
        
        
            10.1:1 (approximate)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type Gasoline 1:
        
        
            Unleaded Regular (87 Octane recommended)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Displacement Gasoline 2:
        
        
            2.0L (1998 cc) - Market dependent (e.g., some international markets)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Code Gasoline 2:
        
        
            G4KD (2.0L Theta II)
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower Gasoline 2:
        
        
            Approximately 163 hp @ 6200 rpm (2.0L)
        
     
    
        
            Torque Gasoline 2:
        
        
            Approximately 147 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm (2.0L)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Injection Type:
        
        
            Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Emission Control Systems:
        
        
            Catalytic converter, Oxygen sensors (O2 sensors), Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Standard:
        
        
            6-Speed Manual Transmission (M/T)
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Optional:
        
        
            6-Speed Automatic Transmission (A/T) with Shiftronic®
        
     
    
    
        
            AWD System:
        
        
            Available Dynamically Coupled AWD System with Lock Mode
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic:
        
        
            SP-III or equivalent (Refer to manual for exact specification and part number, e.g., Kia Genuine ATF SP-III)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
        
        
            GL-4 (Refer to manual for exact specification and part number, typically SAE 75W/90 or 75W-85)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            174.8 inches (4440 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            73.0 inches (1855 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            65.2 inches (1655 mm) (without roof rails)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            103.9 inches (2640 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Ground Clearance:
        
        
            7.4 inches (188 mm) (approximate)
        
     
    
    
        
            Passenger Volume:
        
        
            Approximately 100.1 cubic feet (2835 liters)
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
        
        
            Approximately 26.1 cubic feet (739 liters)
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
        
        
            Approximately 54.6 cubic feet (1546 liters)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight FWD:
        
        
            Approximately 3460 lbs (1570 kg)
        
     
    
        
            Curb Weight AWD:
        
        
            Approximately 3590 lbs (1630 kg)
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
        
        
            Approximately 4585 lbs (2079 kg)
        
     
    
        
            Towing Capacity:
        
        
            1,000 lbs (454 kg) (unbraked), 2,000 lbs (907 kg) (braked) - Check specific market regulations and vehicle equipment
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Overall Rating 2011 2012:
        
        
            Likely 4 out of 5 stars overall (check specific year and configuration)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Rating:
        
        
            Top Safety Pick for certain years (check specific year and configuration for Front/Side/Roof Strength/Head Restraint ratings)
        
     
    
    
        
            Electronic Stability Control:
        
        
            Standard
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Standard
        
     
    
        
            Anti Lock Braking System:
        
        
            Standard
        
     
    
        
            Electronic Brake-Force Distribution:
        
        
            Standard
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front airbags (driver/passenger), Side-curtain airbags, Front-seat side-impact airbags
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, Active front head restraints
        
     
    
        
            Child Seat Anchors:
        
        
            LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with USB, auxiliary input jacks, and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio capability (trim dependent)
        
     
    
        
            Optional Infotainment:
        
        
            Optional navigation system with touchscreen display, Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity
        
     
    
        
            Speaker System:
        
        
            6-speaker audio system standard on many trims, optional premium Infinity® sound system
        
     
    
    
        
            Rearview Camera:
        
        
            Available rear-view camera integrated with infotainment display
        
     
    
        
            Parking Sensors:
        
        
            Available rear parking assist sensors
        
     
    
    
        
            Bluetooth:
        
        
            Available Bluetooth® for hands-free calling and audio streaming
        
     
    
        
            Usb Aux Inputs:
        
        
            Standard USB and auxiliary audio input ports
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil And Filter Change:
        
        
            Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, or as per severe/normal driving conditions (consult manual for precise intervals and severe service recommendations)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 30,000-45,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement Gasoline:
        
        
            Approximately 100,000 miles (if using Iridium type plugs, check manual for specifics)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush Replacement:
        
        
            Initial fill is long-life; subsequent changes typically every 60,000-100,000 miles or 4-5 years (refer to manual for coolant type and interval)
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Replacement:
        
        
            Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles, or as per manual recommendation
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
        
        
            Typically 60,000-100,000 miles (or as per severe service schedule, consult manual)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
        
        
            Typically 60,000-100,000 miles (consult manual)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            Approximately 4.6 US quarts (4.4 liters) with filter for 2.4L engine (verify in manual)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Viscosity Recommendation:
        
        
            0W-20 (API SN or higher) is commonly recommended for this generation (verify in manual)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Orange) or equivalent HOAT coolant (confirm in manual)
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid Type:
        
        
            Power Steering Fluid (specific type specified in manual, often Dexron III or equivalent)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Issues:
        
        
            Potential for oil consumption in some high-mileage engines, occasional ignition coil failures.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Issues:
        
        
            Some reports of rough shifting or hesitations in automatic transmissions, potential for torque converter issues in high mileage vehicles.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Steering Issues:
        
        
            Worn ball joints or tie rod ends, potential for steering rack leaks over time.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Issues:
        
        
            Sporadic issues with power window regulators, HVAC blower motor failures, or infotainment system glitches.
        
     
    
        
            Body Chassis Issues:
        
        
            Corrosion on subframes or suspension components in rust-belt areas.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Kia Founding:
        
        
            Founded in 1944 as a manufacturer of bicycle parts, expanding into motorcycles and commercial vehicles.
        
     
    
        
            Kia Global Expansion:
        
        
            Kia became a significant player in the global automotive market through strategic partnerships and its focus on design and value.
        
     
    
    
        
            Sportage First Generation:
        
        
            Introduced in 1993, based on a shortened Mazda Bongo platform.
        
     
    
        
            Sportage Second Generation:
        
        
            Introduced in 2004, shared platform with Hyundai Tucson.
        
     
    
        
            Sportage Third Generation Sl:
        
        
            Launched for the 2011 model year, designed by Peter Schreyer, marking a significant departure in styling and platform (shared with Hyundai ix35/Tucson).
        
     
    
        
            Sportage Sl Design Influence:
        
        
            The SL generation's 'tiger nose' grille and dynamic styling significantly elevated Kia's brand image.
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Locations:
        
        
            South Korea (Kia's primary manufacturing base), potentially other global locations depending on market