Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops
Competitors 2006:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Hyundai Tucson
Vehicle Highlights:
Robust body-on-frame construction (for this generation), available AWD, versatile interior
Benefit:
Empowers owners and technicians with the knowledge to perform accurate diagnosis and repair, saving time and money.
Powertrain:
Engine (2.7L V6 DOHC), Transmission (Automatic/Manual), Drivetrain (AWD/2WD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering System, Braking System, Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
ECU, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Audio System, Antitheft System
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Glass, Seats, HVAC System
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Air Filter Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, OBD-II codes interpretation, component testing procedures
Repair:
Engine repair (head gasket, timing belt/chain), transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Overhaul:
Engine rebuild, transmission rebuild (if applicable and detailed)
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance, detailed diagnostics, component-level repair, and complete overhaul procedures.
Engine Type:
V6, 24-valve, DOHC
Displacement:
2656 cc (2.7 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
86.7 mm x 75.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.4:1 (Typical)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless Ignition System - DIS)
Horsepower:
175 hp @ 6000 rpm (Approximate)
Torque:
245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (Approximate)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Oil Type:
API SM, SAE 5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze (Pre-diluted, Long-life type)
Timing Belt Or Chain:
Timing Belt (requires periodic replacement)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (Standard on some trims)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Optional)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled with overdrive
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia ATF SP-III or equivalent
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 3.3 Liters (3.5 Quarts) for drain and fill
Manual Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with electronically controlled coupling
Length:
4340 mm (170.9 inches)
Width:
1795 mm (70.7 inches)
Height:
1730 mm (68.1 inches)
Wheelbase:
2630 mm (103.5 inches)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 190 mm (7.5 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1600 - 1750 kg (3527 - 3858 lbs) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 2200 kg (4850 lbs)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 664 Liters (23.4 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approx. 1886 Liters (66.6 cu ft)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
4 Stars (Driver), 5 Stars (Passenger) - *May vary slightly by specific model year/testing agency*
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good - *May vary slightly by specific model year/testing agency*
ABS:
Standard on all trims
Electronic Brake Force Distribution:
EBD (Typically included with ABS)
Traction Control:
TCS (Optional or standard on higher trims/AWD models)
Airbags:
Front Airbags (Driver & Passenger), Optional Side Airbags, Optional Curtain Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional SiriusXM satellite radio and amplifier.
Speaker Configuration:
Standard 4-speaker or optional 6-speaker system.
User Interface:
Basic button-based controls, manual climate control.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Standard
Anti Theft System:
Immobilizer and alarm system.
Auxiliary Input:
Optional AUX input for external audio devices (check specific trim).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Refer to manual for severe conditions.
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (depending on driving environment)
Engine Coolant Flush:
First at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles thereafter.
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 60,000 miles or if fluid appears discolored or contaminated.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (Long-life Platinum or Iridium plugs)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: Typically 90,000 - 105,000 miles. Failure can cause severe engine damage (interference engine).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF SP-III or specific Kia power steering fluid
Transfer Case Fluid AWD:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Rear Differential Fluid AWD:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Common Wear Item 1:
Timing Belt Tensioner and Idler Pulleys (prone to wear, important with belt replacement)
Common Wear Item 2:
ABS Wheel Speed Sensors (can fail, leading to ABS light illumination)
Common Wear Item 3:
CV Axle Boots (can tear, leading to joint damage)
Potential Issue 1:
ECM (Engine Control Module) failures have been reported in some instances.
Potential Issue 2:
Rear Differential seals (especially on AWD models) can sometimes leak.
Kia Founding:
Founded in 1944, originally as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts.
Kia Automotive Entry:
Began producing vehicles in the 1970s, initially under license.
Sportage First Generation:
Introduced in 1993, based on a Mazda Bongo platform, often described as a true off-roader.
Sportage Second Generation Km:
Launched in 2004 for the 2005 model year, transitioning to a unibody construction shared with the Hyundai Tucson. This generation marked a significant shift towards a more car-like crossover.
Production Location Km:
South Korea, and also assembled in various plants globally depending on market (e.g., Slovakia, Russia).
Generation Production Years:
2004-2010
Safety Award Potential:
Likely received 'Good' ratings in IIHS small overlap frontal crash tests for its era (though this specific test may not have been widely applied to 2006 models).
Consumer Reports Reliability Trend:
Reliability varied by year and specific components. The 2.7L V6 engine is generally robust, but timing belt maintenance is critical.