Target Audience:
Value-conscious consumers seeking a versatile, compact utility vehicle
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra
Seating Capacity:
5 passengers
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, basic maintenance
Drivetrain:
4WD operation (if equipped)
Chassis:
Brake system operation, suspension basics
Electrical:
Lighting, wipers, horn, basic warning indicators
Body And Interior:
Door locks, windows, seating, climate control operation
Infotainment:
Radio, CD player operation
Dashboard Controls:
Identification and function of all controls and indicators
Fluid Checks:
Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid levels
Tire Maintenance:
Tire pressure checking, recommended pressures
Jump Starting:
Procedure for jump starting a dead battery
Changing A Tire:
Procedure for replacing a flat tire
Fuse Replacement:
Location and replacement of common fuses
Wiper Blade Replacement:
Instructions for wiper blade replacement
Lighting Operation:
Headlights, taillights, turn signals
Towing Guidelines:
Maximum towing capacities, trailer brake controller considerations
Depth:
Consumer-level operations and basic maintenance
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Limited to interpreting warning lights and basic troubleshooting steps
Repair Instructions:
Not comprehensive; focuses on user-serviceable items
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
82.0 mm x 93.5 mm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Horsepower:
139 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
133 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (R+M)/2
G4Gc Engine:
Available in some markets (2.0L CVVT)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1975 cc)
Horsepower:
140 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
135 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Length:
170.1 inches (4320 mm)
Width:
70.5 inches (1790 mm)
Height:
66.7 inches (1695 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.5 inches (2630 mm)
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches (200 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 96.7 cu ft (2738 L)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 27.5 cu ft (779 L)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 66.5 cu ft (1883 L)
Curb Weight FWD Manual:
Approx. 3,267 lbs (1482 kg)
Curb Weight AWD Auto:
Approx. 3,505 lbs (1590 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4,740 lbs (2150 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Max 1,500 lbs (680 kg) with accessory tow package
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5 Stars (2006 model year data)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5 Stars (2006 model year data)
NHTSA Side Driver:
5 Stars (2006 model year data)
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:
5 Stars (2006 model year data)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (2006 model year data)
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel disc brakes)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution Ebdf:
Standard
Traction Control:
Optional (on AWD models)
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced roof structure, active stability control (ASC) on some models
Audio System:
AM/FM Stereo with CD Player (6-disc changer optional)
Speakers:
4 or 6 speakers depending on trim level
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard, may be an aftermarket addition or dealer-installed option.
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning and heating
Windows:
Power windows and door locks on higher trims, manual on base models.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (Iridium type)
Coolant Flush And Replace:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (Severe service may require sooner)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check manual for climate variations)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based (Asian Red/Pink type recommended)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Refer to manual, typically ATF Dexron III or equivalent
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent
Common Problems:
Front suspension bushings wear, occasional ABS sensor issues, rear differential whine (AWD models), potential for oil leaks from valve cover gasket.
Interior Wear:
Wear on driver's seat bolster and steering wheel material over time.
Exhaust System:
Corrosion on exhaust components due to age and environment.
Manufacturer:
Kia Motors Corporation
Generation:
First Generation (KM)
Introduction Year:
1997 (original platform, derived from Mazda Bongo/Ford Econovan)
Significant Updates For 2006:
Minor styling refresh, interior enhancements, improved safety features
Production Years For Gen 1:
1997-2006
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea, Slovakia (for European market)
Previous Model Performance:
Kia Sportage (first generation) was generally considered a budget-friendly and practical option, though not a segment leader in refinement or performance compared to some Japanese competitors.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Mixed to average for this generation; specific reliability ratings for 2006 would need to be checked from historical data.